By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Dec. 13, 2025
The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, CFR, has conferred the prestigious Tiv traditional title of ZEGEIGBAU-TIV (Great Maternal Kin of the Tiv Nation) on Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente.
The conferment took place on Friday at the Tor Tiv’s palace in Gboko, Benue State, amid rich cultural displays and royal pageantry, attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers and prominent Nigerians.
Chief Kente’s wife was also honoured with the title Icivir-I-Zege Igba-U-Tiv (Honour of the Great Maternal Kin of the Tiv Nation).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Tor Tiv described Chief Kente as a man of integrity, compassion and uncommon dedication to humanity, whose philanthropic interventions and commitment to community development have earned him admiration across the country. He urged him to sustain his support for the less privileged and prayed for divine reward upon his life and endeavours.
Guests at the event commended Chief Kente’s humility, vision and consistent service to society, describing him as a worthy ambassador of purposeful leadership and social impact.
Although a politician, business leader and philanthropist who has received several honours in the past, this particular title stood out due to the calibre of co-recipients, which included the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; top Service Chiefs; the APC National Chairman; and current and former governors of Benue State.
Observers further noted that Chief Kente is among the few recipients who are neither indigenes of Benue State nor holders of political office, underscoring that the honour was conferred purely on merit, character and contribution to society.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Chief Kente expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both humbling and motivating.
“This honour is a call to do more. If my little efforts have been recognised in this way, then I am encouraged to deepen my commitment to impacting lives, especially the less privileged,” he said.
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