By Ehichioya Steve Odion
Esan Okpa Initiative,the emerging umbrella organization of Esan people held its maiden Esan Assembly during the weekend in Uromi to galvernize its people on a way forward for progress and development in Esan land.
The event was graced by prominent Esan sons and daughters, including women and youths from different communities. Also in attendance were some prominent Enijies which included the Onojie of Ewu,Zaiki Promise Aidenojie while some others were represented. Not left out were scholars of Esan extraction from various Nigerian universities of which some presented papers on issues of relevance to Esan people especially those that can foster unity, progress and development of Esan Land.
An exhibition to show case Esan tradition and culture was organised as part of activities to promote the Esan people.
Esan cuisine was also on display on ground for the merriment of the guests.
The President of the Esan Okpa Initiative, Barr. Matthew Egbadon in his remark advocated strongly the need for all Esan people to work together to ensure the emergence of an Edo Governor of Esan extraction n 2024
He emphasised that it is not only an Esan project, but that of Edo State. "It is not Esan agenda as it being referred to by our people. But Edo Agenda as it will involve all Edo people that will work to ensure an Esan person is brought on board as Governor to serve the interest of all Edo people".
He added that there was need to also engage other Senatorial districts to achieve the desire result that will usher in Esan Governor come Edo 2024.
He also went into history how Esan Okpa Initiative as an organization came into existence. He added that in order for Esan people to have a strong voice that can easily be heard in the country and respected by the leaders in this country and by extension enable them to get what is due to them. He said this was why Ikolo Esan, Esan Professionals and Club 30 came together to form Esan Okpa Initiative. He said this was done in the overall development of Esan Land.
Egbadon who was the first Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly said the organization was very worried that Esan Language wasn't spoken by the people and emphasized that Esan Okpa Initiative intend to promote the teaching of Esan Language in schools in Esanland in order that it doesn't go extinct.
He also said to achieve this goal,an institution has been established where children can learn to speak Esan.
The President also enumerated some of its challenges which include marginalization of Esan people both in politics and government positions. "Since 2008 when Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor left government as Governor of Edo State Esan people have been absent from government, even at Federal level".
He also regretted that the present political office holders in Esan Land were not responding well to the yearning of their people. He therefore called on the legislators from Edo Central to prevail on the Federal Government to quickly intervene and fix the deplorable roads in Esan Land without further delay as it has brought more hardship to the people. He also identified lack of unity as the major cause of political misfortunes among Esan people.
He advised Esan people to ensure they participate in the on going voters registration exercise to enable them vote in right candidates in the coming election.
He called on other groups and organizations in Esan land to join hands and work with Esan Okpa Initiative for the progress and development of Esan land.
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