BREAKING: Gov. Ortom lays foundation for new Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo (PHOTOS)

By Jimin Geoffrey

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom today laid foundation for the construction of an ultramodern Palace for the Paramount Ruler of Idoma Nation, Och’Idoma.

Performing the ceremony amidst cheers from people of Benue South Senatorial District, Governor Ortom said is administration is determined to provide a conducive environment for the traditional institution in the state, expressing hope that the project would be completed within the stipulated time.

He stated that with a competent contractor, they were hopeful that the project would also be executed according to specifications, saying the state government would support the Bureau of Local Governent and Chieftaincy Affairs in terms of funding.

According to the Governor, in order to avoid capital flight, his administration decided to engage indigenous contractors and Engineers in its contracts.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Governent and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Ken Achabo expressed optimism that the project would be given the needed attention for speedy completion.

The Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elias Ekoyi Obekpa in a remark, said Governor Ortom could have ignored his Palace after constructing that of the Tor Tiv but that coming to replicate what his administration had done in the Traditional home of the Tiv Nation, showed a high level of love for the Idoma nation.

The contractor handling the project, Engineer Agaba Ikwue, promised completion of the work before the end of this year and commended the state government for awarding the contract to his company.

Earlier, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government CounciI, Mr George Ali said the Governor’s coming to lay foundation for the building of the Och’Idoma’s Palace confirmed the seriousness his administration attaches to the project.

Governor Ortom also inspected the 20 kilometre Otukp’Icho-Aondona road under construction where he expressed hope that it would also be completed soon to boost socio-economic development of people in the benefiting communities.