As Okpella youths demand fair share of Okpella’s contributions to Edo economy
By Samuel Itsede
The call for the creation of Afemai State as well as a special education trust fund to facilitate both economy and human capital development in Edo North, the unity of the zone and others, took the front burner at the Afenmai Communities Development Summit held in Abuja today.
This is just as representatives of Ute Youth Forum, an Umbrella body of Ogute Ruling House of Okpella Clan demanded a fair share for Okpella community in view of the community’s contribution to the economy of Edo State.
The event which was held at Hotel De Bentley, Abuja, was the first of its kind and it brought together stakeholders from all works of life from across the Afenmai Nation to discuss the way forward for the development of Edo North.
In his keynote address, The keynote, Mr. Osilama Emmanuel Osilama, emphasised the importance of unity, education, and human capital development in achieving progress and prosperity for the Afenmai people.
Osilama who called for collective action to address the challenges facing Afemia people, including poverty, political instability, and lack of access to education and healthcare, noted that education is the key to unlocking the potential of the Afenmai Nation and called for the establishment of educational endowment funds and a retirement fund in every community.
The speaker therefore proposed the creation of an Afenmai education trust fund to provide scholarships for students and seed money for vocational business ideas. He stressed the importance of adult literacy and called on elders to take proactive steps in addressing adult literacy.
Osilama concluded by declaring that it’s time for the creation of an Afenmai State, stating that it is not just a matter of development but also a matter of securing Edo North’s rightful place within the Nigerian project. He urged all stakeholders who know what to do to work together to achieve the development goals of the Afenmai Nation.
He said: “Artificial intelligence, AI, is already dominating the world space. According to Next Move Strategy Consulting the market for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to show strong growth in the coming decade. Its value of nearly 200 billion U.S dollars today is expected to grow twentyfold by 2030, up to nearly four trillion U.S. dollars, that is just 7 years away.
“Except people deliberately plan to share from this four trillion Dollars in that market it will leave us where we are today. And without basic education people won’t have access to all this information that will provoke the required innovation to participate in this new market. In every vibrant society, empowered leaders, equipped with resources and influence, bear a crucial responsibility. Among their myriad duties, they stand out through the creation of educational foundations.
“Today, I call upon our leaders, especially those who want Afenmai Development, to establish educational endowment funds. These foundations will serve as beacons of learning, linking our communities to the Federal and State Ministries of Education in Edo State.
“We must also recognize that the establishment of an Afenmai State is not just a matter of development; it is about securing our rightful place within the Nigerian project, we deserve to have our own state and the time is now.
“Those who know what to do about the creation of our state must initiate it now, there is no time.
The establishment of an Afenmai state is not merely a dream but a necessity for our collective progress. If Bayelsa State, Imo state, Ebonyi state, Akwa Ibom and Ekiti state can exist despite their small size, so can an Afenmai State. The time for its creation has arrived. Let us seize this moment to forge a stronger, more prosperous future for our peoples in unity of purpose and contentment”, he appealed.
During the event, some stakeholders who delivered remarks, outlined their contributions and continued dedication to the development of the people and their resolve to perpetually strive for excellence in their respective capacities.
On his part, the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by his senior aide, Mr. Victor Oshioke, highlighted his achievements since taking office and pledged to uphold the high standards he set during his tenure as governor, now at the Senate level.
The Honourable Commissioner of Justice and Anthony General of Kaduna State, Barrister Sule Shu’aibu, who was at the event, described the summit as not just the first of its kind but the best thing that has happened to Afemia people.
Meanwhile, the Ute Youth Association of Okpella, present at the event, voiced their discontent with the pace of progress in Okpella community, highlighting the disparity between the community’s significant economic contributions to Edo State and the lack of corresponding progress and investment in the community.
One of the representatives of the youth group, Mr. Ofodi Friday who took the stage during the question and answer session, argued that it is unjust to neglect a community like Okpella, that is endowed with abundant natural resources, which attract investors, yet deprived of its rightful allocation from limestone revenue.
He pointed out that while this gap remains an issue of pressing concern, it is vital for the forum to assume the responsibility of creating a platform where politicians from the region can not only be assessed but also critiqued after they take office.
Those in attendance, include: Comrade Adams Oshiomoleh, Senator Representing Edo North, who was represented by his aide, Victor Oshioke, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Omobayo Godwins, also represented by his aide, the Honourable Commissioner of Justice and Anthony General of Kaduna State, Barrister Sule Shu’aibu, Cecilia O.Odibo Esq, CNA,FCTI, Comrade JP Okhai Okhani. convener, Comrade Idris Afegbua (Senate), Esv. Osilama Emmanuel Osilama, Vice President North central REDAN, Emameh Gabriel, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Labour and Employment and a host of others.
