By Florence Ugbem
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on traditional rulers in the state to work towards sustaining peace and stability in their various domains in order to boost economic and social development in the state.
The governor who made the call recently at the grand royal reception organised in honour of His Royal Highness, Chief George Edeh, Oche Enone and Chairman, Ado/Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Intermediate Traditional Area Council by the Ai-Olaje Ado Development Association, at Agboge Public Square, Agila in Ado Local Government Area.
The former Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Chief Otse Otokpa, who delivered the governor’s message at the occasion, urged the royal father to be selfless, forthright and remain non-partisan for the collective good of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo as well as the state and Nigeria at large.
Furthermore, he maintained that his administration would continue to collaborate and support traditional institutions in the state, for the benefit of all and commended the Ai-Olaje Ado Development Association for the elaborate reception, stating that the event would further motivate Chief Edeh for greater service and enhanced peace, unity and development of Enone and the state at large.
In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Idoma nation Och’Idoma, Chief Elias Obekpa, urged the new Och’Enone to ignite the love between the traditional rulers and their subjects in his domain, adding that love and unity remain the bedrock of every society.
The Och’Idoma who was represented by Oche Apa/Agatu, Chief Baba Odangla, stated that the entire Idoma kingdom desires development which he said requires every son and daughter of the land to close ranks to actualise the desired development.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Mike Okibe Onoja, the President, Ai-Olaje Ado Development Association, Elder Daniel Agwu Izenyi, all called for peace unity, and cooperation of the people with the Och’ Enone to achieve the much needed development in the area.
In his response, the Oche Enone, Chief George Edeh thanked the Enone people for their show of love. He also stressed the need for unity among the people and called on them to see each other as one with common problems and aspirations, as well as people that need each other to develop.
Chief Edeh noted that the era of traditional divisiveness in Enone is over, stating that all Enone sons and daughters must work together for the good of the land.