Okpokwu Local Government Area
Okpokwu local government was created out of the former Idoma Native Authority in 1976 as a result of the local government reforms throughout Nigeria by the then Obasanjo administration.
The local government which derives its name from the River Okpokwu, has since then given birth to two other local governments namely:
- Ado Local Government Area in 1989, and
- Ogbadibo Local Government Area in 1991.
Headquarters:
Okpoga
Location from Makurdi, Benue State Capital:
Located about one hundred and seventy (170 km) kilometers Southwest of Makurdi Local Government Area, the state capital.
Borders:
- Ohimini Local Government Area on the North,
- Ogbadibo Local Government Area on its Western end,
- Ado and Otukpo Local Government Area on the East,
- Isiuzo Local Government of Enugu state on the South, and Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi state on the North West.
Population:
Following the annulment of the 1991 census figure of the local government area by the census tribunal, a projection of the 1963 head count puts the population of Okpokwu local government at over 250,000.
Districts:
- Edumoga,
- Okpoga, and
- Ichama
Council wards:
Twelve council wards
Vegetation:
The vegetation of the local government is that of a transition between the deciduous rain forest of Eastern Nigeria on the Southern part of the local government, and the grassland Savannah towards the North. The local government is surrounded by uphill stretching through the Northern part, while the lowland has fadamas fit for wet cultivation. This makes the local government home for the cultivation of arid tubers and grain crops found in the middle belt. this natural blessing makes the adoption of the veritable occupation of farming a general occupation in the area.
The people are predominantly farmers, sowing various food crops in virtually all the areas of the local government.
Farm produce:
Citrus fruits are also found in all parts of Okpokwu local government and are farmed in large quantities.
Others include:
- Guinea corn,
- Maize,
- Soybeans,
- Millet,
- Beni seed,
- Pepper,
- Groundnuts,
- Rice, and
- Cassava (which is mostly exported in form of finished goods; garri to neighbouring states and Cameroon).
Banks:
- Bank of the North, Ugbokolo
- People’s Bank, Ugbokolo, and
- Okpoga Community Bank, Okpoga.
These banks serve the business communities in the area.
Markets:
The local is also blessed with some large markets, which serve the interest of the various market produce in the area. These markets include:
- Afor market, Ugbokolo;
- Ichama, Ede markets in Aliaba, Ede-Okpoga;
- Eke market in Olegbocho, Ai-dogodo and
- Ukwo markets at Okpoga and Adoga.
Finished products sold in various markets includes:
- Palm oil,
- Palm wine,
- Magazine,
- Baskets,
- Brooms and
- Chairs
These markets operate every five days and attract heavy business transactions.
Okpokwu local government has an open-door policy for investment. Prompt land acquisition and the provision of sites and services are readily available. The local government will be on the ground to give adequate security protection to prospective investors.