2. Wife the state governor task creative writers to pay greater attention to children’s literature

3. Community leaders and herdsmen in Ado Local Government agree on peaceful coexistence in the area

4. National assembly to expunge provisions in the police act which infringe on rights of women

Constructions of Och’Idoma Palace

The Idoma area traditional council Wednesday approved the architectural design for reconstruction and renovation of the Och’Idoma palace in Otukpo local government.

The council led by Och’Idoma Ogaba Idu Elias Obekpa gave the approval when state deputy governor Engr. Benson Abounu led other government officials to the palace for input on the final architectural design.

Engr. Abounu said the approval for the design was delayed since the Och’Idoma was indisposed during an earlier visit to seek his input and stated that the initial design was done in 2018.

He added that the design which was modified to reflect the present realities has several features that benefit the status of paramount ruler of the Idoma nation and the reconstruction was to commerce immediately.

Also speaking, the contractor and managing director of Intra Engineering Tucking Ltd, Engr. Agaba Ikwe explained that the edifice will contain the main palace, administrative building, services quarters and clinic with facilities such as gym, library and a museum.

Commenting, the Och’Idoma Ogaba Idu Obekpa thanked the Ortom administration for the project which he said was heartwarming and praised the deputy governor for his interest in execution of the job with assurance of support from the Idoma area traditional council towards the construction when the work begins.

It was reported that the deputy governor after the visit received at his Otukpo residence a textile designer Mr. Justine Onehi who got national attention for bean cake business popularly known as “AKara” after granting interview to foreign organization which was aired on national television. Engr. Abounu encouraged and rewarded Mr. Onehi for his perseverance in the face of adversity.

Responding, the textile designer thanked the deputy governor for the gesture which he said will spur him to improve on the Akara business.

Dr. Eunice Ortom calls for greater attention to children’s literature

Wife of the state governor Dr. Eunice Ortom has charged writers to devote greater attention to children literature that could help them grow into patriotic, useful member of the society. Mrs. Ortom gave the charge Wednesday at the NUJ house Makurdi during the public presentation and launch of the book “The Holiday Camp” written by the state chairman of the association of the Nigerian author ANA Mr. Paul Oga, enjoined author to encourage positive societal values in their works.

Represented by the coordinator of her pet project Eunice spring of life foundation Mr. Tine Agenu, the state first lady promised that the foundation would continue to support projects that would attract positive development to the people of the state. She describe Mr. Oga as an author dedicated to development of the society especially through his work on children literature and commended him for his efforts.

Also speaking, chairman of the association Major Emmanuel Agaku represented by Terfa Tsetim said the author who was his classmate in secondary school had always proven to be exceptional in whatever he did adding that the book reflected some of their experience in school.

On their part, the chairlady and general manager of harvest FM Mrs. Christine Okpachu represented by head of news Emmanuel Gwaza, the vice chairlady and permanent secretary Ministry of works Mrs. Margaret Ikpe described the author as a passionate lover of children’s literature and expressed hope that the book would go a long way in helping many lives while Bishop Uba Udenyi and Right Reverend Peter Ikwulono represented by Very Rev. Philip Edeh expressed confidence in the writer’s ability to reshape the society in line with the values of the people.

Also speaking, director news and current affairs Radio Benue Igba Ogbole, director programs and legal adviser of ANA Mrs. Onyanyi Ulegede, former state chairmen of ANA Elvis Ogenyi and Sam Ogaba Idu as well as the president of Opiatoha K’Idoma chief Elaigwu Abutu acknowledged the author’s passion for mentoring writers and urged him not to relent.

Speaking on behalf of ANA Benue, the vice chairman of the association Mrs. Regina Achienege who reviewed the book, also praised the author for never relenting in ensuring that children were not left out of every reading campaign and expressed confidence that under his leadership, the literary body would continue to make meaningful progress.

Ado local government: community leaders and herdsmen agree peaceful coexistence

Leaders, other stakeholders and herdsmen in Ado local government have agreed to terms that would enhance peaceful coexistence and checks security concerns in the area.

The agreement was reached Wednesday at a critical stakeholder’s meeting held in the wake of protest in Ukwonyo district of the local government by the Ado indigenous women over their suffering from criminal activities such as rape, unprovoked attacks and kidnapping making it difficult for them to attend to their farms and meet the daily needs of their families.

The women ended the protest following the intervention of the chairman of the council, James Oche who promised to convey a meeting to address their grievances. Addressing the meeting, Mr. Oche expressed appreciation to the women for their understanding and the stakeholders for attending the meeting and making conscious efforts towards ending the lingering problem permanently.

In separate remarks, the state secretary of Myeti Allah cattle breeders association Jerry Adamu and the leader of Ado herdsmen Alhaji Ibro said the concern of the women were real and promised to cooperate with the leadership of the local government to ensure peace.

The duo noted that some of the security challenges were instigated by outsiders to create discord between the herdsmen and their host community. He promised to personally move against any such person including even his members who would want to create problem for them.

The meeting agreed that open grazing prohibition and ranching establishment law of the state, would continue to be respected and that all herdsmen and members of their families within the area must be known and register with the ward heads in addiction, the meeting resolved that anyone who cause destruction or engage in criminality or any act capable of threatening the peace and security of the area, would be held responsible.

National assembly to expunge provision in the police act that infringe on rights of women

The national assembly has expressed its readiness to amend the constitution to ensure gender party and enact laws to improve fortunes of women girls in Nigeria. This was just as the senator resolved to expunge provisions of the law as contained in the police ALF federal character law electoral act, law act and political constitutions which infringed on the rights of women in Nigeria.

The decision was conveyed amidst resolution reached on Wednesday during plenary when the upper chamber considered the motion on the 2021 international women’s day celebration with the theme: Women in the leadership and equal feature in Covid-19 world.

The motion was sponsored by Senator Betty Opiafi of rivers west and co-sponsored by Senator Aisha Ahmed Adamawa central, Oluyemi Tinubu Lagos Central, Biodu Olujeri Ekiti South, Okum Iyiake Akwa Ibom South among others.