The Vande-U-Tiv and former Benue State Governor, Chief Gabriel Suswam, has congratulated former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Benue State, Brigadier General John Atom Kpera (retd), on his 85th birthday anniversary.
Gen Kpera turned 85 on January 3, with a birthday party held on January 10 at the Seraph Hotel, Gboko, to celebrate the elder statesman. Chief Suswam wishes him many more years in good health.
Both Chief Suswam and Gen Kpera are honorary members of the Tor Tiv Advisory Council. As Governor of Benue State (2007- 2015), Chief Suswam appointed Gen Kpera as Chairman of the Board, Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).
Born on January 3, 1941, Gen Kpera attended Government College Katsina-Ala (1956–1961) for his secondary education. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1965 after attending the Haile Selassie Military Academy in Ethiopia for his Military Cadet Training.
During his career in the military, Gen Kpera held various command and staff appointments, including Engineers Brigade Commander, Squadron Commander, Regimental Commander, and Commander, Corps of Engineers.
He was the first military governor of Anambra State (March 1976 to July 1978) and was later appointed Military Administrator of Benue State (January 1984 to August 1985).
Many Very Important Persons (VIPs), including Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State; former President of the Senate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu; Interim Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), High Chief Terngu Tsegba, are among the VIPs who have turned out for Gen Kpera’s birthday.
