A group of Edo sons and daughters, the Edo Concerned Stakeholders (ECS) has tasked itself with leadership transformation in the South-South state which would produce a Governor within 35 and 55 years.
In a statement over the weekend, ECS said: “We believe that a leader with a deep understanding of the complexities of the modern world, while respecting the traditions and customs of Edo State, is crucial for the state’s progress”.
It therefore called for the active participation in the electoral process by the citizens of the state. ECS admonished the people to “support a leader who can effectively harness the state’s resources for the benefit of its people. By engaging in the political sphere, we seek to ensure that competent and capable individuals are elected to positions of power”.
The governorship election in Edo State is due next year with the incumbent, Mr. Godwin Obaseki completing his two-term tenure on 12 November 2024.
The group said it is committed to restoring the state’s prestige by exerting influence over policy implementation. “We seek to foster a conducive business environment, bolster the education sector, and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage. Through our collective efforts, we will strive to rejuvenate Edo State and ensure its development aligns with the aspirations of its citizens”.
It said that the state possesses the potential to become Nigeria’s premier logistics hub given its abundant human and material resources, and “a clear comparative advantage in sectors such as education, culture, and agriculture”. It lamented that effective governance has been lacking in the state since the administration s of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and Prof. Ambrose Alli.
The full text:
Home to one of the oldest and most respected monarchies in the world – the Benin Kingdom – with our revered father Oba Ewuare II reigning on the throne, Oba gha to kpere ise, the political and cultural significance of Edo State cannot be overemphasised. It majestically sits in the South-South region of Nigeria, bordering Delta State, Kogi State, and Ondo States, and is home to various ethnic groups such as the Afemai, the Owan, the Esan, the Akoko Edo, the Igbanke, and the Bini.
Edo State possesses the potential to become Nigeria’s premier logistics hub. With abundant human and material resources, the state has a clear comparative advantage in sectors such as education, culture, and agriculture. However, like many Nigerian states, Edo State has struggled to address its governance challenges, hindering its potential for sustainable growth. While the administrations of the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and Prof. Ambrose Alli laid the foundation for the state’s development, the need for more effective governance has become increasingly evident. This necessity has given rise to a group known as Edo Concerned Stakeholders (ECS), which comprises Edo sons and daughters and all those who have a stake in the Edo ‘Project’—dynamic individuals from diverse backgrounds scattered across the globe, all seeking to change the socio-economic and political trajectory of the state.
The significance of Edo culture’s historical prominence cannot be underestimated, and we recognise and honour this culture and tradition, appreciating the leadership provided by the monarchy in fostering the development and harmony of Edo State. We are committed to upholding this cultural heritage in all aspects of our endeavours, and we sincerely hope that future generations, including our children, will embrace and preserve it with utmost reverence.
ECS embodies the spirit of the contemporary Edo person. While our ancestral roots may be traced back to artisanal and subsistence agricultural practices, we have evolved into a generation of sophisticated technocrats with globally relevant skills and competencies in various sectors of the economy. The group aims to leverage this unique advantage to propel Edo State to its rightful place among progressive states.
The mandate of ECS encompasses several key objectives:
Leadership transformation: We advocate for leadership transformation in Edo State, calling for a Governor within the age bracket of 35 to 55. We believe that a leader with a deep understanding of the complexities of the modern world, while respecting the traditions and customs of Edo State, is crucial for the state’s progress.
Active participation in the electoral process: We envision active participation in the electoral process in Edo State and supporting a leader who can effectively harness the state’s resources for the benefit of its people. By engaging in the political sphere, we seek to ensure that competent and capable individuals are elected to positions of power.
Policy influence and restoration of prestige: We are committed to restoring Edo State’s prestige by exerting influence over policy implementation. We seek to foster a conducive business environment, bolster the education sector, and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage. Through our collective efforts, we will strive to rejuvenate Edo State and ensure its development aligns with the aspirations of its citizens.
To achieve this mandate, we are calling upon all well-meaning sons and daughters of Edo State to lend their support. We recognise that collective efforts are required to bring about this desired transformation. By rallying together and leveraging our skills and expertise, we believe that Edo State can reclaim her rightful place as a beacon of progress and development.
In conclusion, Edo State holds immense potential for growth and development. With the emergence of Edo Concerned Stakeholders, a group of dynamic individuals with a shared vision for the state’s future, there is renewed hope for a brighter tomorrow. By advocating for leadership transformation, active participation in the electoral process, and influence on policy implementation, we aim to steer Edo State towards sustainable growth, fostering a prosperous and inclusive society for all its people.
Oba gha to kpere ise (Long live the king, may his reign continue to prosper).
Thank you
The undersigned:
Engr. Olufemi Scufield Idiakhoa, Oyomire Idahosa Esq., Mr. Osazuwa Agbontaen, Mr. Ekpen Izore, Mr. Osayuwamen Nehikhare, Mr. Osazee Bazuaye, Engr. Osaretin Aluge, Mr. Flynn Imarhiagbe, Ms. Ewemade Eva Ogbebor, Mr. Precious Eribo, Mrs. Rita Idehen, Rita Ehima Godwin PMP, Mr. Obaze Isaac Jnr., Mr. Asuen Uyiekpen, Comrade Samson Idanesi, Hon. Patrick Ederharo, Mr. Razak Mohammed, Mr. Agbon-Ifo Uyi, Mr. Aighobahi Eric Eghosa, Mr. Ainogo Kingsley Abiodun Ebumada, Mr. Ajakaiye Wilson, Mr. Akpoghomhe Obazuaye Jude, Mr. Akpoka Emmanuel Ehi, Mr. Alimikhena Charles Oshoma, Amb. Efosa Efex Iyamu, Mr. Amen Fadaka, Mr. Amiebenomo Arnold, Anthony Ehilebo Esq., Mr. Anthony Ipogah, Mrs. Anwulichukwuka Gabriella Eseosa Aloamaka, Mr. Apekhena Onyonyor, Mr. Asekamen Samson, Mr. Asemota Michael, Mr. Asotie Asia, Mr. Augustine Ehizua Akioya, Mr. Ayemere Omo-Oribhabor, Mr. Ben Eghianruwa, Mr. Benjamin Mayor Emakhu Oyamendan, Mr. Bright Ehima, Mr. Bright Idahosa, Mr. Chris Asapokhai, Mr. Christian Agbonlahor, Mr. Christian Oshoke Obozuwa, Mr. Collins Ibizugbe, Comrade Eghe Tony Edebiri, Comrade Idodo Abdulrasak Emmanuel, Comrade Godwin Imoudu, Comrade Nash Shuaibu, Mr. Dahlton Osa Ozigbo-Esere, Mr. Daniel Osa-Ogbegie, Dr Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Dr. Ehizojie Ohiowele, Dr. Ehosa Peter Ogbeni, Mr. Ebahi Osobase, Mr. Edegbe Esemwenre Godswill, Edevwie Endurance Happy, Mr. Efosa Agbonkonkon-Ogbeide, Mr. Efosa Ogbeni, Mr. Egbe Osamede, Mr. Eguando Tone Jeff, Engr. Ehi Omokhuale, Ehiarinmwian Imuesemen Favour, Mr. Ehigie Johnson, Mr. Ehimen Ikheloa, Ehimwenma Bello-Osagie, Mr. Ehizuelen Iyamah, Mr. Eigbe Augustine Ehico, Mr. Ekunwe A. Bernard, Mr. Emmanuel Egbagbe Jr, Mr. Emwanta Idodeh Erhahon, Engr Itua Ihenyen, Mr. Enoma Michael Osamuyi, Mr. Erhunmwunsee Ese Ephraim, Mr. Eric Idehen, Mr. Eromosele Anthony Edeoghon, Mr. Esekie Ehimen, Mrs. Eson Blessing Osariemen, Mrs. Esosa Ogedegbe, Etamesor Nurein, Mrs. Evbade Ohiowele, Hon. Ewaen Sorae, Mr. Festus Obadeyi, Mrs. Fidelia Ikekhua, Mr. Frank Obaro, Mr. George Osayande Ogiefa, Hon Emwinghare Osabuohien Kindness, Hon Oshoke Obozuwa, Hon. Bright Alabi Aisien, Hon. Godwin O Ekhator, Mr. Idehen Ebomoyi, Mr. Idemudia Ehiogie, Mr. Idodo Abdulrasak Emmanuel, Mr. Idonije I Johnson, Mrs. Ifueko Omoregie, Mr. Ighavongbe Rogers, Mr. Igue Fred Oziegbe, Mr. Ihenyen Oseikhuemen Akugbe, Mr. Ikponmwosa Ayela-Uwangue, Mr. Ikponmwosa Rawlings Idehen, Mr. Innocent Ehikhale, Mrs. Isoken Adefolalu, Mr. Isonah Andrew Aruna, Mrs. Ivie Idahosa, Mr. Iyamu Stanley, Mr. Iyare Paul Ikhuoria, Mr. James Okeati, Mr. Jerry Uwangue, Mr. Job Nkeki, Mr. John Erhingho Idehen, Mr. John Odagwe, John Ughulu, Ph.D., Mr. Joseph Idahosa, Mrs. Joyce Daniels, Mr. Jude Ugiomoh, Mr. Jude Uyi
