The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Engr. Sunny Oche, attended the 2026 Ujor (New Yam) Festival at Ijigban, describing the annual cultural celebration as an important occasion for thanksgiving, unity and the preservation of the people’s cultural heritage.
The Chairman attended the colourful festival alongside the Leader of the Ado Legislative House, Hon. Agbo Adadu; the Majority Leader, Francis Ojoko Ede, Esq.; the Chief Whip, Queen Oganya Attah; the Chief Protocol Officer to the Chairman and son of the soil, Hon. Moses Onumah; the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Justice Ogaba; and other members of his entourage.
Engr. Oche and his delegation were received by the APC Senatorial Candidate for the 2027 General Election, Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, who was accompanied by the House of Representatives aspirant for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Anthony Agom, a serving member of the Benue State House of Assembly representing Okpokwu State Constituency.
In his welcome remarks, the Clan Head of Onogwu and Aiokpan, Chief Basil Obande, expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s presence and commended him for what he described as his commitment to responsible leadership and grassroots engagement.
The Ujor Festival is an annual celebration of thanksgiving for a successful harvest, marked by traditional rites, feasting and communal gatherings. It forms part of a series of cultural activities observed by the people during the season, including Ere Onunu, which is traditionally associated with the cleansing of the land and preparation for the New Yam Festival.
The celebration brings together sons and daughters of Ijigban and surrounding communities from within and outside the locality. This year’s event attracted prominent political and community figures, including two aspirants to the National Assembly, and provided an opportunity for the people to celebrate their cultural identity and strengthen communal bonds.
Speaking at the occasion, Engr. Sunny Oche expressed delight at participating in the festival and reaffirmed his commitment to remaining connected with the people at the grassroots.
The Chairman highlighted key interventions of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, PhD, in Ado Local Government, including the planned reconstruction of the Otukpo–Utonkon–Igumale road and efforts to revamp the cement factory at Igumale.
He also noted the ongoing work at Government Technical College Utonkon, formerly Government College Utonkon, as part of efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education in the area.
Engr. Oche further commended the Governor for the recent flag-off of a five-kilometre internal road project in Igumale and the allocation of 2.5 kilometres of the project to the community. He noted that the intervention was particularly significant to Igumale as the headquarters of Ado Local Government.
On security, the Chairman informed the gathering of the deployment of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, code-named Anyam Nyor, with its headquarters in Ado and operational coverage extending across the nine Local Government Areas in Zone C.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the protection of communities against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities. He stated that the presence of the security outfit had contributed to a reduction in criminal threats across the Local Government, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the appropriate security authorities.
The Chairman also disclosed that Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo had expressed his intention to reconstruct the Igumale–Ijigban road, which he previously facilitated during his tenure in the National Assembly.
He called on the people to support candidates across the political structure and encouraged them to give appropriate consideration to the aspiration of Hon. Anthony Agom for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, while describing Hon. Ottah Agbo as a son of the soil.
Engr. Oche concluded his remarks by announcing financial support for the traditional institution, women and youths, the media, and the Local Government party executive.
The gesture was received with appreciation by the organisers and participants, with the Chairman receiving a warm ovation from the gathering.
The festival ended in an atmosphere of conviviality, cultural celebration and communal fellowship, with songs and goodwill expressed in appreciation of the Chairman’s presence and support for the people of Ijigban.
Signed,
Innocent Igelle, cLMiH, mPPSN, MCAI
PPS to the Chairman
08065365371
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