By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Engineer Oche Sunday Oche, has commended Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia for ongoing electrification projects across the council area, describing them as impactful and people-oriented.

Oche spoke while receiving the first batch of solar panels for the commencement of a street solarisation project across the 10 wards of the local government.

The council chairman recalled that his administration had earlier distributed more than 50 solar panels to communities across the area, noting that the latest delivery would further strengthen efforts to improve lighting infrastructure in Ado.

According to him, the project was made possible by Governor Alia’s commitment to local government autonomy, which he said has empowered the 23 local government chairmen in Benue State to operate independently and deliver development at the grassroots.

He described the arrival of the solar panels as another milestone in the Alia administration’s efforts to improve public infrastructure, enhance security and promote sustainable development across communities in the state.

Oche assured residents that installation of the panels would begin immediately, stating that all necessary arrangements had been concluded to ensure swift deployment.

The solarisation project, tagged “Operation Light Up Ado,” is designed to provide reliable and environmentally friendly street lighting across the local government area.

According to the chairman, the initiative will transform public spaces, improve night-time visibility and create a safer environment for residents, businesses, commuters and visitors.

He added that by leveraging renewable energy, the project would reduce dependence on conventional electricity while ensuring uninterrupted lighting in strategic locations. He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Alia’s broader vision of expanding critical infrastructure and improving access to electricity across Benue communities.

Highlighting other ongoing projects, Oche pointed to the Igumale–Agila Road, which is currently at the asphalting stage, plans for the construction of a five-kilometre road network within Ado, and the ongoing construction of the Ojoma-Ojeyan Road in Ronyo Ward.

On agriculture and healthcare, he disclosed that 19,000 palm tree seedlings had been distributed to farmers across the 10 wards of the local government, while more than 19 solar power units had been procured for primary healthcare centres to provide stable electricity for vaccine storage and other medical services.

He appealed to residents to remain patient and continue supporting the administration, assuring them that the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises.

Meanwhile, the group Benue For Good Governance, through its President, Chief Joel Apine, commended Oche’s achievements and urged other local government chairmen in the state to emulate his efforts in infrastructure development, electricity, healthcare and agriculture.