By Nahun Sule Jalingo
In a historic ceremony today at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente was officially conferred with the prestigious title of ZEGEIGBAU-TIV (Great Maternal Kin of Tiv Nation) by the Tor Tiv HRM Professor James Ayatse CFR . The event was marked by grandeur and tradition, reflecting the high esteem in which he is held by the Tiv people.
Chief Kente’s dear wife who accompanied to the ceremony was also conferred with the title of Icivir-I-Zege Igba-U-Tiv (Honour of the Great Maternal Kin of the Tiv Nation). His entourage arrived at the palace earlier in the day, joining dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers to witness this momentous occasion.
The conferment ceremony celebrated not only Chief Kente’s achievements and service to the Tiv nation but also his outstanding character, integrity, philanthropic exploits across the country and commitment to community development.
Tor Tiv, in addressing the gathering, hailed Chief Kente as a distinguished leader whose dedication and personal excellence have brought pride to the Tiv people. Guests and attendees praised his humility, vision, and unwavering service, recognizing him as a model of leadership and societal contribution.
The conferment of the ZEGEIGBAU-TIV title stands as a testament to Chief David Sabo Kente’s enduring legacy and his vital role in advancing the welfare and unity of the Tiv nation.
As a politician, Business icon and philanthropist, Kente is not a stranger to Chieftaincy titles and Honors. However, this honour stands out, due largely to the calibre of his co-recipients, ranging from the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, some of the top Service Chiefs, the Present and some former Governors of Benue State, some illustrious sons and daughters of the State and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
Chief Kente is also among the very few recipients who are not from Benue State and is not holding any political office, drawing to the fact that he was not chosen out of consideration for any office but purely with regards for who he is and what he represents.
Speaking to Journalists on Phone, Kente said that he was humbled by the great honour and is happy that his little efforts have been noticed and appreciated. He pledged to continue to do more to impact lives.
“You can see the nature of the recipients who are here. These are men of timber and Caliber, as is fondly said. And so it is humbling to be in this pool. I am excited but also humbled. One thing you can take for free is that, for me, this is a call for me to do even more to impact lives. If my little efforts have been recognised and rewarded this way, I am woken up to do even more and I will do that relentlessly” he said
