PCC at 50: Benue Ombudsman marks golden as Oche lead jubilee awareness walk

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC), popularly known as the Ombudsman, on Wednesday, October 16, 2025, marked its 50th anniversary with a colourful celebration in Benue State.

The Commission, established in Nigeria through Decree 31 of 1975 (now CAP P37, LFN), commemorated the milestone with an awareness walk led by the Honourable Federal Commissioner representing Benue State, Rt. Hon. Chief James Ogaba Oche.

The march, which began at Yina Junction and ended at the Commission’s Secretariat along George Akume Way, Makurdi, featured staff of the PCC, the Police, and the FRSC, who provided security and coordination. Flyers detailing the Commission’s activities were distributed to excited members of the public, many of whom joined in the celebration.

Chief Oche, while addressing journalists at the end of the event, explained that the PCC was established to investigate both reactive and proactive cases of administrative injustice committed against citizens by public institutions and incorporated private organizations.

He highlighted the increasing number of cases successfully resolved by the Commission in Benue State, attributing the progress to robust awareness campaigns, partnerships with relevant institutions, and the creation of an Enforcement Unit to implement the Commission’s recommendations and prosecute uncooperative parties.

Despite the achievements, Oche called for greater collaboration from state agencies and expressed concern over unresolved complaints, especially regarding the non-payment of terminal benefits to retired civil servants. He also lamented the poor state of the Commission’s infrastructure, particularly the shortage of operational vehicles.

A major highlight of the golden jubilee celebration was the presentation of recovered funds to a complainant — a testament to the Commission’s effectiveness in delivering justice to citizens.

The Honourable Commissioner was accompanied by senior management staff, including the Acting Director of Investigation, Mr. Terkura Kpaakpa.

The event was coordinated by Orhemba Akura Charles, Head of Publicity, on behalf of the Honourable Federal Commissioner.