PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE TRANSFORMATIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP IN ADO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA UNDER HON. ENGR. SUNNY OCHE AS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF ADO LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL
Hon. Engr. Sunday Oche was democratically elected on the 5th of October, 2024, and sworn in on the 7th of October, 2024, by the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
It is imperative to emphasise that, from revenue generation and infrastructure development to healthcare, agriculture, education, security, sanitation and grassroots engagement, the Sunny Oche-led administration has pursued a reform-driven approach aimed at strengthening local governance and improving the welfare of the good people of Ado Local Government Area.
Despite inheriting a local government system from the immediate past administration that was fractured by endemic institutional decay, the administration has recorded progress in several critical areas through prudent resource management, institutional reforms and collaboration with the Benue State Government.
The following specific achievements and scorecards are credited to the stewardship of Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche as the serving Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Council;
1. Revenue Generation and Financial Reforms
One of the administration’s earliest interventions was the dissolution of the existing Revenue Committee and the appointment of five Revenue Commissioners covering Utonkon, Agila, Igumale, Ulayi and Ijigban. The reform introduced a more direct and accountable revenue collection system, with emphasis on real-time remittance and improved monitoring.
These measures have significantly strengthened the Council’s internally generated revenue, producing the highest revenue performance compared with previous administrations.
2. Recovery and Rehabilitation of Government Assets
The administration recovered a government tractor that had been withheld by a contractor and subsequently refurbished it for public use. An additional tractor was also acquired from a partnership arrangement with ACReSAL, bringing the number of functional tractors available to the Council to two.
Furthermore, an abandoned and moribund Caterpillar machine was repaired and restored to operational condition. The equipment is now available for emergency road repairs and other public works, reducing dependence on external contractors and helping to conserve public funds.
3. Curbing Revenue Leakages and Improving Accountability
The administration took action against alleged illegal tax racketeering involving Forte Harvest Company, demonstrating its commitment to protecting public revenue and ensuring that collections due to the Council are properly accounted for.
It also addressed the non-remittance of revenue associated with the Utonkon Primary Healthcare Centre mortuary covering the period from 2014 to 2024, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to financial accountability and the recovery of public funds.
4. Environmental Sanitation and Secretariat Rehabilitation
The administration reactivated the direct-labour sanitation arrangement, engaging personnel to improve cleanliness and maintain the Council Secretariat environment.
This intervention restored regular attention to the Secretariat’s surroundings, which had previously suffered from neglect and overgrown vegetation. The administration has continued to prioritise a cleaner, healthier and more functional working environment.
5. Peacebuilding and Security
Recognising that peace is essential to development, Engr. Oche engaged relevant stakeholders in efforts to resolve communal disputes and restore stability in affected communities.
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, a war that started in 2021.
Similar interventions in Ezza-Idelle and Ndeobashi (Ekile District) have ended over five decades-long hostilities. Similar efforts led to the restoration of peace between the Ngbo and the Agila Communities after many years of hostilities.
Ado Local Government was also designated as the Operational Base of Zone C of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, popularly known as Anyam Nyor, with operational coverage extending to nine local government areas. This development has strengthened Ado’s strategic role in the state’s grassroots security architecture. The Chairman has given the squad his full support and handed over the motorbikes provided by the Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, PhD
6. Secretariat Renovation, Furnishing and Electrification
The administration renovated and furnished key offices at the Local Government Secretariat, providing office desks, metal chairs and improved working facilities, including the Chairman’s office.
A major achievement was the restoration of public electricity to the Secretariat after more than 15 years without regular connection to the public power supply. The improvement has enhanced the working environment and supported more effective administrative operations.
7. Healthcare Support and Community Health Initiatives
To strengthen primary healthcare delivery, the administration distributed solar-powered refrigerators to Primary Healthcare Centres to support the preservation of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies.
After commissioning solar-powered lights at the Utonkon Primary Healthcare Centre, the Chairman gave financial support for the extension of electricity to surrounding communities.
In line with the healthcare priorities of the Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia-led Benue State Government, the administration of Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche facilitated free community eye care services in Ado Local Government Area in collaboration with Vision Savers Eye Care Services between 23rd and 26th November 2024. The initiative provided free medical and specialised glasses, eye treatment, and surgical operations to correct diagnosed eye defects, including cataract surgery. This intervention brought essential eye care services closer to residents, particularly those who may otherwise struggle to afford specialised treatment, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving access to healthcare, enhancing the quality of life of the people and complementing the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across Benue State.
In June 2025, the administration participated in the flag-off of the State’s Save One Million Lives (SMC) initiative for children, demonstrating its commitment to public health and the wellbeing of vulnerable residents.
8. Educational Development and Digital Skills Training
Following sustained advocacy and an assessment by the relevant authorities, Government College Utonkon was officially upgraded to Government Technical College Utonkon on January 16, 2026. Governor Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia directed that the necessary work be fast-tracked, marking an important step towards expanding technical and vocational education in Ado LGA.
The administration also facilitated free digital skills, artificial intelligence and robotics training for secondary school students across the five districts of the Local Government. The initiative is designed to equip young people with relevant knowledge and skills for an increasingly technology-driven world.
9. Operation Light Up Ado: Solarisation Programme
Under the Operation Light Up Ado initiative, the administration implemented solar-powered street lighting across all ten wards of the Local Government, covering major streets, public facilities and strategic locations.
The project is designed to improve nighttime visibility, enhance public safety, support commercial activities and create a more secure and welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
The coverage of all ten wards underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and equitable distribution of public infrastructure.
10. Road Infrastructure, Rural Connectivity and Agriculture
The administration supported road and culvert construction in Royongo Ward through the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.
In Ojenyo, 19,000 oil palm seedlings were delivered and planted as part of efforts to promote agricultural development, support livelihoods and encourage sustainable rural economic activity.
The Chairman also supervised the flag-off of the five-kilometre Ado Rural Road Reconstruction Project, with 2.5 kilometres allocated to Igumale, the Local Government headquarters. The project is intended to improve rural accessibility, open up communities and ease the movement of agricultural produce.
In addition, the administration has supported the ongoing reconstruction of the 31.5-kilometre Igumale–Agila Road, which forms part of Governor Alia’s broader road development programme. It is a joint project between the Local Government and the State Government, with the Local Government contributing 40% and the State Government 60% counterpart funds.
The Chairman has continued to monitor the project and advocate for the safety of workers and effective supervision.
The administration has also pursued proposals for the
Otukpo–Utonkon–Igumale and Utonkon–Okpoga roads, which are expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and strengthen economic relations among communities when implemented.
11. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
The administration has undertaken the reconstruction of the WASH building and established a distinct WASH Department to coordinate water, sanitation and hygiene interventions across the Local Government.
The department is expected to strengthen the coordination of borehole projects and water supply, public toilet facilities, environmental sanitation, hygiene education and disease-prevention activities. This institutional arrangement reflects the administration’s recognition of the importance of safe water, proper sanitation and a clean environment to public health.
12. Renewed Efforts Towards Reviving Star Cement Factory, Igumale
As part of its industrial development agenda, the administration inspected the abandoned Star Cement Factory in Igumale and observed the extent of vandalisation, bush overgrowth and fire damage at the facility.
The Chairman subsequently forwarded a report to the Governor, drawing attention to the condition of the factory and the need for appropriate intervention.
On August 25, 2025, two Chinese geologists, Seoul Hong and Lou You, arrived to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the abandoned factory and the proposed site. The assessment formed part of renewed efforts towards exploring a joint venture involving the Benue State Government and a Chinese partner.
The initiative has rekindled hope for the revival of the industrial facility, with the potential to stimulate economic activities, create employment and strengthen the industrial base of Ado Local Government.
13. Distribution of Motorcycles to Legislative and Supervisory Councillors
In a strategic move to strengthen grassroots representation and improve service delivery, Engr. Oche distributed motorcycles to members of the Ado Legislative Council and Supervisory Councillors.
The Chairman described the motorcycles as essential tools that would enable the beneficiaries to expand their coverage of their respective wards and areas of responsibility. He noted that the nature of their assignments often requires urgent responses to pressing community issues, making reliable and readily available transportation indispensable to effective service delivery.
14. Renovation and Restoration of Ado Guest House, Camp 1, Igumale
As part of efforts to rehabilitate public assets and improve the facilities of Ado Local Government Council, the administration of Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche undertook the renovation of the dilapidated and abandoned Ado Guest House at Camp 1, Igumale.
The renovation covered both the interior and exterior of the facility, restoring the building to a functional condition and giving it a significantly improved appearance. The intervention has revitalised the Guest House, making it available for its intended purpose of receiving and accommodating official guests of the Local Government whenever necessary.
15. Youth Inclusion and Leadership Development
The Oche administration has provided opportunities for young people to participate in governance through appointments as aides and members of various committees.
This deliberate inclusion is intended to give young people practical experience in public administration, promote leadership development and encourage their active participation in community development.
16. Reconnecting Communities to the Electricity Grid: An Infrastructure Upgrade for Improved Power Supply
The administration of Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche has taken a significant step towards improving electricity supply in Ado Local Government Area through an upgrade of the 33kV electricity network. The installation of a 33kV gang isolator at Rijo is expected to strengthen the distribution network and improve power supply to Ogi, Ikpomolokpo, Watuolo and Rijo communities, which have experienced longstanding electricity challenges.
This intervention underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs and improving the quality of life of the people. By strengthening electricity infrastructure, the Oche-led administration seeks to support local businesses, enhance essential services and create better conditions for economic activities, in alignment with the development agenda of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State.
17. Stakeholder Engagement and Traditional Institutions
The administration has maintained an open-door approach to governance, engaging community leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and other interest groups on matters affecting the Local Government.
These engagements have helped promote dialogue, strengthen relationships with traditional institutions, improve political coordination and encourage collective participation in the development of Ado.
The Chairman has also continued to support relevant political and community activities aimed at fostering unity, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to the progress of the Local Government.
18. 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.
Two years into the administration of Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche, Ado Local Government has recorded interventions spanning institutional reforms, revenue generation, asset recovery, infrastructure, security, healthcare, education, sanitation, agriculture, youth development, grassroots representation and the rehabilitation of public facilities.
While recognising that more work remains to be done, the administration’s efforts reflect a commitment to strengthening local governance, improving public service delivery and creating an enabling environment for community development.
The Local Government Council is committed to consolidating the gains recorded, addressing existing challenges and pursuing initiatives that will improve the lives of the good people of Ado Local Government Area.
The mission of the elected local government executive council is restated with a clear vision to serve with sincerity, rebuild with integrity and leave Ado better than we met it.
The Chairman also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his continued support to Ado Local Government, acknowledging the Governor’s timely interventions and assistance in several areas that have contributed to the Council’s developmental efforts.
SOURCE:
Information from Ado Local Government Council, and findings from the verification of projects, programmes and activities initiated and carried out in Ado Local Government Area by the Sunny Oche-led local government council, 2026.
Dr. Mkor Aondona
Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy, Research and Documentation
