Samuel Ortom
Name: Samuel Ioraer Ortom
Birthday: April 23, 1961
State of origin: Kafur, Kastina state
Occupation: Politician and agriculturalist
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Political post: Former governor of Benue state (2015–2023)
Spouse: Anna Ortom
Background
Samuel Ioraer Ortom is the former Governor of Benue state, serving from 2015 to 2023. He was known for focusing on agricultural development and peacebuilding in a region affected by communal conflicts. Ortom had a rough beginning and had to drop out of secondary school after his father’s retirement. He became a professional driver, but later furthered his education through self-help.
Ortom obtained the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Certificate in 1995 and the Diploma in Journalism in 1998. He later attended Benue State University, obtained an Advanced Diploma in Personnel Management in 2001, and a Master of Public Administration in 2004. Ortom earned a PhD from the Commonwealth University, Belize, through distance learning.
Political Career Highlights
- Ortom was elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform in 2015; he later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2018.
- He was re-elected in 2019 for a second term.
- Previously, he served as commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Benue state.
- He worked with the federal government and various agencies, focusing on agricultural policies and rural development.
Advocate for Peace:
Ortom played a key role in mediation efforts to reduce communal violence in Benue state. He was actively involved in dialogues between farmers and herders to promote coexistence.
