Oju Local Government Area is among the pioneer local governments among the Three Hundred and One (301) local government areas created as a product of the progressive and revolutionary local government reform of 1976 in Nigeria.
Oju local government is one of the prominent local government in Benue State Nigeria. Igede are the dominant ethnic group in Oju local government and the people speak Igede dialect. Igede people have a rich culture. The traditional rulers have the mandate as custodians of the people’s culture to preserve and promote it, alongside the elders of the communities, individuals, and the local government authorities. The Igede people are accommodating and tolerant of visitors.
Agricultural Produce in Oju: The Oju land is very fertile and about 80% of the inhabitants are farmers. Its rich and diverse agricultural endowment include: yam, rice, beni seed, guinea corn, palm, soya beans, cassava, millet, maize, groundnut, and palm oil. The economy is dependent on agriculture (food and cash crops) produced in commercial quantity. The people of Oju are also involved in: Livestock keeping, Fishing, and Hunting.
The minerals resources in Oju include: Limestone, Precious stone, Bauxite, Coal, Clay, Zinc, and, Salt
Local Government and State that shares boundaries with Oju include:
- North: Obi and Gwer local government
- East: Konshisha local government
- West: Ado local local government
- To the South – Ebonyi and Cross River States of Nigeria
Market in Oju Local Government
Oju currently has five popular markets, namely:
- Ihigile
- Ihio,
- Ihiobila,
- Ihiejwo,
- Ihiokwu
Religion Practice In Oju Local Government
Basically, there are two religions in Oju Local Government Area. The predominant Christianity on one hand and the traditional African religion on the other. The people of Oju are about eighty five percent (85%) Christians and about fifteen (15%) traditional worshippers.
Political Districts and Council Wards
Districts
- Igede Central (Oju I) district / state constituency and
- Uwokwu (Oju II) district / state constituency
Council Wards:
- Adokpa council ward
- Ibilla council ward
- Idelle council ward
- Iyeche council ward
- Oboru Oye council ward
- Oju council ward
- Okpokpo council ward
- Okudu council ward
- Owo council ward
- Ukpa council ward, and
- Ainu council ward
All Time Chairman in Oju Local Government
- Late Hon Ode Obaike – Executive Chairman – 1977 – 1979
- Mr John Ajah – Caretaker Chairman – 1979 – 1980
- Mr Sam Itachu – Caretaker Chairman – 1980 – 1981
- Mr Stephen Otor – Caretaker Chairman – 1981 – 1982
- Sir Benjamin Ugalahi – Caretaker Chairman – 1982 – 1983
- Mr Okanga J Adikpe – Caretaker Chairman – 1983
- Chief John Enyi – Caretaker Chairman – 1985 – 1987
- Chief John Enyi – Executive Chairman – 1987 – 1989
- Hon J Agwoke Oga – Sole Administrator – 1987
- Late Chief Oga Eba – Executive Chairman – 1991 – 1993
- Dr. Ogaga Agocha – Caretaker Chairman – 1994 – 1995
- Dr Edward Ochelle – Executive Chairman – 1996 – 1997
- Hon. David Ona – Executive Chairman – 1997 – 1998
- Hon Godwin Owulo – Executive Chairman – 1999 – 2002
- Mr Eje Idagwu Ogbaji – Caretaker Chairman – 2002 – 2003
- Mr Acha Otiyongo – Caretaker Chairman – 2003 – 2004
- Mr Joel Iji – Caretaker Chairman – 2004
- Hon Acha Atiyongo – Executive Chairman – 2004 – 2006
- Chief Dr. D Ulegede – Caretaker Chairman – 2006 – 2007
- Mrs Alice Eru – Caretaker Chairman – 2007
- Mr Oga Olagi – Caretaker Chairman – 2007 – 2008
- Chief Hon Paulinus G. Ochelle – Executive Chairman – 2008 – date
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