Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue state, on Tuesday inaugurated the 35-Kilometer Okpoga- Idoba – Ichama Federal Rural Electrification project in Ichama, Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was facilitated by Rep. Francis Agbo, from Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.
Ortom, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Benson Abounu, expressed regret that successive governments have failed the Ichama community by not providing them with electricity from the beginning.
He noted that Ichama, which is one of the 22 oldest traditional districts in Idoma land, will be without electricity until 2022.
“Ichama district is one of the oldest in Idoma history. It is a community that has produced famous Nigerians.
“They have been deprived of their rights because successive governments have failed. It is very difficult to determine exactly who is responsible for the delay in the supply of electricity in Ichama.
“I know very well that even small communities, even my own community for example which is not the district headquarters, got electricity more than 20 years ago.
“This is exactly what those who represent us in government or those who are in government should do for their communities.” said.
He therefore commended Agbo for not only promising during the 2019 campaign to provide electricity to the community, but also ensuring that he kept his promise to the people of Ichama.
Earlier, Agbo said he was only fulfilling his campaign promises.
Agbo explained that he had promised to alleviate the “Enone” of his constituency, during his campaign and what he did.
According to him, every ward in Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency is now lit or will be next month.
He said that he plans to deliberate to ensure that his people get social amenities, to increase political awareness.
However, the lawmaker revealed that the secret to getting a lot in his first term was aggressive lobbying.
“The House of Representatives is the place to send the best players. I promised to relieve Enone and that’s exactly what I did.
“Besides Ichama, there is electricity for the residents of Owokpa, Otukpa, Oworikpa etc. The Adigan community will get light in the 2023 budget.
“Apart from this electrification project, I have also attracted the first and largest Agro processing plant in the whole of North Central to my constituency and it is ready for use.
Meanwhile, the President, Ichama Unity Forum (IUF), Mr. Lawrence Ogwuche, has commended the legislature for the execution of the landmark project.
Ogwuche said the realization of this dream is now history in all its ramifications as it will surely improve the economic and social life of the people.
“I am more than confident that the completion and commissioning of this laudable project now will create more job opportunities and employment opportunities for the youth in abundance.”
On his part, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, said it was satisfying to see Ichama community benefiting from the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Project.
In an auspicious message, Mr. Owuno Okoh, Ichama District Chief, said since the beginning, this is the first time Ichama has witnessed a federal presence.
“Ichama people will be among the 22 districts that have electricity in Idoma land now after many years of existence.
“This day will be remembered from generation to generation and Ichama people are ready to protect this project given by Agbo.”