By Toyosa Osemwenkhae
At the Edo Policy Round Table: A Colloquium And Hall of Fame Award organized by Mudiame University in Irrua, where the theme was "The Contemporary Nigeria Policy: The Way Forward," UN Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie, foremost Gubernatorial aspirant for the Edo 2024 Governorship election, on the platform of Labour Party, LP, took the opportunity to address the journalists present. She began by shedding light on the significant challenges that Edo State has been facing, particularly the deficit in intangible assets, which has resulted in a brain drain.
Ambassador Asha emphasized that the focus has primarily been on infrastructural development, but this approach has not yielded the desired results in terms of democratic dividends. Her vision centers around empowering the people of Edo to become self-sufficient, enabling them to advocate for a better government that genuinely represents their interests. To achieve this, she called for the establishment of an Edo nation with a strong emphasis on nationhood.
In her comprehensive vision for Edo State, Ambassador Asha highlighted key elements that are essential for comprehensive societal development. These elements include productivity, cooperative economics, fairness, equity, justice, culture, and traditional norms. Her vision serves as a rallying cry for positive change and progress in the region.
Ambassador Asha underlined the critical role of productivity and innovation as drivers of economic growth and progress. She stressed the importance of fostering a dynamic private sector that encourages entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Cooperative economics was presented as a means to empower local communities and promote economic equity. The goal is to reduce income inequality and ensure shared prosperity among community members.
Fairness and equity were identified as fundamental principles in her vision. She called for policies that offer equal opportunities and the establishment of social safety nets to address wealth disparities and create a more equitable society.
Justice and a fair legal system were considered pivotal in her vision to protect the rights of all citizens, ensuring impartiality and fairness, regardless of social status or ethnicity.
Ambassador Asha also emphasized the significance of preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region. She called for support for cultural events and traditional festivals to safeguard the unique cultural legacy of the community.
Recognizing the importance of traditional norms and values in maintaining identity and continuity, she recommended educational programs that combine traditional values with modern skills. This approach prepares the youth for the contemporary world while preserving their cultural heritage.
Ambassador Asha emphasized the importance of taking action and expressed her strong commitment to establishing a spirit of nationhood. She stated that she would seek guidance from the Oba of Benin to bring about a more prosperous, equitable, and culturally vibrant society that places a high value on fairness, equity, and justice. This comprehensive vision is in harmony with the ideals of a return to Renaissance and provides a promising path towards a brighter and more inclusive future for the betterment of Edo Nation.
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