Benue Erects Ultra-modern Palace For Idoma Paramount Ruler

Benue State government has commenced construction of a redesigned ultra-modern palace for the paramount ruler of the Idoma ethnc nationality, Och’Idoma, at Otukpo, headquarters of Idoma kingdom in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom performed the foundation laying ceremony on Wednesday, during which he advocated the need for government at all levels to think towards using quality and experienced local contractors and engineers to execute their projects so as to avert capital flight.

He assured his on administration’s readiness  to make traditional rulers and the institution comfortable  in their environments, just as he expressed hope that with a competent contractor, the project would be executed according to specifications and timeframe.

“The project will be completed within the stipulated time  and I promise that the state government would support the Bureau of Local Governent and Chieftaincy Affairs in terms of funding”, Ortom emphasised.

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

In his remarks, the Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elias Ekoyi Obekpa, said Governor Ortom could have ignored his palace after constructing that of the Tor Tiv, but coming to replicate what his administration had done in Gboko, the traditional headquarters of the Tiv, showed a high level of love for the Idoma people.

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

Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, George Ali who thanked the governor for coming to lay foundation for the building of the Och’Idoma’s Palace, said the moved confirmed the seriousness his administration attached 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.