Biography of late Joseph Terkula Suswam – Zege Iwanger I Tiv  (The great illumination of the Tiv)

Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam Tingir was born on the 15th August, 1962 to the family of Zaki-Suswam Tingir and Chief Mrs. Ashiwua Suswam Tingir from Anyiin, Gaambe Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue state. Chief Dr.Terkura Suswam, who was known for his attribute as a pace setter, commenced the journey of life in 1969, when he enrolled for his primary education at NKST primary school, Zaki-Biam, Benue state, before proceeding to Army children primary school, Udi in Enugu state in 1970. In 1977, Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam proceeded to government Teachers College, Makurdi and obtained the grade II teachers Certificate in 1982. His endless quest for education continued and he proceeded to College Of Education, Ankpa, in the present Kogi state in 1984, where he obtained his NCE in 1987. He attended the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and obtained the Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a second class upper division in 1998. He was retained to lecture at the university as a graduate assistant.

Chief Dr. Suswam took the bold step to combine political activism with further studies as he enrolled into Benue state University and obtained the Master of Arts Degree with specialization in Diplomatic History. In 2006, the Diplomatic Historian enrolled to further his studies beyond the Master’s Degree level with special interest in Diplomatic History, and eventually bagged his Ph.D in 2009. The renowned scholar, has a catalogue of publications that dwell on critical issues of varying academic interest; prominent among them is his magnum opus: issues in Nigerian Defense Pacts and National Security published in 2010 and several publications that are too numerous to mention. As a widely celebrated and renowned commentator on public issues, Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam has also written countless commentaries aired on various platforms including radio Nigeria in both print and electronic media that have created a positive impact in the development of the country. His journey to political stardom began while at Teachers College as an active member of the youth wing of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during the Second Republic.

After graduation from Ankpa, Chief Dr Terkura Suswam became actively involved in shaping the political dimension of Benue state under the successive military regimes in the country. The young diplomat’s desire for active politics manifested in the integrity of his commitment as president of the National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS) during his undergraduate days at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam has remained active in the politics of Benue state and Nigeria. Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam served as the Director of Publicity, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidential campaign in Benue state as well as Chairman, Appeal Committee on National Assembly primaries Abuja in 2011 and member, PDP Central Planning Committee, National Convention Abuja 2012. His Research and Publications include Defence Pacts and National Security: An Analysis of Nigeria’s Experience ​2005; The Role of the Tiv Ex-Service Men in the Development of Tiv land; Issues in Nigerian Defense Pacts and National Security​ 2010 and Nigerian Politics Economy and Society as well as commentaries and public lectures. As a philanthropist, Dr. Suswam has received many awards in recognition of his contributions to national development.

As a philosopher and philanthropist, Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam has at different occasions, demonstrated his generous lifestyle by mobilizing his personal resources to address the critical infrastructural needs of people that are traced to the grassroots and has sponsored several community projects in the state.

Late Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam was married to Chief Mrs. Achenyo Gladys Suswam of Late Mr. John Yusufu Ajogu in Ejule town Ofu L.G.A. Kogi State, the marriage is blessed with nine children. He is survived by many relations including the former governor of Benue state, Senator Gabriel Suswam. Chief Dr. Terkura Suswam the Zege Iwanger I Tiv; The great illumination of the Tiv nation was not diagnosed of any sickness, as he was healthy and sound until the second of March, 2021 at about 7:45 pm when he was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen at his Elohim Plaza, directly opposite his residence at Anyiin his hometown, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. His remains will be laid to rest tomorrow at his hometown Anyiin in Logo Local Government area of Benue state. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest in His kingdom.
Amen.