Born into the family of Ashaver Hur of Chito, Azendeshi Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on April 20th 1964; B. T. Ashaver had his primary education at NKST Primary School, Pevikyaa from 1972 to 1977. He attended NKST Secondary School, Zaki-Biam between 1977 and 1982 where he obtained General Certificate of Education (GCE) O’Level. He proceeded to the Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo between 1983 and 1985, and 1986 and 1988 where he bagged the Ordinary National Diploma and the Higher National Diploma respectively. Hon. Ashaver undertook his one year National Service with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Lagos in the 1988/1989 service year.
In 1994, B. T. Ashaver enrolled for a Masters Degree in Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR) at the University of Ibadan and graduated in 1995. Not satisfied with his thirst for knowledge and professionalism, and having realized the importance of continuous development of the human mind as a requirement for self actualization, B. T. Ashaver enrolled and obtained Master of Science (M.Sc) Public Administration from Benue State University between 2005 and 2006, and is presently pursuing his Doctorate Degree in Political Science in the same University.
A highly resourceful and enterprising personality with an impressive pedigree, Hon. Ashaver began his public service career as Agricultural Assistant-in-Training with Ukum Local Government in 1982. Following the military takeover in December 1983, Mr. Ashaver returned to Katsina-Ala Local Government because Ukum Local was de-created in 1985. Mr Ashaver had his cadre changed from Agriculture to Administration. Mr. Ashaver became the first NULGE Chairman of Ukum Local Government following the recreation of the Council in 1991.
In 1994, Mr. Ashaver was elected the State Treasurer of NULGE for a period of four years. Still on the upward movement, Mr. Ashaver became the Principal Personnel Officer (Protocol) Ukum Local Government from 1996 to 1998, and was between 1998 and 1999 appointed Deputy Secretary, Oju Local Government council. In 1999 Mr. Ashaver moved to Logo Local Government Council as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (Security Services).
Mr. Ashaver’s vertical movement reached the height in Local Government Administration when in 2001; he was appointed Director, General Services and Administration. From February 23 to March 31, 2004, he was appointed Interim Administrator, Ukum Local Government. During this period, he put Ukum Local Government on the path of glory by streamlining the perception of the people and priorities toward achieving sustainable development. He equally completed several projects during this stint which culminated in the enthronement of a democratically elected administration in the Local Government on March 31, 2004.
Mr. Ashaver was again appointed Caretaker Chairman, Ukum Local Government from December 29, 2006 to June 22, 2007. As an astute administrator who frontally confronts every challenge that comes his way, he did not betray the confidence reposed in him, judging by the impressive achievements recorded during this tenure, leading to the unification of feuding factions among Ukum leaders. It was from this position that the Governor of Benue State, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam, in recognition of his glowing qualities and potentials, appointed him Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources on July 2, 2007. He was re-assigned to the Ministry of Education also as Commissioner where he served until May 27, 2001.
Following the re-election of Rt. Hon. Dr. Gabriel Suswam as Governor of Benue State, Mr. B. T. Ashaver was again re-appointed as Honourable Commissioner and posted to the Ministry of Works and Transport, a position he holds till date.
Mr. B. T. Ashaver is equally visible in religious circles as he is a staunch member of the NKST where he is a patron of the Boy’s Brigade. He also belongs to many professional and labour bodies including Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management and Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria.
He has attended several workshops, seminars and conferences within Nigeria and beyond on issues relating to grassroots development and administration. He has visited Australia and several countries in Africa, Europe, America and Asia.
Benjamin Ashaver is happily married to Mrs. Doosuur Ashaver and the marriage is blessed with children.
