The Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Chief Hon. Pst. Ojotu Ojema, PhD, FESMI, has assured the people of Oiji and Akpete/Ojantele Council Wards in Apa Local Government Area of continued attention to development projects and the equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy.
Ojema gave the assurances on Monday, September 21, 2026, during his “Thank-You Tour” of the two council wards. He also pledged continued effective representation in the Green Chamber if elected for a second term in the 11th National Assembly. Speaking while interacting with traditional rulers, APC ward executives, members, youths, women and support groups, the lawmaker explained that the tour was undertaken for three major reasons: to appreciate the people for their unwavering support before, during and after the recently concluded APC primary election that produced him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election; to officially inform constituents of his nomination; and to promote reconciliation and reintegration of aggrieved party members ahead of the 2027 polls.
He noted that his administration had recorded several achievements in his first term and assured the people that he would continue to pursue projects and programmes aimed at improving their welfare. Ojema said he had facilitated the employment of 72 people into federal agencies, including youths from the two council wards, and expressed his commitment to pursuing additional employment opportunities. He also thanked aggrieved party members who had returned to the APC following an earlier reconciliation meeting with Apa stakeholders in Makurdi, assuring them of equal treatment.
Addressing those advocating for an “Apa Turn” agenda, Ojema stated that it is Apa Turn for more employment opportunities, empowerment programmes, development projects, scholarships, boreholes, free JAMB and WAEC registration and other federal interventions. He promised to give attention to requests presented by the communities, particularly concerning the poor condition of roads, insecurity, more empowerment and employment opportunities.
At Oiji Market Square, Ojema and his entourage were received by APC leaders in the ward led by the Chairman, Hon. Okopi Inalegwu, who commended him for commencing the tour with Oiji and said the ward had united behind him and the APC. The Councillor representing Oiji Ward, Hon. Otole Ewaoche, Apa APC Woman Leader Hon. Mrs. Favour Obiye Enokela, Elder Ada Ale (who spoke on behalf of party elders), Comr. Sunday Otiya (Oiji Youth Leader) and Hon. Ngbede Eche (Apa Coordinator of the Apa/Agatu Ward-to-Ward Movement for Ojema) separately commended the lawmaker’s appreciation and reconciliation initiative, assuring him of a landslide victory in 2027. They appealed for the rehabilitation of the Oiji-Idada and Oiji-Ologbeche roads.
At the Och’Oiji Palace, Ojema was received by the Acting Och’Oiji, HRH Chief William Antenyi, Chief Joseph Abogonye Enenche (District Head of Oiji) and Chief Inalegwu Anuga (Clan Head of Idada). The traditional leaders commended Ojema’s interventions in the ward, drew his attention to the condition of local roads and assured him of their total support.
In Ojantele/Akpete Ward, Ojema was received at the Och’Ojantele Palace by the Traditional Ruler of the community, HRH Chief Emmanuel Edoh, District Head of Ojantele/Akpete Chief Alexander Ada’Oya, and Clan Head of Akpete, HRH Chief Acheme Andrew. The traditional rulers commended Ojema’s unprecedented achievements during his first term and said they had decided to give him another term for more dividends of democracy. They appealed for greater attention to security challenges, particularly during the dry season, the condition of federal roads and employment opportunities. They also appreciated his intervention on the Ojantele Dam and urged him to remain focused despite criticism on social media.
The Apa LGA Chairman, Hon. Adams Ogwola, represented by the Council Secretary, Hon. Nath Oloche, thanked Ojema for organising the tour and called on party members to support APC candidates in the 2027 elections. The immediate past APC State Chairman in Benue, Hon. Benjamin Omakolo, commended Ojema for using the tour to appreciate constituents and said the best option for the House of Representatives seat to return to Apa is to re-elect Ojema, Governor Hyacinth Alia, President Tinubu and all other APC candidates. The APC State Welfare Secretary, Archbishop Kefas Okwori, former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Hon. Dan Ale, and Senior Legislative Aide to the House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Dan Ogbeche Odaudu separately expressed confidence in Ojema’s prospects for a second term. Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Community Relations and Mobilisation, Hon. Idris Ojimbili, also congratulated Ojema on his nomination and commended the people of the wards for their support.
Earlier, the APC Chairman of Apa LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Abutu, praised Ojema for embarking on the Thank-You Tour, noting that his earlier peace and reconciliation meeting with APC stakeholders was already yielding positive results by bringing members together ahead of the 2027 elections. The tour also featured the defection of members of other political parties to the APC, who were received by Archbishop Kefas Okwori on behalf of the APC State Chairman, Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale. Other highlights included praise songs, cultural performances by singers, drummers and dancers, and commendations from youths, widows and other beneficiaries who spoke about Ojema’s efforts to involve constituents in his programmes and activities.
