Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer

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Birth

Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer  was born on the 20th day of November, 1944 in Mbahilav sub-kindred of Mbayegh district in Ushongo local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. His father, Iyortyer kur was a notable farmer and a community leader, and Veronica Nakombo Iyortyer was his mother. Like her husband, Nakombo was a woman leader of her time, the two parents are all late now.

Early Childhood

At about the age of six (6) years, young Pinne was handed over to Mrs. Nguzungwen Nambe, Mr. Iyortyer's elder sister for upbringing and preparation for schooling .This intention was not realized for economic reasons. Young Pinne was brought back home and  again given out to Apeaure Mede Agange who was married to Anande Amende of Nanev now in kwande local government.

Mr. Ageebee Anande Amende migrated to Zaki Biam with his family in 1953 carrying  Pinne Iyortyer along with a promise to put him in school. Again this promise was not fulfilled worried by his failure Gbeingyor Kur (Wan Akambe) the mother of Iyortyer decided to go to Zaki-Biam personally to bring back Pinne towards the end of 1954, on return with the child the stage was then set for his early education.

Early Education

In 1955, Iyortyer Kur the father who had embraced western education decided to send Pinne to school. He was then enrolled at Saint Ann catholic Primary School, Adikpo in infant one (1). It was not long before the intellectual gifts of Pinne came to light. His teachers at that time namely Orvesen Dogonyaro Dobi and Boniface Yua Gaserah all of whom are now late acknowledged Pinne's potentials and encouraged him.

Despite his mother’s death in November, 1957, Pinne continued his education at Saint Ann’s. Due to financial constraints, young Pinne was given out to the then headmaster of Saint Ann’s, Mr. George Ambrose Nnabueyi Udemadu for upbringing and sponsorship. When it was time for Pinne to be baptized as was the practice at that time, on the 15th of august 1958, Pinne was baptized with Mr udemadu as his Godfather. For love of Pinne, Udemadu also gave him the name Ambrose. In 1962, Ambose Pinne Iyortyer passed out having obtained his first school leaving certificate with distinctions. The stage was set for the final pursuit of further education.

College Education

Before passing out at the primary school level, Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer sat and passed all entrance examinations and was accordingly offered admission into Government College, Keffi, Mount Saint Micheals, Aliade, Government College, Katsina-Ala, and Saint Augustine’s, Lafia. He was however counseled by Rev Fr Maulady to take the offer at Saint Augustine’s, Lafia.

In 1967, Ambrose Pinne passed out from Saint Augustine’s, Lafia having obtained teacher's grade II certificate with distinctions, credits and merits in most subjects. It was then time to start a teaching career with the Tiv native authority.

Employment by Tiv Native Authority

In January 1968, the Tiv native authority offered Ambrose Pinne an appointment as a classroom teacher and was posted to RCM school Zegekwen in Ute now in Vandeikya local government. After one year in Zegekwen, he was transferred to RCM School Ugye Mbagbera also in vandeikya local government.

The split of Tiv native authority in1970 led to the deployment of Ambrose Pinne to St Joseph's School Mape Shangev-ya then under Katsina-Ala local government. After barely a year he was again posted to RCM School Iyon also in Shangev-ya as a headmaster. The Iyon community had hardly settled after a bitter conflict with Ugee community of Obudu local government in Cross River state. The posting was therefore a challenge to the young headmaster.

As a headmaster, Ambrose provided academic leadership as well as community leadership. He mobilized the community for self help and reconstruction. He established contact with his counterpart in Ugee, Mr. Ukuono (also a headmaster) and introduced peace initiatives that led to the opening of Obudu market to Iyon people. Similarly, Obudu market became open to Iyon and the entire Shangev-ya people.

The Katsina-ala local government council also followed up with peace initiative and several meetings were held between the Katsina-ala and the Obudu councils. Mr. Augustine A. Mnenga, the then councilor must be remembered for his eloquence and drive. It is worthy to note that the young headmaster supported and facilitated these meetings on the school premises and permanent peace was eventually restored between 1968 and 1970. Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer entered into private studies with the Rapid Result college, London and obtained his ordinary and advanced level papers which qualified him for admission into any university.

In 1973 however, it was time for young Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer to proceed to Zaria for further studies at Ahmadu Bello University. Because of the positive impact the young headmaster had made on the Iyon community, a grand sendforth was organized in his honor. Elders like Deda Ajiogo, Imborivungu Ajaver Agure, Ipevnor, Ijaba, Agor, and Kuyol eulogized and prayed for Ambrose Iyortyer.

Pursuit of Higher Education

By June 1973, the young headmaster having been granted study leave without pay by katsina-ala local government education authority proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University where he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor's degree in Education (B.Ed) on his return to Benue State a new state just created, Ambrose was posted to Alloma teachers college Idah as Vice Principal.

In fact between June 1976 and October 1984 Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer held various positions in various places as shown below:

Vice Principal, Government Teachers College, Alloma -    June 1976 - July 1977

Vice Principal Govt Teachers College, Vandeikya       -     August 1977 - February 1978

Principal GSS, Abejukolo, Ankpa               -    February 1978 - September 1980

Inspector, Ministry of Education, Makurdi  -    September 1979 - March 1980

Zonal Inspector of Education, Gboko                         -    April 1980 - November 1980

Principal, GovernmentTeachers College, Lessel             -     December 1980 - September 1981

Chairman, Ushongo Local Government Council            -     October 1981 - September 1982

Permanent Member Teaching Service Commission, Makurdi - October 1982 - October 1984

It is worthy of note that in each of the positions held, Ambrose made a very positive impact and this was acknowledged and is being acknowledged. For instance in Government Teachers College, Vandeikya, Ambrose was faced with the challenge of Gakem aggression against Mbakaange and Ningev Disticts. God on his side, Iyortyer along with others like John Adikpo who was then the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Vandeikya, Tyoor Injor Akula, District Head of Ningev, Mr. Nyaregh Mela and a host of others jointly acted to stop the advance of Gakem people. Peace efforts that followed were equally supported by Iyortyer and peace was restored and Agidi market was again opened to our people.

As Principal of GTC, Lessel, Iyortyer was able to pacify the host community that rose against the location of the school on their soil without compensation. Settlement was eventually reached through his efforts and the school stabilized under his stewardship.

Appointment as Chairman, Ushongo Local Government

The Aper Aku administration had created more Local Government Areas and Ushongo Local Government was one of them. Mbagwa and Mata people were in serious disagreement over choice of the Headquarter. While Mbagwa insisted on Lessel, Mata opted for Ushongo town. This was almost tearing the Local Government apart.

Apart from that, there were administrative challenges and even land disputes like the Utange Vs. Mbagen in Gboko local Government. The situation needed someone who was disciplined and with strong will power to head the new Local Government. Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer was considered the best choice and was accordingly appointed caretaker chairman. Mr Fassam Chubu’s wise counseling on the choice of Ambrose V must be acknowledged

As Chairman, Honourable Ambrose P. Iyortyer discharged his duties creditably carrying along his council at every stage. The state government was impressed and Hon. Ambrose was also elected chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State Chapter. He was popularly called “Chairman of Chairmen”. This was recognition by his colleagues. It must be acknowledged that peace reigned in the Local Government under his one year tenure.

Appointment As Member Teaching Service Commission (TSC)

In the teaching service commission, Iyortyer was placed in charge of Primary Education. At that time, primary school teachers were agitated and he had to negotiate and ensure peace and harmony. In the Commission too, Iyortyer proved his worth to the admiration of all.

Transfer to Civil Service Commission

The Aper Aku regime was toppled in 1983 by the military and Atom Kpera was installed as the military Governor of Benue State. For the likes of Iyortyer, who worked very closely with Aper Aku, the red signals were clear and he had to seek transfer to the Federal Civil Service. This came after a prolonged struggle on 14th November, 1984. Between November 1984 and 1997, Iyortyer was promoted and worked in various capacities and places:

Education Officer III,  1986

Education Officer II, 1990

Deputy Director of Education, 1995

Director of Education, 1997

Also within the period in question, he worked in the following places:

Accreditation and Evaluation Unit of Federal Ministry of Education, Lagos

Centre for Education Measurement (CEM), Kaduna

National Board for Education Measurement (NBEM,) Kaduna and Minna

National Examination Council (NECO), Minna as Director planning, Research & Statistics (PRS) having undergone studies in curriculum studies at ABU, Zaria.

In all these positions held, Iyortyer developed rich inventory. He assisted Tiv sons and daughters to join the Federal Service even when he was at risk. This was and is widely acknowledged.

Conferment Of Honorific Chieftaincy Title

Perhaps impressed by the rich inventory and active participation in issues affecting the Tiv nation, some notable members of the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) nominated and recommended Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer to HRH Orchivirigh Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula Tor Tiv IV for a chieftaincy title. This came in 1994 and Iyortyer was then conferred with the honorific title of “Nomhwange U Tiv” meaning “A Pillar in Tiv Land” at Gboko in a very colourful ceremony. From that time he also became a member of the Tiv Area Traditional Council and Tor Tiv’s Advisory Council.

Retirement From Civil Service

In the year 2002, Chief Ambrose Pinne  reached the mandatory retirement age having put in 35 years of service. He accordingly retired and returned home to a warm embrace of his people.

Appointment As Ter Ushongo

On his return home after retirement in 2002, Chief Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer decided to contest for the vacant stool of Ter Ushongo which was occasioned by the death of HRH Dominic N. Jogo the first Ter Ushongo. It pleased God and the generality of Ushongo people and on 17th March 2002, the kingmakers in unanimity selected him as Ter Ushongo in Lessel and was subsequently confirmed by the Tiv Area Traditional Council in Gboko and the State Government.

Assumption Of Office As Ter Ushongo And Peace Efforts

On assumption of office in 2002, HRH Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer was faced with many challenges. Apart from the challenges of the new office, Ushongo was engulfed in several land disputes, some intra and some inter Local Government. Realizing that there can be no meaningful development  without peace, Ter Ushongo, his council and Ushongo Local Government Council rose to the challenge and the following disputes were successfully tackled:

Mbaagir/Mbaaka Vs. Ipav of Gboko Local Government

Mbakuha Vs. Mbator of Konshisha Local Government

Mbagwaza Vs. Tsambe of Vandeikya Local Government

Maav Vs. Mbaiwen of Kwande Local Government

Mbaagor Vs. Mbatsenger all of Ushongo Local Government

Mbakuha Vs. Mbaaka all of Ushongo Local Government

Ugee Vs. Mbagen of Buruku Local Government

Utange Vs. Mbagwaza all of Ushongo Local Government

Mbajen Vs. Mbakoom of Mbayegh District of Ushongo Local Government

The list was endless but to God be the glory, Ushongo is today enjoying relative peace. It is to be noted that, the Mbaagir/Mbaaka Vs. Ipav land dispute was protracted and the state Government also set up a committee in which Ter Ushongo played an active role. His honest views and resoluteness enabled the committee headed by Rev. Fr Utoo with Andiir Gur a retired Assistant Inspector General (A.I.G) of Police as his deputy to bury late Aikor Modi who remained in the mortuary at General Hospital, Gboko for seven years because of the land dispute, Ushongo Local Government Council also shares this credit.

The Mbajen V.s Mbakoon land dispute equally posed a great challenge as several people lost their lives. However with active participation in peace initiatives by Local and State Government, Ter Ushongo and his Council, relative peace has prevailed in Mbaibon kindred of Mbayegh District. In all peace efforts, the contribution of Ter Ushongo were in most cases part of the final decisions for the resolution of these disputes. For this he is generally admired and applauded.

Appointment As Chairman Of A Tiv Area Traditional Council Committee (TATC) On Chieftaincy Disputes In Tiv Land

In recognition of the track record of Ter Ushongo as a public servant/traditional ruler and effective handing of disputes in his domain coupled with his objective views on issues that come before the TATC, the Tor Tiv decided to appoint Ter Ushongo to head the committee on chieftaincy Disputes. These disputes have increased in recent times. Also Ter Ushongo has been appointed a member of the Sultan’s Committee on Tiv Farmers/Fulani Cattle rearers relationship which has held several meetings within and outside Benue State in an effort to restore that friendly relationship between the two tribes which had been eroded.

These appointments no doubt have come as a recognition of the sterling qualities of HRH A.P Iyortyer and his dynamic and purposeful leadership as a traditional ruler.

Participation In Workshop

Since becoming Ter Ushongo in 2002, HRH A.P Iyortyer has taken part in the following Workshops/Seminars:

1. Peace Building and Conflict Management
2. Formal Justice System, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Traditional African Dispute Resolution (TADR)
3. Mediation and Arbitration by Traditional Rulers
4. Role of Traditional Rulers in Stemming HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Benue State
5. Poverty Reduction and Safe Motherhood in Nigeria.
6. Royal Summit on HIV/AIDS
7. FIRST ALL NIGERIA MONARCH Summit Abuja for National Development
8. Conflict Management, peace Building and Disaster Management among others.

In all these workshops, Ter Ushongo did not only attend but participated actively and has tried to put what he learnt into practice hence the difference he has created within this short period.

Elevation To First-Class Chief (Tor Kwande I)

On the 29th of November, 2016 the panel constituted by the State Government visited Ushongo, headquarters of Kwande Intermediate Area . The panel conducted the selection with Kingmakers of Kwande Intermediate Area who voted him unanimously therefore making him Tor Kwande I and also Chairman Kwande Intermediate Area Traditional Council (KIATC), by this selection and confirmation he became a member of Benue State Council of Chiefs.

Kwande Intermediate Area is made up of two Local Governments namely Kwande and Ushongo comprising of four Chiefdoms and 27 districts.

Chiefdoms

1. Mata
2. Mbagwa
3. Ichong
4. Ipusu

Districts

1. Ikov
2. Usar
3. Mbayegh
4. Adikpo Township
5. Atirkyese
6. Mbayough
7. Mbakuha
8. Tondov I
9. Utange
10. Tondov II
11. Mbagwaza
12. Agbakyaan
13. Mbagba
14. Moon
15. Mbaagir
16. Kumakwagh
17. Mbaaka
18. Mbaketsa
19. Lessel Township
20. Liev I
21. Mbaawe
22. Liev II
23. Barakuv
24. Ikyurav
25. Turan
26. Ushongo LGA
27. Kwande LGA

Marital Status

Ter Ushongo, HRH Ambrose P. Iyortyer is happily married to four wives and has 14 children. Some have graduated while others are in schools and colleges.

Travels

In the course of serving his father land, HRH Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer attended several Workshops/seminars some beyond the shores of Nigeria. Countries visited include: United States of America (USA), Belgium, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Cameroon and Israel. While in Israel, he did not confine himself to spiritual rejuvenation but took time off to study the municipal administration in that country.

References

This article "Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Ambrose Pinne Iyortyer. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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