Fresh facts emerge over construction of N7.5bn Army Estate in Idoma community

Fresh facts have emerged on the plan afoot by the Nigerian Army to build a 221 units housing estate worth N7.5 billion in Otukpo, Benue State.

The Nigerian Army, in conjunction with the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State and Betronic West Nigeria Limited, had last week signed an agreement to that effect.

Unknown to many, the project would be the first time the scheme would be building an estate outside a state capital.

However, findings by this newspaper have shown that the location of the estate is historical because it is situated at a boundary spot between Otukpo and Ohimini LGAs, a land which had been in contention for years.

Leading the construction of the first of its kind project is a man whose wings spread across both sides of the community.

AVM Monday Morgan Riku, immediate past Chief of Defence Intelligence would man the project.

The retired Air Force officer is from Otukpo while his mother hailed from Oglewu area of Ohimini.

Speaking with IDOMA VOICE on the development, Morgan, whose company, Betronic West Nigeria Limited, is handling the project, assured that he would use the opportunity to reunite his maternal and paternal homes.

AVM Morgan disclosed that the housing project would be completed in 24 months, noting that construction would start with the four and three bedroom bungalows, and later the four and three bedroom duplexes, before the detached houses will follow.

“Yes, the project site is historical because that particular land has been in contention between Otukpo and Ohimini communities.

“This initiative has since laid to rest the protracted battle between these two villages.

“Coming in as the project contractor is equally historical because my mum is from Oglewu, while my dad hailed from Otukpo here – as you can see, I am now the unifying factor.”

The retired airman specially thanked the brain behind the project, Bar Paul Edeh, Lawyer and Company Secretary of Nigeria Army Post-Housing Development, PHD for his tireless efforts, which made the dream a reality.

“We must give credit to Bar Paul (Edeh) for making sure this gets to Idoma community this time. He fought so hard because this would be the first time such project would be sited outside a state capital. That goes a long way to tell you that you can change your community even outside political office,” AVM Morgan said.

He also assured that his company would deliver a good job timely.

Managing Director, Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Brigadier General Mahe Bashir, speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja, noted that approval for the project was given by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai because the housing estate would be for Nigerians, irrespective of location.

While noting that the project would be financed through public and private partnership, General Bashir said facilities that would be available in the estate include surface roads with asphalt cover, street lights, water and other essential facilities.

Also speaking, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, George Alli, noted that the initiative is the first of such magnitude outside the state capital. , was the result of the experience he got from working with the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited in the past.

Alli said apart from the fact that the subscription for ownership would be open to all Nigerians, the project would be of great benefit to the Idoma community, as it would create thousands of job opportunities for youths.

The LG boss said the project would create employment opportunity for the Idoma people and as well curb social vices, which are prevalent in the area.

Also, speaking with IDOMA VOICE, Bar Edeh of PHD, whose father, Captain Samuel Ankwa Edeh retired from the Nigerian Army, said it is dream come true for the Idoma sons and daughters; both at home and in the Diaspora.

A visibly elated Edeh said, “This project will go down in history as one of the best things that has ever happened to Zone C in Benue State. It shows clearly that when people are united and collaborate for progress, development surely will come.

“Today, my joy knows no bound as I reflect on the numerous job opportunities this project will provide for young men and women in Zone C. Indeed many Idoma sons and daughters, particularly those in the Diaspora can now dream of owning a house back home in an environment that is secure and safe.”