The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has congratulated the Och’Idoma-elect, Pastor John Elaigwu Odogbo, on his election as the Idoma nation’s 5th paramount ruler.
Governor Ortom received the Och’Idoma-elect on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, when he was presented to him by the selection committee, which was led by Commissioner for Housing, Chief Ekpe Ogbu.
The Governor prayed that God would anoint the new paramount ruler so that he would be able to carry out his duties effectively, while also pledging his administration’s continued support for the traditional institution.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, fairness, and equity at all times, emphasizing that as a member of one of the state’s poorest communities, he will always allow God’s will to prevail.
The Governor also congratulated the selection committee, kingmakers, and all stakeholders for their contributions to the new Och’Idoma’s emergence.
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Governor Ortom stated that the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers will be established soon after the coronation of the new Och’Idoma for effective administration of the traditional institution in the state.
Pastor John Elaigwu Odogbo, the Och’Idoma-elect, said in a statement that he would not betray the trust placed in him by his election.
While presenting the Och’Idoma-elect to the Governor, team leader of the selection committee, Chief Ekpe Ogbu, said the election was transparent and peaceful.
He explained that the Och’Idoma-elect received 19 votes out of the three contestants who advanced to the final round, defeating his closest rival, Arc. Sunday Echono, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, received eight votes, while Andrew Idakwu received one vote out of the total of 28.
The Och’Idoma-elect, a member of the Deeper Life Christian denomination, was born on March 27, 1969, to Mr. Elaigwu Ekoja’s family in Obagaji, the headquarters of the Agatu local government area in Benue State.
The new Och’Idoma earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria in 1994 and a master’s degree in business administration from Benue State University in 2012.
The new Och’Idoma has a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from National Teacher Institute, as well as an M.Sc in Accounting and Finance from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCITN) in 2001, a Fellow Certified National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA) in 2002, and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) as an associate member.
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Comrade Pst Elaigwu began his professional career with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, where he rose to the position of Assistant Director after 23 years of service.
He also served in a number of capacities within the organization, including Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria for two terms between 2004 and 2012.
From 2012 to July 2018, he was also the National Exofficio of the same Association.
His Royal Majesty Elaigwu is an erudite trainer (FIRS resource person) and a thorough professional with extensive experience in taxation and accounting gained through international training and development.
