Okpebholo approves abandoned Ikpoba River Hotel for take-off of 83 Division

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the abandoned Ikpoba River Hotel as a temporary facility for the newly established 83 Division of the Nigerian Army in Benin.

The facility, located opposite the Ikpoba River in Temboga community, Upper Mission, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, is currently undergoing rehabilitation ahead of the division’s operational take-off.

The hotel project was originally approved by the late Brig.-Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, former Military Governor of the defunct Mid-Western State, between 1967 and 1975.

About 20 three- and four-storey buildings constructed as part of the project, alongside the Ikpoba River Dam, were subsequently abandoned by successive administrations.

The abandoned site later became overgrown and was reportedly used as a hideout by hoodlums and other criminals.

Okpebholo, who inspected rehabilitation work at the facility on Monday, said the temporary barracks would be ready within two weeks.

“The new Division is coming to Edo State, so work is already in progress. Cleaning of the environment is already ongoing, while the existing structures are being worked on,” he said.

“The barracks and everything will be ready in the next two weeks. We are sure of progress, and a lot of work will be done here.”

The governor said the ongoing work included environmental sanitation, rehabilitation of existing structures and other preparations required for the military’s occupation of the facility.

He added that the contractor had assured him of deploying additional bulldozers to accelerate the work.

“This will enhance the pace of work and ensure the quick delivery of what we expect here,” Okpebholo said.

He explained that the rehabilitation of existing buildings would proceed alongside other construction activities, adding that the state had alternative temporary office spaces available should the Army require them.

Also speaking, Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, said the inspection followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive, conveyed through the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the operationalisation of the 83 Division.

Balogun disclosed that a team from Army Headquarters had inspected the facility several days earlier as part of efforts to implement the directive.

“Between the last time we came here, about four or five days ago, and now, we have seen tremendous work ongoing in that regard. I want to thank the Governor for that, and we believe that within the shortest possible time, this place will be ready for the immediate operationalisation of the division as pronounced,” he said.

President Tinubu had earlier approved the establishment of four new Army divisions — 5 Division in Makurdi, 9 Division in Ilorin, 10 Division in Jalingo and 83 Division in Benin.

However, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has appealed for the relocation of the 83 Division to Delta State, arguing that it would better serve Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states and strengthen the protection of oil facilities in Delta and Bayelsa.

Dear Vows