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He parades an enviable and uncommon credential, firsts amongst equals. He is a distinguished and seasoned technocrat, an accomplished journalist, sports enthusiast, a mentor per excellence, philanthropist of no mean repute and a thorough-breed family man.
Amongst the political class in Benue State today, when John Hingah Biem sneezes, politicians catch cold. This grassroots mobiliser, who spends his weekends in his village, Tse Agenor in Mbaapen, Gwer Local Government, has a firm knowledge of how to take the state to greater heights. Many agree Governor Gabriel Suswan has indeed done a lot for the state in all the sectors. They however argue that someone with adequate knowledge of the states’ teething challenges must succeed him to guarantee sustainable development for Benue people.
This is where Biem holds sway. Many assert that he will effortlessly sustain the tempo of development in the state with awesome experience and dexterity. As someone who has dedicated most of his life to the service of humanity, Biem remains invaluable Benue’s quest for sustained good governance. As his kinsmen, Tiv, would put it, “ka mtile u ivo I te I er” (a good product sells itself).
Who actually is John Hingah Biem? Born on August 10 1958 at Taraku, Gwer Local Government Area of the state, he attended Saint Patrick’s Primary School, Taraku (1964-1971). He was later to enroll at Mount Saint Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade in 1972, and then gained his West African School Certificate in 1976. In 1977, Biem attended the School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo, Benue State and passed the IJMBE in 1978. Following this, he gained admission into the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in the same year to study English Literature. At the age of 23, he graduated with flying colours with a Bachelor of Arts.
Biem’s professional calling started as an Information Officer in the then Benue State Ministry of Information and Culture, in 1982. In the same year, he moved to the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation with the portfolio of a features writer and was elevated to the position of Editor of the “Sunday Voice.”
Between 1988 and 1991, he became the Vice Chairman, Editorial Board of the Voice Newspapers, during which period, he enrolled at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos where he bagged a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism. He later became Editor and Chairman Editorial Board of the Voice Newspapers, a position he held until February, 1992 when he assumed the position of Director General, Bureau of Information, Benue State, where he meritoriously served till April 1997.
Other positions Biem has held include, Director of Personnel, Government House Makurdi, (1997); Director of Personnel, Ministry of Land and Survey; and Sole Administrator, Ohimini Local Government ,which mid-wived the transition to civilian rule in 1999 to the civilian chairman. Others are Director, Finance and Administration, Ministry of Finance; Director, Office of Head of Service (2000); Director of Projects; Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Welfare (2006); Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Internal Affairs and Special Service; amongst many others. In all, he served the state meritorious for 32years of his life.
A lover of education and knowledge, Biem later enrolled at the Benue State University, Makurdi where he earned Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Science, Public Administration respectively. Not done, he is currently a Ph.D student in the Department of Political Science of the same university.
This son of a soya bean farmer has crisscrossed the length and breadth of the state and is determined to turn around its fortunes in the agricultural sector, generate income and contribute immensely to the improved welfare of the state. Indeed the success of past and present administrations in Benue State cannot be written without the mention of Biem’s pivotal role. As his political camp continues to experience rapid growth in all parts of the state, Biem has remained detribalised, insisting that politics should not be a do-or-die affair.
After meeting several opinion leaders and reading the political tempo of the state, I dare say emphatically that Benue deserves an experienced leader and manager of the 4M’s (man, machine, material, money) to help accelerate the level of governance in the state and make Governor Gabriel Suswan’s performance a child’s play. Biem’s overwhelming capacity and integrity has made contestants for the office of governor see him as their main contender and man to beat. He has the capacity to deliver on promises made as he makes himself available for service. The choice of Biem as governor is a vote for a more prosperous, just and egalitarian Benue State.
–– Kor, a sociopolitical commentator, is CEO of Babsco Group
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