The Story of HRH James Adzape (1932-2010)

By Iorliam’ Amo Shija

On the 23^RD 2010, HRH James Adzape died at Madonna Hospital, Makurdi, after a brief illness. In this special edition in his honour, our Editor- in- Chief, Iorliam’ Amo Shija who incidentally, has also co- authored the monarch’s official Biography, writes on the times that shaped the monarch and his death.

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                                                  Early Beginning

James Adzape, a man who had immense capacity for hard work and a deep sense of public service, was born in Tongov, present day Katsina- Ala Local Government Area by Pa Adzape Igino and Gbum Igino,while the latter was, by Jato ka’s recommendation, working with the then chief of the Tongov people, as Danduka; community policeman.

Education

The year that the young Ityowua was born, the father relocated to Gboko since that was the year that the town was made the administrative head of Tiv Native Authority, he sought greener pastures. So when Ityowua came of school age, he attended St Joseph Primary School Gboko, 1940 – 44, St Ann’s Primary School, Adikpo and St Charles  Primary Obudu (1944). For  his secondary education, he went  to the Katsina Ala Middle School (now Government Model College⁾ 1944 – 1949. From 1950 he proceeded to the famous Barewa College, Zaria, from 1950 to 1953.

It was at Barewa College that his firmness of character, hardwork and outstanding ability became manifested. He met interesting people here who, like him, were to play different roles in the development of their various communities and the country at large. For instance, his classmates were Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) and Late Sunday Awoniyi, former PDP chairman. Others who had passed through the same school were the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello , Alhaji Amino Kano , Alhaji Maitama Sule, General Murtala Mohammed etc.

From there, he proceeded to Professional Engineering Technical School, Kaduna and obtained his diploma ( Civil Engineering) in 1958; it was from  there that he returned home to serve his people

Career

HRH James Adzape began his career with the Tiv Native Authority (TNA) in 1958 at the age of 26 in Gboko, in the Ministry of Works as an Assistance Supervisor. He rose through the ranks to be Supervisor of Works.

In 1970 when Katsina Ala Local Government created, he came back as Supervisor of Works, in the new local government; he was there from 1970 to 1971. It was after 25 dedicative years of service to the local council that he moved to Jos to enter the state service of the Benue- Plateau. He worked in Jos, Otukpo, Wukari in many capacities between 1971 to 1976 with the state government. In 1976, when Benue state was created he returned to the ministry and then retired.

From retirement, he was appointed a FEDECO Commissioner to Rivers States in 1979. He returned to head the Benue States electoral body but resigned in 1981 and returned back to Adikpo where he formed Qyavel Construction Company. The company built a lot of streets and drainages in Vandeikya LGA, some hostel blocks at College of Education Katsina Ala, part of Government Secondary School Ushongo, Adikpo Township Stadium Adikpo, Buruku Local Government Secretariat among others.

Adikpo stadium could not be completed because the government  no longer paid their bills; in fact, the local government still owed his company over 400,000 till date. The late monarch could not pursue the payment because the papers were burnt in the house during the Kwande crises of 2004/2005.

His Politics

Soon after retirement from service, he joined politics. Between 1981 to 1983 he was in NPN, he contested House of Reps. but lost to L U Agude; he sought legal redress but though he won, the military guys struck, so he could not go to the house. He continued with farming and business activities. He was also a member of NRC which was his last political party.

Ter Kwande

When HRH Gom Gire, the fifth Ter Kwande died, James Adzape also entered the race for the stool and he emerged victorious against about 18 other contenders, this was in 1994. Since then, he has been ruling till he died late last year. His rule lasted for 17 years.

Religious Life

The Ter-kwande was born in a Roman Catholic family, so he was baptized in 1932  by an Irish priest, Rev. Fr. Dwolin in Gboko as an infant; and in fact, it was this white priest who gave him the name James. Before his death, he worshiped at St Ann’s Parish Adikpo where he had a seat reserved for him.

Hobbies

The Ter Kwande had two basic hobbies; these were tennis and scrabble. Since his tenis court was burnt in the old house, it was only Scrabble that he played almost every day. There was no day that he would not play a game of Scrabble.

Death

 The Ter Kwande lived a very healthy life. Although he was diagnosed with Hypertension and diabetes since 1971, with all the challenges he faced, he was able  to live a normal life. He, as his health status demanded, was on medication since then and attended regular medical checks up. On 20^th December, 2010, as he felt uneasy, being conscious of his health, went to Madonna Hospital, Makurdi. His BP was up and never subsided, so on 23^rd, at about 2 PM, he died. His is to be buried 26 February, 2011.  

       

His legacy

The Ter kwande has lived an influential life and a very impactful one. But among other things, he will be remembered as, a person who had contributed to the development of Tivland, Benue State and the country in different capacities.

He was one of those who planned all the major towns in Tivland and the Benue- Plateau regions. He also brought relative peace to his domain, this is in spite of the political crises of 2004. In all, the late Ter Kwande was a peaceful person and made sure that issues that came before him were handled with all the care they demanded.