The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi to establish a university in a bid to immortalize Rev. Fr. Michael Murphy.
He said the late Fr. Murphy had confided in him about his desire to build a Catholic University, hence his call for the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi to ensure the fulfillment of that dream, a legacy in honour of the late missionary priest.
Governor Ortom made the call Wednesday during the commissioning of township roads in Makurdi, the state capital constructed by his administration.
The roads are situated around a secondary school built by the late Irish priest.
According to the Governor “We don’t have a Catholic University yet in Benue State and I think it will be a legacy in honour of Fr Murphy and the entire Catholic mission to establish a university here in the Diocese of Makurdi.
“It won’t be out of place, because our population is growing and there is a need for more educational facilities to help curb youth restiveness in our state and beyond.”
Governor Ortom pledged his readiness to support the university project if taken up by the Diocese of Makurdi.
He said, “Whether I am in office or out of office, anytime this project is initiated about building the university, I want to assure you that wherever I am, in or out of office, I want to be part of it.”
He noted that Fr. Murphy sold himself to Christ, stating that he committed himself to serving God for over 60 years as a priest even at the age of 93 before passing on.
The Governor noted that his encounter with Fr. Murphy was that of encouragement and excitement, noting that Fr. Murphy was always willing to make life meaningful for others and not for himself.