The Idoma Area Traditional Council under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Dr. Elaigwu John Odugbo Obagaji yesterday conferred the Chieftaincy title of OYALEWA K ‘IDOMA (The benefactor of Idomaland) on Chief Abba Adaudu and other illustrious sons and daughters of Benue state and Nigeria at large.
In a colourful event celebrating the monarch second year anniversary on the throne at the majestic Och’Idoma’s place in Otukpo, the paramount ruler revealed that the decision to honour some distinguished Nigerians was informed by their tremendous contributions to not only Idomaland but Benue state and Nigeria at large.
He congratulated Adaudu and other honorees, urging them to continue with their good works that set them out among others and made them worthy of the traditional titles.
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr Sam Ode and in his speech, felicitated with the Och’Idoma on his 2nd year anniversary on the throne and other awardees for their feats, assuring Benue people of more positive impacts of good governance.
The Tor-Tiv and Chairman, Benue State Council of Chiefs, HRM. Prof James Ortese Ayatse in his Goodwill message also congratulated the Och’Idoma on his 2nd year Coronation anniversary and the awardees harping on the continued growth and cordial relationship between the Tiv and Idoma people of the state.
The Chairman of the occasion and Former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defence, Chief Mike Onoja, hailed the Och’Idoma for the successful occasion and the honorees for their recognition, wishing all the guests memory filled event.
Other honorees who were conferred with various Chieftaincy titles at the elaborate and well attended occasion include; The Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Hyacinth Iormem Alia, his Deputy, Barr Sam Ode, Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs Lami Danladi Ogenyi, Hon. Nick Eworo, Barr Godwin Odumu Obla and Chief Francis Alochu Ikpobu,
Others are Hon. Ojema Ojotu, Chief Bright Igodo Ogaji, Dr Ameh Idoko, Prof Innocent Ujah, Dr Agada Boniface Apochi, Barr Paul Samuel Edeh, Chairman, Capt. Patrick Agwo Olonto, Hon Michael Ogblegba, Hon Aminu Suleiman, Dr Silas Ochejele, John Aboh Otse and King Mohammed Odeh Ochacho.
Chief Abba Adaudu who spoke on behalf of other honourees thanked the paramount ruler and the entire traditional council for the honour done on them stressing that the recognition will even spur them to make more necessary contributions for the development of the land and to the glory of God.
The Akwewa born philanthropist, Chartered Accountant and business mogul was accompanied to the occasion by his wife, Mrs Joy Abba, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo who was represented by Hon Abdulramin Egidi of the National Assembly and a large entourage of very important personalities from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Kogi and Benue State as well as other parts of the county.
High points of the occasion was the hosting of entourage to an elaborate reception at his country home of Ejor in Akpa Community of Otukpo Local Government Area where rich cultural display saturated the arena.
