By Nicholas Dechi
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter, has elected new executive members to steer the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The election, which was described as peaceful and credible, took place on Friday in Makurdi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Andrew Amine, lecturer with Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa University Makurdi, was re-elected as Chairman.
NAN also reports that Dr Ebere Sule was re-elected as vice chairman, while Dr Samuel Nguetyo returned as Secretary General for another term.
Also elected were Dr Audu Ngbede, Assistant Secretary General; Dr Ashever Terfa, Treasurer; Dr Peter Ochola, Financial Secretary; Dr Beerbee Iorheen, Publicity Secretary; and Dr Terumbur Ioryue, Welfare Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Amine expressed gratitude to members of the association for the confidence reposed in the new leadership and assured them their support would not be taken for granted.
The chairman pledged to work towards repositioning the association to be the envy of similar associations in Benue and beyond.
According to him, the past executive which he chaired established a functional secretariat within their two-year tenure.
He pledged to intensify efforts to combat quackery and the circulation of fake veterinary vaccines in the state.
Amine warned that the activities of quacks and distributors of fake vaccines posed serious dangers to both human and animal lives.
The chairman added that the association would collaborate with relevant authorities to put an end to such ugly practices.
He solicited the support of members to enable the association to achieve more than it had in previous years.
Amine commended members of the outgoing executive council who did not return for their selfless contribution to the growth of the association and veterinary practice in Benue.
Also speaking, the Director of Livestock Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Gabriel Amase, commended the association for conducting a credible election that ushered in the new leadership.
He urged the newly elected officials to build on the legacies and ongoing projects of past executives and to work together as a united team to advance the veterinary profession in Benue. NAN
