The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Engr. Sunny Oche, has attended the 2026 Ujor Festival of the Agila people, an annual cultural gathering that brings the community together to celebrate the New Yam Festival, give thanks for a bountiful harvest, and offer prayers for continued peace, prosperity and a successful farming season.
The Chairman was warmly received at the event by the President General of the Agila Development Association (ADA), Hon. Attah Echo, before proceeding with his entourage to pay homage to the Otse Agila, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Orinya Egwurube, who expressed delight at the Chairman’s presence. Other traditional rulers were accorded their honour accordingly.
A major highlight of the Chairman’s arrival was an impressive guard of honour mounted by the Agila Warriors, featuring traditional spears and a woven basket symbolising the war shield of the Agila people of old. The cultural display also served as a solemn commemoration of the heroes and heroines of Agila, whose sacrifices and contributions remain an enduring part of the community’s history and identity.
The occasion was graced by prominent traditional and community leaders, including Chief Dr Mike Okibe Onoja (Agama Y’Agila and Akanaba K’Idoma), Chief John Otse Aboh (Odojor Y’Agila), HRH George Aboh Ede (Otse Enone), Chief Otse Otokpa (Otse Ojira Y’Agila), Vet. Peter Otokpa (IPP, ADA), Mr Joseph Agbese (Suna), among others.
In a significant highlight of the celebration, the Chairman was specially honoured with the highest honour to an individual by the Anya Ayi Olaje Women’s Group in recognition of his role as the Chief Executive and first citizen of Ado Local Government Area, particularly his commitment to peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among the people.
The women expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s presence, describing it as a demonstration of honour and respect for the Agila people. As part of the traditional decoration, the Chairman was decorated with a wrapper, an apparel traditionally associated with the dignity and status of elders, further underscoring the significance of the recognition.
Addressing the gathering, Engr. Sunny Oche assured the people of Agila of his administration’s commitment to the timely completion of the Igumale–Agila Road reconstruction project.
He explained that the pace of work had been affected by the rainy season but assured the people that construction would resume immediately after the rains, with the road to be fully asphalted within its designated scope.
The Chairman also announced the planned flag-off of the construction of 5-kilometre roads across Ado Local Government Area in the coming days. He disclosed that several road locations had already been identified and marked across the Local Government, noting that the intervention would improve accessibility, enhance economic activities and provide relief to farmers who often experience difficulties transporting their agricultural produce to markets, particularly during the rainy season.
He specifically assured the people of Agila that the community would benefit from the road intervention, describing improved rural connectivity as essential to enhancing economic activities and easing the movement of agricultural produce.
Engr. Oche expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his administration’s commitment to opening up the State for greater commerce, investment and economic development.
He particularly commended the Governor’s road infrastructure initiatives and the Operation Light Up Benue programme, which he noted have continued to deliver tangible benefits to communities across the State.
The Chairman further expressed appreciation to the Governor for the planned revamping of the Benue Star Cement Factory in Igumale, describing the initiative as a significant step towards stimulating industrial activity, creating economic opportunities and strengthening the economic prospects of the area.
Before departing the venue, Engr. Sunny Oche presented cash donations to the traditional council, women and youths of Agila as part of his support for the successful celebration.
He congratulated the people of Agila on the successful hosting of the 2026 Ujor Festival and prayed for continued peace, unity, good health and prosperity. He expressed the hope that God would preserve the people to witness many more editions of the historic festival.
The Chairman’s participation in the 2026 Ujor Festival underscores his administration’s commitment to respecting and promoting the cultural heritage of the diverse communities of Ado Local Government Area, while strengthening unity, peaceful coexistence and meaningful engagement with traditional and community institutions.
Signed,
Rotr. Innocent Igelle, cLMiH, mPPSN, MCAI
Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman
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