HON. ENGR. SUNNY OCHE MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE WITH TRANSFORMATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS ACROSS ADO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche, has marked one year in office with a record of outstanding achievements, transformative policies, and progressive reforms that have positively impacted governance, infrastructure, and the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Ado.

Engr. Oche officially assumed office on October 9th, 2024, following his swearing-in at the Government House, Makurdi. His assumption of duty at the Council Secretariat in Igumale marked a new era of visionary and people-centered leadership, succeeding Mrs. Gloria Enotse Ogebe, who served as Caretaker Chairman.

Over the past year, the Oche-led administration has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to transparency, accountability, and service delivery; translating vision into measurable progress across key sectors.

1. Enhanced Revenue Generation and Financial Reforms

One of the Chairman’s earliest reforms was the dissolution of the existing Revenue Committee to restructure the Local Government’s internally generated revenue system. Within two months, he inaugurated a new team of Revenue Commissioners drawn from Ado’s five districts namely: Utonkon, Agila, Igumale, Ulayi, and Ijigban. This initiative has led to a remarkable 320% increase in IGR, the highest in the Council’s history, strengthening the Council’s financial base for grassroots development.

2. Recovery of Local Government Assets

In his commitment to accountability and prudent asset management, Engr. Oche led a successful recovery of critical Council assets, including a government-owned tractor that had been wrongfully withheld by a contractor. The tractor was refurbished for agricultural purposes, while another was acquired, bringing the total to two functional tractors currently supporting agribusiness in the Local Government.

3. Blocking Revenue Leakages and Combating Illegal Tax Racketeering

Upon uncovering illegal tax racketeering by a firm known as Forte Harvest Company, the Chairman ordered immediate investigation and arrest of the perpetrators. He further addressed a ten-year non-remittance issue at the Utonkon Primary Healthcare Mortuary, recovering outstanding revenues from 2014 to 2024. These decisive actions curtailed revenue leakages, restored fiscal integrity, and reinforced public trust in governance.

4. Environmental Restoration of the Council Secretariat

The Council Secretariat, once overtaken by overgrown bushes and neglect, has been transformed under Engr. Oche’s directive. Through the re-engagement of the direct labour workforce, regular sanitation exercises have restored the Secretariat’s surroundings into a clean, welcoming environment befitting a government institution.

5. Peace and Security Initiatives

Security and peacebuilding have remained top priorities. Engr. Oche facilitated several peace dialogues, including a landmark peace parley with Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi State, leading to the restoration of peace between the Ezza and Effium communities.
Similar interventions in Ezza-Idelle and Ndeobashi (Ekile District) have ended decades-long hostilities.
In recognition of his leadership, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia (Ph.D.) designated Ado Local Government as the Operational Base of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (Zone C), codenamed Anyamnyor, comprising nine Local Governments; a testament to Ado’s strategic role in ensuring a safer Benue. In a proactive step to enhance security operations across Ado Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman has procured a substantial numbers of flashlights and Walkie Talkies to aid security operatives in their engagements.

6. Renovation and Electrification of the Council Secretariat and Government Lodge

After 15 years of darkness, electricity has been restored to the Secretariat Complex. The Chairman also undertook extensive renovations, providing modern office furniture, lighting, and fittings — giving the complex a dignified facelift. Similarly, massive renovation work is being undertaken at the Government Lodge in Igumale. The Government Lodge had served as a point of contact during government functions and visitations by top government dignitaries. The Chairman has made commitments to ensuring that the facilities wear a new look.

7. Healthcare Advancement

To strengthen healthcare delivery, the Chairman provided solar-powered refrigerators for drug and vaccine storage in Primary Health Centres across the Local Government. He also commissioned a solar installation at Utonkon PHC and donated funds for the electrification of nearby communities.

In June 2025, he officially flagged off the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) for children, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to child health and preventive care.

8. Revitalization of Star Cement Factory, Igumale

Recognizing the economic potential of the Benue Star Cement Factory, the Chairman initiated an on-site inspection that prompted swift government response.
Following his report, two Chinese geologists arrived in August 2025 to commence a joint assessment with the Benue State Government, signaling renewed hope for industrial revitalization and job creation in Ado.

9. Youth Empowerment and Employment Creation

The Oche administration has appointed a significant number of young aides and committee members, ensuring youth participation in governance and building a pool of emerging leaders for future political and civic engagement.

10. Timely Payment of Salaries

Under Engr. Oche’s leadership, Ado Local Government has maintained consistent and prompt salary payments, aligning with Governor Alia’s administration’s policy of fiscal discipline and workers’ welfare.

11. Road Construction and Infrastructure Development

The 31.5km Igumale–Agila Road reconstruction, part of Governor Alia’s 126km road network project, has received full support from the Council Chairman, who ensures worker safety and project supervision. In addition, several road mapping and design proposals including the Otukpo–Utonkon–Igumale Road and the Utonkon–Okpoga Road have been submitted to the State Government for approval, promising to improve inter-community connectivity and commerce.

12. Stakeholder Engagement and Traditional Relations

Hon. Oche has consistently maintained an open-door policy, engaging directly with community leaders, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders. This inclusive approach has strengthened unity, ensured effective party coordination, and promoted mutual understanding within Ado’s diverse communities.

Conclusion:

As Engr. Sunny Oche marks his first anniversary in office, the people of Ado Local Government stand witness to a year defined by integrity, innovation, and impactful leadership. His administration continues to champion progress anchored on transparency, security, development, and service to humanity.

The Chairman reaffirmed his resolve to build on these achievements and deepen grassroots development in the years ahead, saying:

“Our mission remains clear: to serve with sincerity, to rebuild with integrity, and to leave Ado better than we met it.”

Signed:

Moses Aluma
SA On Media and Strategic communication,

Office of the Executive Chairman
Ado Local Government Area, Benue State
October 8, 2025