Edo At 19: Gov Oshiomhole Is Why We Should Celebrate - Chief Odigie - Nigerian Observer
HE is a retired Airforce Officer and one of the men who made the military to be thick and prestigious when he was still serving, yet he is humble and amiable. We introduce to you Chief Foster Aghahowa Odigie, the Enohore of Aideyanba and secretary to the Chairman Evbuotubu Community.
He speaks to the WEEKEND OBSERVER recently on Edo State at 19-years.
According to him, Edo people have, reasons to be grateful to God for the State attaining I 9 years given the fact that there has been unity, oneness and togetherness across the state. His words “In my personal opinion, I think that Governor Oshiomhoie has done excellently well as Governor of our dear State. He has recorded landmark achievements in the area of road construction and rehabilitation as well ‘as on the issue of beautification of the state. Indeed, I am proud of him.
However, nobody is perfect, there are some persons in Useh, Egor, Ogida ‘and Evbuotuhu who may share a different view because the state government’s presence has not been felt in these areas. I am therefore using this medium to appeal to our comrade Governor to extend his road construction and rehabilitation work to these areas, I mean to Useh, Egor, Ogida and Evbuotubu so that his efforts at developing Edo State will be total. 1 want to place on record that majority of the landlords in these areas have become tenants today because of the menance of erosion and flood, hence I am using this medium to appeal to our comrade Governor to come to the aid of the people living in these areas”.
Chief Foster Aghahowa Odigie berated some local Government Chairmen especially in the Edo South Senatorial District for poor performance that has left the people in abject poverty and squalor.
According to him, while local Government chairmen in other senatorial District are doing well, many local government chairmen in Edo South Senatorial district have given their people cause to regret. His words “If the local government chairmen are doing their job, as stipulated by law well, the Governor’s efforts will be better appreciated. As things presently stand, the entire job of developing the state is left in the hands of the Governor.
This is sad and unfortunate. This trend has to change. Edo State senatorial district local government chairmen must wake up from slumber and be alive to their duties”. Chief Aghahowa Odigie advised the Comrade Governor to work towards reviving sports adding that in the past, Edo was always at the forefront of sporting activities but that regrettably, the state has moved terribly backwards over the years:
He enjoined the Governor to invest money on sports adding that sports is highly financially demanding adding that it remains a viable industry if properly managed. His words 1 want to advise the Comrade Governor to invest very well in sports. He should employ veterans in the sports industry who will always offer expert advice that could move the state forward in the area of Sports.”
As a Chief, Chief Aghahowa Odigie did not leave tradition out in his discussion with the WEEKEND OBSERVER. He pointed out that Benin remains the headquarters of African Cultural heritage adding that the Oba of Benin is the custodian of culture and tradition
. He however expressed regret that civilization had done serious harm to tradition adding that the culture and tradition of the people of Benin are known and respected through the system of their dressing and greeting. He advised youth to remain focused and should not be deceived by money bags who parade themselves as democrats but are thieves in the real sense of the word. He advised youths to stay away from violence but to engage themselves by going to school or learning trades that will be useful to themselves and the society at large.
He also advised the Governor Oshiomhole’s administration on the need to create jobs by setting up agricultural and sporting institutions that will absorb many youths, thereby making these youths live meaningful lives. The Chief Commended President Jonathan for his good works at repositioning the country on a sound footing to enable democracy to thrive even as he expressed surprise over the north’s insistence on zoning formula which could wreck serious havoc on competence and promote mediocrity. His words “the north has ruled more than any part of the country. They should allow us through Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to rule for another 4-years in the interest of justice.
He thanked Chief Ugiagbe JP, the chairman of Evbuotubu/lguodaiyi Community for his exemplary leadership style that has brought peace and progress to the community. Describing Chief Ugiagbe as his mentor, Chief’ Aghahowa Odigie pointed out that Chief Ugiagbe is a role model that should be emulated. Chief Odigie relaxes by watching football and wrestling.
