Being a text of remarks made by the Convener of Kwande Rebirth Forum, Engr. Terlumun Isaac Iyorhen at the launch of the book ‘Prof. Kohol Shadrack Iornem: A Model for Community Liberation’ written by written by Atser Tile. The event was held on the 22nd of February, 2026, at Seraph Hotel Gboko.
It’s an honour to me and indeed a great privilege to stand before you today to make some remarks on this occasion of a book launch in honour of Prof. Shadrach Kohol Iornem. It is an honour because I don’t have any princely collection of academic titles to flaunt nor the stupefying influence of society connections. I don’t even possess that financial muscle that comes in reckoning on occasions of this nature. There is one thing, however, which I know and to which I am grateful, and that is the conviction of the event organizers that I have a sound thing to offer to this distinguished audience. It’s an esteemed privilege to me for the special recognition.
We are all gathered here to make a public launch of the book titled: “Prof. Kohol Iornem: A model for community liberation,” written by Atser Tile.
A model is defined as a representation or simulation of something that is consciously designed for desired effects according to the context of needs.
A model of community liberation, in this case, therefore refers to a framework, approach, or example of how a community can achieve freedom, empowerment, or self-determination. This could involve social, economic, or political strategies.
In the context of political emancipation, this would be a framework or example of how a community achieves political freedom, autonomy, or self-governance. This could involve strategies like grassroots organizing, advocacy, or alternative governance structures.
A model of community liberation for economic empowerment would be a framework or example of how a community achieves financial independence, self-sufficiency, or equitable economic opportunities. Examples might include:
Cooperative businesses
– Community land trusts
– Microfinance initiatives
– Local currencies or exchange systems
In the context of human capital development, this will focus on investing in people, enhancing their skills, and unlocking their potential. This could involve:
– Education and training programs
– Mentorship initiatives
– Healthcare and wellness services
– Entrepreneurship and job creation support.
The above broad outlines of what community emancipation is all about is what the book will be articulating with reference to the personification of Prof. Kohol Shadrach Iornem.
I am not making any book reviews, but the title is so catchy and audibly apt for our contemporary times. The author is so bold to take the bull by the horns in presenting to us in black and white what we need because of our deliberate lack. Let me agree with him on the cover that Prof. Kohol Iornem is a true and complete embodiment of community liberation in his selfless services.
Our society is going through serious challenging times. In the Tiv nation in particular, nothing looks ever certain again. The good times have long gone, and ill contrived challenges have taken over. The centre is no longer holding, and the family, which is the basic community unit, is torn to shreds out of discipline. Under these conditions, mentorship for leadership is extinct, and focus for societal growth has taken the back side. With this negative roll of our trajectory, it is incumbent on all of us, I mean those of us who care to lament our plight to necessary cheer up and celebrate a rising star amongst our midst who is braving the odds to make us tick. Someone who has shown persistently in commitment and selfless service for the sake of improvement in the lives of his community under our present times is a rare breed from heaven. This is only done with discipline, which we have thrown asunder.
I wouldn’t want to say, Prof. Kohol Shadrach Iornem is self-made in character. That will be denying his parents their due acknowledgement for nursing out an outstanding child. Discipline has nurtured him to what he is, and his humanistic eyes are cast within the perspective of societal needs where he can bring positive change. That has been the living graph of Prof. Kohol Shadrach Iornem. And we need to give him his flowers for his selflessness, sacrifices, commitment, and dedication to excellence.
Let me broaden these remarks to give a comprehensive meaning to the title of this book. Our Tiv society suffers terribly from serious absurdities that are responsible for our retrogression. In our part of this world, politics plays a grand part in uplifting a people, but unfortunately, we have planted tendencies that are only self-serving and inimical to our growth. The ‘ ihyev imôm icha ihar ga ‘ was a droll for a personalized interest, which has continued to hoodwink us. The progenitor had his way with his son to where he wanted. Yet we applauded to the exclusion of others. The other obnoxious entrenched policy is the ‘ ya na angbian ‘ principle, which has no known ancestry in the annals of our cultural history. The practice of this principle is the root cause and source of mediocrity in our political development. A Tiv man was known for excellence in all he did. And he would always send out the best for service when required knowing fully well that those sent out will serve according to the letters and not for personal gain but the reverse has taken firm roots and we are gnashing our teeth.
Now that we have a proper documented chronicle detailing the good in character and commitment to selfless service for the good of our society, let us take a cue from the characterisation of what the author has presented to us in this book and redirect our society on the path of progress. We are first called upon to be disciplined, dutiful, and selfless. And when we imbibe the culture of excellence, we shall get back on track of community liberation for happy living.
Everything begins with the first step. Praising Prof. Kohol Shadrach Iornem for his good deeds in making humanity better is the first good step. Making a culture of that excellence is the next necessary step. This means we shall encourage him to keep doing what he knows best in uplifting lives by lifting him higher up too for the maximum good. If we do so, others will certainly toe his line of excellence, knowing fully well that society will recognize and pay them appropriately. In doing so, we shall be regenerating a new crop of leaders who will be selfless and committed more to the public better than themselves. This is the liberation we seek and nothing more.
The conclusion has become obvious: Professor Kohol Shadrach Iornem has been serving us very well with the little he ekes on his own. He will surely do more on an elevated public service position. We are, therefore, duty bound to raise him higher to his aspiration for the House of Representatives seat for Kwande/ Ushongo constituency. As we move out from here today, let’s have at the back of our minds that our renaissance is on the way to our rebirth as we shall all mobilise fully for the victory of Prof Kohol Shadrach Iornem during the 2027 general elections for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency seat.
Thank you all
