Samuel OrtomGovernor Samuel Ortom has recounted his growing up as a motor park tout after dropping out of primary school.
The Governor, who had a Christmas get-together at the residence of his former boss, Mr Mnenge Mtenave, and commercial vehicle drivers at Ipav, Mbadim, Gboko Local Government Area of the state, said: “at a time, my boss made me a cashier and treasurer of all the money that we made weekly and gave me a blank cheque to spend at will.”
The governor said that he never took the opportunity for granted and that on every occasion, he went back to his boss for approval whenever the need arose.
Governor Ortom said that the decision to visit his former boss and celebrate Christmas with him was revealed to him during his morning devotion, adding that the visit was to appreciate Mtemave for laying the foundation for him to be what he is today.
The governor charged the people not to despise their little beginnings and encouraged them to remain committed in their service to God, saying that they should also seek formal education even at old age to brighten their fortunes.
Mtemave had invited Ortom to work as a motor boy and later taught him how to drive. They worked together at the Gboko Motor Park in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The governor presented a Hilux Van to Mtemave and pledged to support him in any trade of his choice, even as he gave his former colleagues and communities cows, pigs, bags of rice and cash.
Speaking for the Ugbada family and the governor’s former colleagues, Abugh Vaaswem and Aondopine Tim thanked the governor for his good gesture and prayed to God to prosper him.
Mtemave also expressed gratitude for the honour done to him by the governor.
