The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter, has elected new executive members to steer the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The election, described as peaceful and credible, was held on Friday in Makurdi.
A lecturer at Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa University, Makurdi, Dr Andrew Amine, was re-elected as Chairman of the association. Dr Ebere Sule also returned as Vice Chairman, while Dr Samuel Nguetyo was re-elected as Secretary-General.
Other officials elected include Dr Audu Ngbede as Assistant Secretary-General; Dr Ashever Terfa as Treasurer; Dr Peter Ochola as Financial Secretary; Dr Beerbee Iorheen as Publicity Secretary; and Dr Terumbur Ioryue as Welfare Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Amine thanked members of the association for the confidence reposed in the new leadership and assured them that their support would not be taken for granted.
He pledged to work towards repositioning the association to become a model among professional bodies in Benue State and beyond.
Amine noted that the outgoing executive, which he also chaired, established a functional secretariat during its tenure and promised to build on that achievement.
He further pledged to intensify efforts to combat quackery and the circulation of fake veterinary vaccines in the state, warning that such practices pose serious risks to both human and animal health.
The chairman said the association would collaborate with relevant authorities to eliminate the activities of quacks and distributors of counterfeit veterinary products.
He also solicited the continued support of members to enable the association to achieve greater milestones in the coming years.
Amine commended members of the outgoing executive council who did not return for another term for their selfless service and contributions to the growth of the association and veterinary practice in the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Livestock Services at the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Gabriel Amase, praised the association for conducting a credible election that ushered in the new leadership.
Amase urged the newly elected officials to sustain ongoing projects, build on existing legacies, and work collectively to advance the veterinary profession in Benue State.
