Home-boy; Dr. Oche Victor-Elias was not among the children of his generation that were born with a silver spoon. Hailing from the serene agrarian community of Igumale in Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, he was raised by a disciplinarian father, the late Sir Oche Godwin Oche, a respected school teacher.
From an early age, Elias embraced the ethos famously captured by John Ruskin: “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.” That principle became his compass through life’s many challenges.
Elias’ path was far from easy, but he never wavered. Armed with determination and a resilient spirit, he held fast to his dreams, believing that where there is a will , there’s a way.
His perseverance yielded dividend when last week, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Eliagwu Odogbo John, the Och’Idoma V, honoured him with the prestigious title of ‘Osiloma K’Idoma’, meaning “The Rightful One is Born.”
The conferment of the chieftaincy title held at the Och’Idoma Square in Otukpo, Benue State, was a moment of pride and recognition. Elias was the centre of attraction as he was celebrated by his people.
The Och’Idoma praised him in glowing terms, calling him a worthy son of the Idoma Nation. “Your hard work, dedication, and leadership skills have paid off,” the monarch declared. “Your vision and passion will inspire generations to come. The Idoma Traditional Area Council wishes you continued success and recognition.”
The President of the 6th and 7th Nigerian Senate, Senator David Mark described Elias as a responsible, focused, and determined individual who never shrinks from challenges. He expressed confidence in Elias’ potential to bring further honour to the Idoma nation.
Unlike the age-old adage that a prophet has no honour in his own land, Elias found himself celebrated by his people. He expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and vowed to remain committed to the service of God and humanity, particularly the Idoma people.
Quoting Pope Francis, Elias reminded all present at the ceremony: “We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… Life is good when you’re happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
Born on January 26, 1976, to the family of the late Sir Oche Godwin Oche (KJW, JP), Elias is a native of Ai-Ona Ogaboh of the Igah compound in Igumale District. He is married to Mrs. Agbenu Destiny Oche and blessed with children.
A devout Christian, Elias is a lover of Christ and the Cross, a preacher of love, and an advocate for peace.
He began his academic journey at Benue Polytechnic Staff School, Ugbokolo, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Wesley High School, Otukpo, earning his WASSCE in 1993. He later bagged a B.Sc. in Geography from the University of Abuja in 1999, an M.Sc. in Environmental Resource Management in 2012, and a Ph.D. in Meteorology (Aviation Meteorology) in 2019—all from the same institution.
Professionally, Elias is a trained Air Traffic Controller with certifications from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and the Pan-AM Aviation Academy in Miami,Florida, USA. He also holds a private pilot license.
He has served in various capacities, including:
- Personal Assistant to Prof. Jerry Gana (1999) as the then Minister of Information and National Orientation
- Technical Adviser to three Aviation Ministers (2011–2014)
- Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs to Senator David Mark (during Mark’s stint as Senate President)
- Regional Technical Coordinator/Director of Air Navigation Service at Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) – A regional safety oversight organization in West African.
- Chairman of the African Aviation Infrastructure Gap Analysis Working Group (AU Secretariat, Addis Ababa)
- Chairman of the Air Navigation Service Expert Working Group (African Civil Aviation Commission)
Elias is a committed humanitarian and philanthropist. His contributions to society are vast:
- He founded the Igumale Community Secondary School to promote education in his hometown.
- He initiated the Igumale Unity Cup, a football tournament fostering youth unity and talent discovery.
- He introduced the Ado Choir Competition, aimed at nurturing gospel music talents and promoting faith.
- He offers annual scholarships, named in memory of his late friend Mr. Aboh (whom he held so dear), to assist students of Igumale descent through higher education.
These initiatives not only elevate lives but also reinforce Elias’ belief that empowered youth and educated minds are pivotal to societal growth.
Indeed, Osiloma K’Idoma has emerged—not by accident, but through tireless effort, purpose-driven action, and an unrelenting will to serve.
Ends……
