Benue State govt to commence reconstruction of Och’Idoma’s palace

The Benue State and government has concluded plans to commence the renovation and reconstruction of the Och-Idoma’s palace to modern status befiting his position as the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation.

This was made known today at Otukpo, when the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu led the commissioner, and engineers of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and top officials of the Bureau for Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs on an assessment visit to the palace.

He said the decision to renovate the palaces of the two Paramount rulers in the state, the Tor Tiv and the Och’Idoma was unanimously taken by the State Executive Council, about two years ago but that due to paucity of funds, the government could only start work on the Tor-Tiv’s palace.

He disclosed that the project is going to be undertaken by the nine local government councils in Benue south Senatorial district in conjunction with the state government.

The Deputy Governor said that their visit to the palace is to seek His Royal Highness’s opinion and taste of edifice to be built.

The renovation and reconstruction work is expected to commence in two weeks time.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Och’Idoma, the First Class Chief, Otukpo/Ohimini Intermediate Traditional Council, Chief Emmanuel Okochi thanked Governor Samuel Ortom for taking the welfare of traditional rulers seriously particularly the decision to give the palace of the Och’Idoma a facelift befitting his status as the Paramount ruler of the Idoma nation.

He said that their prayers are with him, and his deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu at all times to succeed, and to have the resources to fulfill their promises to the people.

Among those in the deputy governor’s delegation were the Commissioner of Housing And Urban development, Chief Ekpe Ogbu, the Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Kenneth Achabo, the Director, Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs Chia, and several engineers.