Benue government intervenes in Oko community erosion problem

By Ede Ogaba Ede

Benue State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu has assured the people of Oko clan in Orokam district of Ogbadibo local government area that the problem of gully erosion ravaging their community will receive the needed attention of the Benue State government.

Engr Abounu spoke today while receiving a delegation of Opiatoha Oko Development Association led by its National President, Chief Joseph Obekpa at his office at the Benue Peoples’ House, Makurdi.

He directed the state Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Engr Dondo Ahire, who was there during the courtesy call to undertake an assessment visit to the area to do an on-the-spot assessment of the extent of the devastation with a view to taking necessary action.

Engr Abounu, who thanked the people of Orokam for their consistent support for the government said the Ortom administration is working hard to make life more meaningful for the people.

Earlier, the leader of delegation, Chief Joseph Obekpa expressed the joy of the Oko, Orokam people on the well-deserved victory of Governor Samuel Ortom in the March 2019 Governorship election as well as the tribunal and court of Appeal judgments.

They thanked Engr Abounu and Governor Ortom for the appointment of their son, Chief Tony Egwu as Executive Secretary. Benue State Health Insurance Agency and assured them that he will deliver on the job creditably to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Chief Obekpa, who complained about the devastation caused by the menace of gully erosion in the community, and the danger to houses and the link road to Orokam centre, called on the government to urgently come to their aid.

He also appealed for the up-grading of the dispensary at Court-Oko to bring health care services to the people as well as the provision of potable water.

Mrs Veronica Onyeke, Benue State Head of Service and indigene of Orokam attended the meeting, together with Hon. Joseph Odaudu, Hon. James Uloko and Barr. Jacob Ogwuche, all special advisers to the governor.