By Gabriel Ewepu, Abuja

PEOPLE of Edo North of Edo State, weekend, demanded Afemai State creation for equity, justice and fairness.

The call was made at the Afemai Communities Development Summit, held in Abuja, which also focused on a special education trust fund to facilitate both economic and human capital development in Edo North, the unity of the zone and others, were brought to the front burner during the Summit.

Speaking on the imperative of creating Afemai State, Osilama Emmanuel Osilama, in a keynote address delivered at the Summit, pointed out the importance of unity, education, and human capital development in achieving progress and prosperity for the Afemai people.

Osilama further stated that it is not just a matter of development but also a matter of securing Edo North’s rightful place within the Nigerian project.

According to him, the people of Edo North are to collectively take action to address the challenges facing Afemai people, including poverty, political instability, and lack of access to education and healthcare, therefore, he maintained that education remains the key to unlocking the potential of the Afemai Nation, and called for the establishment of educational endowment funds and a retirement fund in every community.

He also added that there is a need to look into the issue of adult literacy, which he described as important, therefore, called on elders in the area to take proactive steps in addressing adult literacy.

Stakeholders present at the Summit include former Governor of Edo State and serving Senator of Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomoleh, 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.

He said: “We must also recognize that the establishment of an Afemai 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 Afemai 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.”

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.

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 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 Afemai 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.