Group lauds Ado LG chairman’s achievements, says goals align with Alia’s transformation agenda
By Julius Alabi
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area in Benue state, Engineer Oche Sunday Oche, has been commended for his remarkable performance in governance, infrastructure, and service delivery.
The commendation came from Benue Development Watch (BDW), a civil society group while assessing the performance of local government chairmen across the state. They described Oche’s leadership as “visionary, accountable, and result-driven.”
In a statement signed by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Barrister Joseph Tsav, and Vice Chairman, Engineer Mrs. Doris Agada, the group said Oche’s achievements within one year reflect Governor Hyacinth Alia’s transformation agenda, aimed at strengthening grassroots development.
Since assuming office on October 9, 2024, Oche has embarked on sweeping reforms that have reshaped governance in Ado. Among his first actions was the restructuring of the council’s revenue system, which led to a 320% increase in internally generated revenue, the highest in the council’s history.
The chairman also recovered several government assets, including a tractor wrongfully withheld by a contractor, which has been refurbished and redeployed for agricultural use. His administration further uncovered and ended illegal tax racketeering, recovering ten years of unremitted funds from the Utonkon Primary Healthcare Mortuary.
Under Oche’s leadership, the Ado Council Secretariat has been transformed after years of neglect. The once bushy premises now wear a new look following sanitation drives and renovation works. Electricity has also been restored to the complex after 15 years, with modern lighting and office fittings provided.
Security and peacebuilding have been central to Oche’s administration. He facilitated peace dialogues that ended long-standing conflicts between the Ezza and Effium communities and other border disputes. His efforts earned Ado designation as the operational base of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (Zone C), covering nine local governments.
In furthering security efforts, the chairman recently procured walkie-talkies and flashlights for security agencies in the area to boost night surveillance and coordination. He said the initiative would “enhance intelligence sharing and ensure safer communities.”
Other notable achievements include the provision of solar-powered refrigerators to health centres, restoration of power to Utonkon PHC, youth empowerment appointments, and support for the Igumale–Agila Road reconstruction project. Oche also played a key role in the renewed plan to revive the Benue Star Cement Factory in Igumale.
Marking his one year in office, Engineer Oche reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and development. “Our mission remains clear — to serve with sincerity, rebuild with integrity, and leave Ado better than we met it,” he said.
