“Benue has Lost a Man of Peace” Gov Alia says as BIPC GMD Buries Father, Pa James Asemakaha Ator

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The remains of Pa James Asemakaha Antor, father of the Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, were on Saturday laid to rest at his country home, Tse-Antor Alutso, Mbaduku in Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

The solemn occasion drew dignitaries from across the state, including Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Deborah Serumun Amber.

Speaking at the funeral, Governor Alia praised the late Pa Asemakaha as a peace-loving man who lived a life of service to his people.

He highlighted the pivotal roles Pa Asemakaha played in raising children who are contributing significantly to society, particularly his son, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, who he commended for aligning with and driving the administration’s industrial agenda.

The governor also announced a commitment to initiate a community project in honour of the late Pa Asemakaha and prayed for God’s comfort upon the bereaved family.

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, represented by wife Mrs. Cynthia Dajoh, commended Pa Asemakaha for using his personal resources to develop his community, including drilling a borehole and selling his vehicle to purchase a transformer for the community.

Also paying glowing tributes were the Tor Jechira, His Royal Highness Engr. Chief Edward Ujege, and His Royal Highness Nyiyongo Achiaku Ter Kunav. They lauded the selfless contributions of the late patriarch and called on Dr. Raymond to sustain his father’s legacy.

Funeral orations from the Departmental Head of Business Development and Strategy at BIPC, Theresa Abeda; President of KUDA, Ngigban Tor Yaji; and others emphasized Pa Asemakaha’s generous spirit and lasting impact on his community.

In his remarks, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha expressed deep gratitude to the government, friends, associates, and people of the state for the outpouring of love and support during his family’s time of grief.

The burial was attended by people from all walks of life, reflecting the wide-reaching impact and goodwill of the late Pa Asemakaha.