By Olikita Ekani
Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Benue State and Chairman, Central Planning Committee for the Commissioning of the Ultramodern Ochi'Idoma Palace, Chief Ekpe Dennis Ogbu has showered encomium on the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom for building a New Palace for the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom.
Chief Ogbu gave this commendation on Thursday, 9th February, 2023 in Otukpo in his welcome speech during the commissioning of the edifice which was executed by the state government.
The Ogakwu K'Idoma said, there is no better time to be proud as an Idoma son than now, saying the commissioning of the palace was "a monumental stage in the annals of Idoma history which has given pride to the people."
He appreciated Gov Ortom for finding him worthy of chairing the Central Planning Committee of the epoch-making ceremony.
He congratulated the beneficiary of the gigantic project and the New Och'Idoma, HRM Chief. Dr Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, wishing him and the entire Idoma land peace, unity and development during his reign.
The political leader of Ado LGA also thanked Honourable Special Adviser to Governor of Benue State, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Barr Kenneth Achabo for supervising the project till completion, the contractor who handled the project, Engr Ogaba Ikwe for an excellent job and members of the planning committee for their various roles leading to the success of the occasion.
Highlights of the ceremony include; the official commissioning of the palace and conferment of chieftaincy title on Gov Ortom as the "Ochikpali L''Ogwabo K'Idoma' meaning, 'Defender of the Defenceless' while his wife, Dr. Eunice Ortom was given the title 'Ogbonene K'Idoma,' meaning 'Kindness of Idomaland.' Governor Wike was conferred with the title of 'Okokonjo K'Idoma' which translated to mean the 'Unbreakable", Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd) as 'Okekela K'Idoma' (the Voice of Idoma kingdom, Ode Ede as 'Ojalohoi K'Idoma' meaning, 'he is enough for us.'
