With his level of intelligence, professional expertise, wealth of experience in media handlings, a Chief Press Secretary Per Excellence, there is no doubt that should Terver Akase emerge the next governor of Benue State, the fortunes of the state will change for good as he will build on the successes of his principal, governor Ortom to bring socio-economic development to the state.
With his endorsement recently by Governor Samuel Ortom as his likely successor come 2023, there are strong indications that the governor may have seen the huge potentials in his Chief Press Secretary as the perfect candidate among the numerous contestants to continue from the achievements his administration has recorded so far.
Akase’s excellent performance, commitment to duty and display of professionalism in the discharge of his assignment since 2016 when he was appointed as the governor’s spokesperson may have earned him this golden space in the heart of his principal to anoint his as successor.
He proved his worth when he first worked as Senior Special Assistant to the governor on media where he got the governor’s confidence to handle his media affairs in the capacity of a Chief Press Secretary.
If Akase had failed to display a high level of professional expertise and intelligence, no principal would have wanted to associate will a potential failure, but in his case, he is proudly and publicly showcased by the governor as a possible occupant of the Benue People’s House, which indicates that the governor has seen his capability to handle the affairs of the state.
Before he got his initial appointment to work with the governor as SSA on Media, Akase had worked as Principal Editor at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Headquarters, Abuja from 2014-2015.
He was FRCN Correspondent in Rivers State between 2008 and 2013, during which period he rose to become the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers State and later became the Federal Radio Corporation’s Senior Editor in Enugu before his transfer to Abuja in Januray 2014.
While in Port Harcourt, Akase received several professional merit awards which included Rotary Club of Enugu’s award as Reporter of the Year in South East/South South 2008. He is also a winner of the maiden edition of Benue Celebrity Awards 2016 as Media Icon. National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS in September 2020 presented the award of excellence to Mr Akase for his support to students and youths in general, irrespective of where they come from.
Akase is a member of many professional bodies among which is the global network of professional journalists called Investigative Reporters and Editors, IRE.
Born on April 2, 1977 into the family of Mr and Mrs Pius Akase Ikpor of Agbeede, Gaav in Konshisha local government area of Benue State, Terver Akase attended St. Patrick’s Primary School Igbo, Agbeede and later proceeded to Government Secondary School Korinya both in Konshisha before completing his secondary education at Mbawuar Secondary School Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State. Akase enrolled into the College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi before gaining admission into Benue State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication in 2004 with a 2nd Class Upper grade. He has a Master of Science Degree in same Mass Communication and has completed his dissertation for a 2nd Masters Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies.
With his profile above, should Akase’s wish to rule the people of Benue State come through, he would not only make his colleagues in the pen profession proud but also make history in Benue State to be the first to rise from the position of a Chief Press Secretary to become a sitting governor.
It is expected that having worked closely to the seat of power in the state, Akase will be fully equipped with the challenges of the people and when given the chance, he will fix the state and bring it back to its glory.
