Benue traditional rulers commend Gov Alia over water works rehabilitation

Traditional rulers in Otukpo, the trado-political seat of the Idoma nation in Benue State, have commended the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, for the steps taken to restore water supply to the ancient town and its environs.

Speaking on behalf of His Royal Majesty, John Elaigwu, the Och’Idoma, and other monarchs, the Mayor of Otukpo, Chief Aloga Ogbogo, welcomed the state government’s approval for the immediate payment of the outstanding contract sum to the Chinese company that constructed the Otobi/Otukpo and Katsina-Ala Water Works. He called on the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure that the rehabilitation of the waterworks is carried out in strict adherence to specifications.

In a statement personally signed and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday, Chief Ogbogo said that the steps to rehabilitate the waterworks underscore the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people of Otukpo and Idoma land.

The statement read in part:
“The Mayor of Otukpo, on behalf of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty John Elaigwu Odogbo, the Idoma Area Traditional Council, and the entire Idoma community, extends profound gratitude to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his decisive steps in restoring water supply to Otukpo town and its environs.”

The monarchs described the state governor as a beacon of development and hope for the state and emphasised the significant achievements recorded within his tenure of less than two years.

The mayor urged stakeholders to conduct public sensitisation on the rehabilitation process and to ensure proper reticulation of pipelines across Otukpo town for efficient water distribution. He also called on residents to safeguard all water installations to prevent vandalism or any actions that could disrupt the supply of water.

While using the opportunity to extend the warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings of the Och’Idoma and the Idoma Area Traditional Council to the Muslim community in Otukpo and its environs, the Mayor encouraged them to use the festive period to promote love, generosity, and prayers for peace, security, and harmony in Idoma land.

The Mayor also expressed appreciation to the Acting Ward Head of Ward 2, Otukpo, Chief Ben Eche Ochela, for putting adequate security measures in place for community policing. He urged residents of the ward to foster unity and avoid actions that could lead to discord or instability.