The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government of Benue State, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, has described the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru-Jos, Plateau State, as Nigeria’s foremost national think tank responsible for grooming strategic leaders and shaping policy direction.
In a press statement made available to The Voice on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Joshua Otene, Prince Ogiri gave this remark on Thursday at the Och’Idoma Palace, Otukpo when he hosted participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47, 2025, from the institute, who were on a study tour of Benue State.
Prince Ogiri expressed deep appreciation to the visitors for considering his council for their study tour, stressing that the visit would be of tremendous benefit to the students and the local government. According to the statement, “The chairman said the Local Study Tour would further enrich the participants’ field knowledge and offer valuable insight into sustainable development practices across Benue State.”
Earlier, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Ogbodo Elaigwu, thanked them for the courtesy call. Represented by the First-Class Chief for Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo, His Royal Highness, Chief George Ede, the Och’Idoma described Benue State as an appropriate destination for studying the Blue Economy, given its significant inland water resources, especially the River Benue, which he said offers vast potential for economic and environmental exploration.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Power, and Blue Economy, Barr. Omale Omale, noted that the homage to the Och’Idoma was both fitting and commendable, as the revered monarch remains a beacon of traditional wisdom and a custodian of the rich heritage of the Idoma people.
Responding, the visitors expressed delight at the warm reception they had received since their arrival in the state, noting that they were received at Gboko the previous day by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse. The visit to Otukpo was part of the participants’ Local Study Tour itinerary, conducted under the theme: “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.”
The visiting delegation comprised 42 course p
