Oche hails Alia over LG autonomy, development projects in Benue South
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Engr. Oche Sunday Oche, has commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as his commitment to local government autonomy and infrastructural development across the state.
Oche, who spoke at the Idoma Nation Convention in London last weekend, said the implementation of local government autonomy under the Alia administration had strengthened grassroots governance and enabled council chairmen to initiate projects that complement the efforts of the state government.
Representing the people of Ado Local Government at the convention, which brought together Idoma people from Nigeria and the diaspora, Oche said Alia’s respect for the rule of law had allowed local governments to operate with greater independence.
According to him, the autonomy had created an environment in which local government councils could take decisions and execute projects based on the immediate needs of their communities.
He also commended the governor for awarding 5km roads in each of the 23 local government areas of the state, describing the initiative as a significant intervention in rural infrastructure and connectivity.
Oche listed some of the projects he attributed to the Alia administration in Benue South to include the Agatu-Gwer West Road, Oju-Awaji Road, revitalisation of the Otukpo Water Works and other ongoing interventions across the zone.
He further cited the ongoing reconstruction of the Igumale-Agila Road, the conversion of Government College Utonkon to Government Technical College Utonkon and support for the “Operation Light Up Ado” initiative, which he said was aligned with the governor’s broader “Operation Light Up Benue” programme.
The council chairman also praised the administration for what he described as its inclusiveness in appointments, noting the representation of Zone C in key positions, including the offices of Head of Service and commissioners overseeing health, finance, education and women affairs.
Beyond governance, Oche used the London gathering to make a case for the revival of the moribund Igumale Star Cement Factory in Ado Local Government Area, urging Idoma sons and daughters at home and abroad to invest in the project.
He said the abundant limestone deposits in Igumale presented a major economic opportunity capable of transforming the fortunes of the Idoma Nation if properly harnessed.
“Igumale is blessed with vast limestone deposits capable of sustaining a viable cement industry. This presents a strategic opportunity for the economic transformation of the Idoma Nation.”
He urged stakeholders to work collectively towards the revival and full operationalisation of the cement factory, particularly with what he described as the governor’s willingness to support its return to production.
Oche said the combined impact of ongoing government projects in Ado and other parts of Zone C would stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities for young people and improve access to public services.
He, however, stressed that the development of the Idoma Nation should not be left to government alone, calling for collective responsibility among political leaders, traditional institutions, professionals, business people and the diaspora.
According to him, political affiliations, local government boundaries and geographical locations should not constitute barriers to collaboration on issues affecting the future of the Idoma people.
He described the convention as more than a cultural gathering, saying it offered an opportunity for the Idoma people to reflect on their developmental challenges and forge practical solutions.
“Culture is a way of life, and we must continue to preserve, strengthen, and showcase our cultural heritage. At the same time, we must create platforms that expose our younger generation to opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, technology, investment, and leadership,” he said.
The council chairman also called for stronger collaboration between Idoma people in Nigeria and those living abroad, stressing that the skills, financial resources, professional networks and experiences of members of the diaspora could contribute significantly to the development of the homeland.
Oche commended the Idoma community in the United Kingdom and other parts of the diaspora for sustaining their cultural identity despite living thousands of kilometres away from their ancestral home.
He described the convention as a demonstration of the enduring unity of the Idoma people, saying the gathering had strengthened bonds among Idoma sons and daughters across continents.
The chairman also interacted with several dignitaries at the event, including Hon. William Obande, an aspirant in the recently concluded APC primary election; Ambassador Mrs Comfort Briggs Lokpobiri, Coordinator of the City Boys Movement Women’s Wing, Benue State; Hon. Sunday Ajunwa, Executive Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Council; Hon. Adole, Executive Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Council; and Hon. Akpakwu Emmanuel.
He pledged continued support for initiatives promoting unity, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in Ado Local Government, Zone C and the wider Idoma Nation.
