Renovation of Och’Idoma palace: George Alli, contractor meet HRM Obekpa, seek royal father’s blessings

Sequel to the approval of the reconstruction and renovation of the Och’Idoma’s Palace by the Benue state government, the Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Rt. Hon. George Alli, along with the contractor designated to handle the the project, Arc. Agaba Ikwue, the MD/CEO of Intra Engineering and Turnkey Ltd, on Thursday visited the palace of the royal father in Otukpo.

Hon. George Alli in his speech disclosed to the “Agabaidu”, His Royal Highness, Chief. (Dr.) Elias Ikoyi Obekpa that they were at the palace to brief him about the project which is about to commence and to seek his royal blessings.

Recieving the visitors, the royal father began by thanking the state Government led by Governor Samuel Ortom and his Deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu. He said; “First of all, I want to thank God and the Benue state Governor, His Excellency, Chief. Samuel Ortom and his Deputy, His Excellency, Engr. Benson Abounu, for the decision to start the project”. He prayed that God who put it in their heart to start the project should bless them and make all the resources needed to complete the project, available: if possible, for the project to be conclued before the end of the year”.

He also prayed God to bless the Council Chairman and the contractor for their role in the execution of the planned project. He said God should reward everyone of them and their families.

Speaking shortly after the visit, the Otukpo Council Boss, Hon. Alli said he is a happy and a fulfilled man because history is about to be made. Alli equally praised the state government for granting the wishes of his people. He said he is delighted that the construction is happening during his tenure.

On his part, Arc. Agaba Ikwue, the MD/CEO of Intra Enginneering and Turnkey Ltd, the construction company handling the project, said, “As we are to commence this all important historical edifice for our revered royal father, I want to assure the Idoma people og our company’s readiness to build a befitting, modern day palace which our people will be proud of”.

Recall that Benue State Deputy Governor, Chief (Engr.) Benson Abounu on Tuesday 23rd February 2021, paid an inspection visit to the palace in company of the Otukpo Local government Chairman and some top government officials. The Otukpo Local government Chairman, Hon. George Alli, also in March 2018, before the commencement of the Tor Tiv’s Palace, made a case for the construction of Och’Idoma Palace.