Samuel Ortom

Early Life and Background

Samuel Ioraer Ortom was born on April 23, 1961, in Tse Ortom, Nzorov, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He hails from a humble background, the son of Pa Ortom Igyungu and Mama Gandi Ortom. His early life was characterized by significant financial challenges that shaped his resilience and determination. Due to the inability of his parents to pay his school fees, Ortom was compelled to drop out of secondary school in 1979 while attending Gboloko Commercial College, Ota, Ogun State. This early setback, however, did not deter his ambition. Instead, it fueled his drive to succeed through various entrepreneurial ventures and self-improvement efforts. Before his foray into formal education, he had already obtained his First School Leaving Certificate from St. John's Primary School, Gboko, in 1974. His experiences as a bus conductor and commercial vehicle driver during his youth provided him with a deep understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, which would later influence his political philosophy.

Education

Despite dropping out of secondary school, Samuel Ortom remained committed to acquiring knowledge. He pursued his education through alternative means, demonstrating remarkable perseverance. He obtained a Diploma in Salesmanship from the National School of Salesmanship, Manchester, United Kingdom, in 1982. Recognizing the importance of formal qualifications for career advancement, he later enrolled at the Benue State University, Makurdi, where he earned an Advanced Diploma in Personnel Management in 1993. He continued his academic pursuits at the same institution, successfully completing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in 2004. In 2012, Ortom was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science from the Commonwealth University, Belize. His educational journey, marked by self-sponsorship and a determination to overcome early disadvantages, stands as a testament to his dedication to personal growth and development.

Career

Samuel Ortom's career trajectory is diverse, spanning the private sector, civil service, and a distinguished political career. He began his professional life in various capacities, including working as a sales executive for businesses such as Gyado Foods and eventually establishing his own transport and printing businesses. His entry into public service began at the local government level. He served as the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area from 1991 to 1993, where he gained initial experience in governance and public administration. Following this, he held significant positions within the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), serving as the Benue State Chapter Secretary. His political career gained significant momentum within the People's Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as State Treasurer, State Secretary, and later as National Auditor. These roles provided him with extensive experience in party administration and national political dynamics.

His federal appointment came in July 2011 when President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment. In this capacity, he contributed to policy formulation and implementation aimed at stimulating industrial growth and attracting investments into Nigeria. He served in this ministerial role until October 2014, when he resigned to pursue his ambition of becoming the Governor of Benue State. After failing to secure the PDP governorship ticket in 2014, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and successfully contested the 2015 gubernatorial election. He was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Benue State on May 29, 2015. In 2018, he returned to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and was re-elected for a second term as Governor in March 2019, serving until May 29, 2023.

Major Achievements

During his two terms as Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom's administration focused on several key areas, with security and rural development being paramount. His most defining achievement is the conceptualization and successful enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State in 2017. This landmark legislation was designed to address the persistent and often violent farmer-herder clashes that had plagued Benue State for decades, leading to significant loss of life and displacement. The law, which criminalized open grazing and promoted ranching as the modern method of animal husbandry, made Benue State a pioneer in this legislative approach within Nigeria. Although controversial and met with resistance in some quarters, it significantly shaped the discourse on land use and security across the country.

Beyond security, his administration made efforts in other sectors. He initiated various infrastructure projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, aiming to enhance connectivity and facilitate agricultural produce evacuation. The administration also focused on improving healthcare delivery, with notable efforts in upgrading primary healthcare centers and supporting the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. In education, there were initiatives to improve school infrastructure and teacher welfare. Despite financial challenges, his government made efforts to address the issue of salary arrears for civil servants and pensioners, a persistent problem in many Nigerian states.

Personal Life

Samuel Ortom is a devout Christian and is married to Mrs. Eunice Erdoo Ortom. Their marriage, solemnized in 1986, has been blessed with several children and grandchildren. Mrs. Ortom, as the First Lady of Benue State, actively supported her husband's administration through various social welfare programs, particularly those focused on women and children. Ortom is known for his strong faith, which he often references in his public speeches and personal conduct. He is also a patron of several community development initiatives and a strong advocate for peace and justice, principles he attributes to his upbringing and religious beliefs.

Legacy

Samuel Ortom's legacy is primarily defined by his courageous and unwavering stance on the farmer-herder crisis in Benue State. The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law stands as a testament to his resolve to protect his people and their ancestral lands. This law, though contentious, has been seen by many as a necessary step towards sustainable peace and agricultural development in the region, influencing similar legislative considerations in other Nigerian states. He is remembered as a governor who prioritized the security and welfare of his constituents, often at personal and political risk. His political journey, characterized by strategic defections, also highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of Nigerian politics. While his administration faced challenges, particularly concerning finances and ongoing security issues, Ortom will be remembered as a vocal champion for his people, whose policies sparked a national conversation on land rights, food security, and modern agricultural practices. His tenure marked a period of intense focus on the identity and protection of the Benue people, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the state's political history.