PRESS STATEMENT: OTUKPO CHAIRMAN HAILS GOV. ALIA FOR RESTORING WATER SUPPLY TO OTUKPO, DESCRIBES PROJECT AS LIFE-SAVING
Sunday, 17th August, 2025
The Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Hon. Prince Maxwell Ogiri, FCAI, has expressed deep gratitude to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for reviving the long-abandoned Otobi Water Works and restoring potable water supply to Otukpo after decades of scarcity.
Prince Ogiri, speaking on behalf of the Council and the people of Otukpo, described the intervention as “life-saving and a beacon of hope” that will permanently end years of hardship, where residents were forced to depend on unsafe water sources with dire health and social consequences.
The Otobi Water Works, built by CGC Nigeria Ltd but abandoned by past administrations, has now been revived after Governor Alia approved and paid an outstanding ₦1.57 billion contract debt owed for more than 10 years. With rehabilitation works completed, reticulation across Otukpo township is now at an advanced stage, and clean water is expected to flow into homes and offices before the end of the third quarter of 2025.
The Council boss also commended the Benue State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change for its keen oversight, noting that engineers are already cleaning and flushing overhead tanks to prepare for full supply. The Chairman recalled how, during the last dry season, Governor Alia further showed compassion by releasing water tankers to supply water to people’s homes in a bid to cushion the hardship of residents.
“This project is about health, dignity, and survival. It will save lives, improve sanitation, and boost our local economy. The joy in Otukpo today is beyond measure, and we remain grateful to His Excellency Father Alia for this remarkable intervention,” the Chairman said.
He urged residents to safeguard the facilities against vandalism and abuse, stressing that sustainability is key to preserving the governor’s legacy and ensuring the project serves generations to come.
Signed,
COMRADE JOSHUA OTENE,
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Otukpo LGA