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WELCOME ADDRESS & A REVIEW OF EDO GLOBAL ORGANIZATION Publications
sa Views: 34  
WELCOME ADDRESS & A REVIEW OF EDO GLOBAL ORGANIZATION. By DR SEO OGBONMWAN FMCOG (Nig.), FRCOG (UK), KSC. At EDO GLOBAL ORGANIZATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOTEL DIPLOMATIC, TURIN, ITALY 20TH JUNE 2009. The guest of honour Her Excellency Dr Halima Murtala H. Nyako, Special Guest Mr. Roland Otaru Esq., SAN & Notary Public, Distinguished Speakers and Honourable members of Edo Global Organization we thank you for coming. It is a great pleasure to meet here in Turin which is a major city in Italy as well as a first class business and cultural centre in northern Italy and capital of the Piedmont region located on the bank of the river Po. Turin is ranked third, after Rome and Milan for economic strength in Italy. You are all welcome to the home of the Shroud of Turin, the home of the Juventus football club, the home of automobile of Fiat, Lancia and Alpha Romeo which are popular cars for the politicians in Nigeria. You are welcome to Turin the host of 2006 Winter Olympics. Historically Turin has a chequered history like the history of the Ancient Benin Kingdom. Turin was the capital of the Duchy of Savoy just like Benin City was the seat of government of the ancient Benin Empire; Turin became the capital of unified Italy just like Benin City became the capital of the Midwest region after its creation in 1963. Turin is often referred to as "the Capital of the Alps". Just like Benin City is regarded as the cradle of Black civilisation south of the Sahara. Turin is also known as "the Automobile Capital of Italy" or the Detroit of Italy; and Turin became the capital of the newly proclaimed United Italy. In 1865 the capital was moved to Florence but since 8 July 1871, the capital has been Rome. Turin reacted to the loss of importance by beginning a rapid industrialisation: in 1899 Fiat was founded and Lancia in 1906. Industrialisation is where Benin City will have to study the growth of Turin. How did the progressive buoyant Benin City I grew up in as a happy Secondary school student in the early seventies become the prostitute source of Europe in the 1990’s? After World War II, Turin was rapidly rebuilt and its industries greatly developed, which caused waves of immigration, largely from the southern regions of Italy and today from sub-Saharan Africa including Edo State. So it is no coincidence that we are here today discussing the revival of our ancient kingdom of Benin in this historic city of Turin. The average Nigerian can easily inform on the ills of our nation and in turn our dear state of Edo. From lack of electricity, impassable roads, lack of security of lives and property, poor health care delivery systems, lack of transparency and accountability in government and downright corruption and theft of public fund. Over invoicing and inflation of contracts are contributing to making the poor poorer and the small percentage of the rich richer. The dismal state of our nation and in turn Edo State has contributed in no small measure in the movement of our youths and able bodied men and women outside our shores in the search of the Golden Fleece. Unknown to these adventurers, life is not a bed of roses in the west as money is not found on the pavements in the streets of New York, London, Rome, Paris and Berlin or Turin. To survive, they have to do menial jobs and are easy preys as prostitutes, for ‘madams’ and gigolos. Some may have taken the perilous journeys through the deserts of North Africa to get to their destinations in the West with thousands losing their lives on the way. The few that makes it through become the bread winners of their families on whom the family depend for social security. This trip of no return must have to stop and we have to campaign to stop it. No one else is going to do it for us; we have to do it for ourselves. That is why we have worked conscientiously to make Edo Global Organization a strong Edo Organization in the Diaspora with the capacity to carry out advocacy and preach an amalgam of all that is good in governance in Edo state government so that Edo people will in turn benefit from favourable results like other developed nations of the world. In your document jackets, you will see a welcome note describing what Edo Global is and what it stands for. Edo Global Organization is a non-partisan, non-governmental, voluntary organisation created to unite and actualise the yearnings of Edo in Diaspora in transforming Edo Land into a paradise through hard work, excellent management of available resources, self-help development projects, accountability and good governance. It is the Umbrella Organizations for Edo People in the Diaspora. Our Mission To explore, establish and implement programmes for poverty alleviation, improvement of healthcare delivery; and improvement of educational systems and institutions in Edo State. To project a positive image of the culture and people of Edo State and maintain its traditional values To serve as a channel of communication between the people and government of Edo State on one hand and the aspirations, opinions and wishes of all Edo in Diaspora. To contribute actively towards the social, economic, educational, technological and political development of Edo State To co-operate with any group with similar aims and objectives for the improvement of the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Edo State in particular, Nigeria and the world at large. You are welcome to join Edo Global Organization as an individual or as a group visit. http://edoglobalorg anization. org/ if you are not a member yet The first meeting of Edo Global Organization was held under the San Francisco sun in 2002 during the San Francisco ENA convention with people like Mr. Hilary Evbayirho, Helen Wright, and Dr Aikhionbare etc in attendance. The planned projects then were as varied as the number of the people in the membership. Finally we agreed to pay $20 each to put bore holes in each local government areas of Edo State. Out of the numerous people on membership role it is good to recall that only three people contributed. They were Dr SEO Ogbonmwan, Mr. Philip Orumwense and Dr Philip Idaewo. Our greatest critics today are those who were members but did not contribute to realising the bore holes projects. They are seeking benefits from a young organization instead of rendering selfless service to the people through Edo Global Organization. On knowing how hard fisted some of our people could be we shifted emphasis to advocacy. The reasoning was that if Edo State government is efficient and transparent enough to provide pipe borne water, we did not need to provide bore holes to Edo people. This thinking led to holding the first conference in Manchester in October 2003. In line with that we felt we should mobilise our people to know what to expect from any government in power in Edo State government at anytime; like good roads, security of lives and property, constant electricity, pipe borne water, accountability, project implementation, monitoring and completion of projects worth the money spent on the project. If successive governments built on what the preceding government did, abandoned projects will be fewer and repeated award of contracts by succeeding government will be less. In summary we felt we will advocate for Edo people as a pressure group to facilitate good governance and equitable distribution of all available resources. Also in line with advocacy and efficient communication, we established the Edo Global list serve to provide current Edo State news and important Nigerian and world news for our people in the Diaspora on a daily basis. We believe that knowledge and education go hand in hand and it will be the quickest way for our people to come out of poverty. The bible says from lack of knowledge our people perished and we do not wish our people to perish from lack of knowledge. These very news items form the basis of discussion on the forum or list serve. I am pleased to say we have over 1000 members on the list serve at present but they are not all active members of Edo Global Organization. On the list serve we have created a Focus Group to deal with specific issues for Edo State or Nigerian government in view of the numerous experts we have in various professional areas. This will reduce the amount of money government spends on consultancy where the quality of the report may not be as half as worth what an Edo Diaspora will produce for no fees whatsoever as we have access to abundant information and workable ways to initiating, ensuring and completing projects that will stand the test of time. We strongly believe that Edo have not yet imbibed the culture of self help being the best help. General Ogbemudia as Military Governor of Edo State did it then and it was very successful so we can do it again if we have the right leadership as we have in Oshiomhole. It is for these reasons the current government should not introduce policies that will alienate him from the people. He should continue to run an open government so that when there are hitches every Edo will know why there are hitches. In the same vein, I wish to call on our people to learn to do selfless service and not to always ask what his/her gains will be before he/she joins in any project. The English, American run races for charity, the prettiest British girls recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for good causes, Edo people should be able to do similarly. There is no profit to be shared or booty to be disbursed in Edo Global Organization. Your contribution will be to a good cause and the services should be selfless. In summary it should be what can you do for Edo people through Edo Global Organization and not what Edo Global Organization can do for you. With the representations we have today from the USA, UK, Nigeria, Spain, Italy, Germany, Hungary/Canada, which is a big geographical spread, the sky is our limit. May God in His infinite mercy continue to bless our good thoughts and prosper our work and organization to the glory of His name, May the Living God replenish our sources so that we can always have in abundance for our selfless services to humanity, May He keep disruptive forces away from us. Amen. As Diaspora Edo people, do you have a role in Edo State and Nigeria development? 1. Yes you do. 2. You can change the direction and course of events in Edo State. 3. Educate the electorate not to accept Greek gifts from aspiring politicians. 4. Be proactive in Edo State politics and move the state in a new and positive direction 5. Generate funds for supporting those we wish to adopt as our candidates if we are too soft to go into battle with the present crop of politicians. 6. Fighting the causes of crimes like unemployment and facilitating attitudinal change. Let the people know that there is a huge untapped resources in Edo state instead of checking out like Andrew did, we should tap into these resources available at home. 7. Imbibe unity & create an effective global body to act on our behalf as we are doing in Edo Global. 8. Work for total unity of purpose & stop this piecemeal approach without trust. 9. Eliminate the divide & rule system initiated by the politicians by acting together as a group of Edo Diaspora for the benefit of Edo people. 10. Create sources of income like co-operative farms & societies, investment societies etc 11. Establish an office in Benin as a liaison for our activities in Edo State. 12. Inform and educate your extended family to achieve attitudinal change 13. Remove the positions of godfathers in politics by empowering the electorate to know their rights and fight for it and ensure that their votes count. 14. Show our presence in Edo State by organising a convention in Benin City from time to time as Edo Diaspora. 15. Lead the electorate not to compromise but to demand for their rights and defend their votes. 16. Support for Edo Language and its teaching at all levels in our educational system. 17. Fight the issue of godsons and godfathers in perpetuating corruption in the system 18. Do not relent, fight the decay in the system, fight also the Diaspora Edo bought by politicians for pittance to disorganise our activities here in the Diaspora. 19. Help with job creation & people empowerment. 20. Fight to remove zoning from our body politics as it is retrogressive; let the best Edo can produce represent Edo people’s interest at all levels. THE TAKE HOME MESSAGE · That there is the problem of underdevelopment in Edo land and lack of accountability in Edo State government for many years · That the political godfathers are ruining our progress as their godsons run our state like a private enterprise. · That they impose and depose rulers over Edo people as they will. · That these posts are practically sold to aspiring godsons for a fee and other promises when they get into government they do pay back with Edo State resources. · That we should fight to sustain this lease of life obtained through the courts through Oshiomhole and ensure the votes of the electorates counts at every election. We thank you for coming, we pray for a fruitful deliberations and we wish you a happy stay throughout the duration of this conference and a safe journey back to your various destinations at the conclusion of the conference. Thank you. SEO OGBONMWAN © June 2009
Publications Publications
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Publications
Overview of poverty alleviation: Adamawa state of Nigeria example Publications
sa Views: 33  
Dr. Halim= Nyako, wife of the executive Governor of Adamawa State was invited=on this platform to share with steps that were taken to alleviate poverty=in Adamawa State which categorized at the poorest state in Nigeria. =Today Edo State has fallen into the same predicament and badly in need of=assistance. Dr. Halima Nyako shared with us what is being done to=remove Adamawa State from poverty and up lift the lives of its citizens.<=r> Note: Edo Global is a non-profit and non-partisan organization and will do what=is necessary to assist in enhancing the lives of all Edos. Due to the fact that the powerpoint presentation is too large it will be=presented in 3 parts. The video which was presented will be uploade= on the Edo Global Organization website for viewing by all who wish to do=so. We thank her for her contribution to the conference and for bringing hope=to all who attended. Please see her Biography HER EXCELLENCY, DR. (MRS.) HALIMA NJIDEKA NYA=O’S BIOGRAPHY<=o> Dr. (Mrs.) Halima Njideka Nyako was born on 31st=August, 1954 in Onitsha, Anambra State. She is origina=ly from Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State of Ni=eria but is married to Admiral Murtala Nyako (Rtd.), the current Governor=of Adamawa State, Nigeria and is blessed with 4 children. Dr. Nyako attended All Saints School, Onitsha from 1960-196= and she was guest of Girls’ High School Enugu and Federal Govern=ent College Sokoto between 1970 and 1974. In 1979, she=was awarded a degree in Medicine after years of study in the prestigious=University of Ibadan and became a Fellow of the West African College of=Surgery (FWACS) from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in 1996. Dr. Halima Nyako’s work experience spans from 1979=to Date; working or training at different times with University College=Hospital, Ibadan; Nigeria Air Force Medical Centre, Ikeja; Nigerian Army=Field Ambulance; Military Hospital, Lagos; Lagos University Teaching Hosp=tal; Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester NY; John Hopkins University MD,=etc. She has also undergone series of Management train=ngs. She is currently a Chief Consultant Radiologist and Head Of Departme=t with the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba but on secondment to=the Federal Medical Center Yola, where she serves in the same position al=ng side her post as the First Lady of Adamawa State. Dr. Nyako is a member of the Association of Radiologists of West Africa,=Medical Women Association of Nigeria and the Radiological Society of Nort= America. She loves reading, travelling and photograph= and is a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938. Mrs. Omololu Ogbeni Board Member Edo Global Organization COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK TO YOUR BROWSER TO DOWNLOAD THE POWER POINT FILE: http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/18350907/393023738/name/OVERVIEW%20OF%20POVERTY%20ALLEVIATION%20IN%20ADAMAWA%20STATE%202.ppt
Edo State politics, A critical analysis Publications
sa Views: 235  
EDO STATE POLITICS:- A CRITICAL ANALYSIS.
 
By
 
DR SEO OGBONMWAN FMCOG(NIG.) FRCOG(UK).
 
PRESENTED AT
 
THE 15th NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF EDO COMMUNITY OF NIGERIANS IN GERMANY e.V.
ON
17TH MARCH 2007.
 
All Protocols Observed.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I thank you for your invitation through your hard working Chairman Mr Godwin Ehigie to deliver this speech at this august occasion of your fifteenth National Conference here in Kassel, Germany.
 
The summary of Edo State politics is the story of a PDP government with a few octopuses as godfathers and godsons grabbing and devouring anything and every fund within their reach without bothering or caring about the feeling and wellbeing of their kin’s men and women whose wellbeing they have vowed on oath to cater for. Therefore to remove this PDP government in Edo State is a task that all Edo State political parties must achieve by working together as one as working separately, that desired goal will be elusive.
 
Historically Edo people are of one origin as they migrated from the centre now Benin City at different times in the history of the ancient Benin Empire. The linguistic structure, culture and traditional rights are still a binding force even in the 21st century.
Some of us who are ardent believers of the oneness of origin of Edo people, strongly believe that Edo State politics should be the politics between kin’s men and women or more closely between blood brothers and sisters and this unity of origin of Edo people should manifest in unity of purpose, unity of action, unity of decisions, unity in sharing and this unity should manifest in all aspects of Edo State politics. But it is not so presently.
 
The fight for the creation of Mid West Region and the success of the antecedent referendum was a manifestation of that unity of purpose of Edo people. The activities of Chief Dennis Osadebay’s premiership and the disposition of social amenities and infrastructures in the old Mid West region and subsequently Bendel State under Brigadier Ogbemudia also reflected that unity of origin of the people in the region in spite of their diverse language dialects as amenities and infrastructures were favourably located to enhance that oneness of Edo and Delta people.
 
In recent times all that unity of purpose, unity of action, sharing and even the unity of origin is being challenged and in some situation, that unity is being eroded for the sake of individual aggrandizement, personal greed, self esteem and unholy acquisition of wealth and tremendous power over a largely pulverised population groaning under the strain of poor governance, insensitivity, mismanagement of public fund, lack of maintenance culture and total lack of accountability.
 
In the last eight years, we have had the PDP government in Edo State and the main achievement has been movement in the reverse direction. The good work of yesteryears has been completely eroded through mismanagement and lack of accountability, poor maintenance culture and poor utilisation of revenue that accrued to Edo State from the federal government.
 
With the above background the people of Edo State are not at all in a dilemma rather they have become inured as their cries are never heard or are their yearning responded to. Is it then not obvious that they will punish their tormentors in the next polls? The question is, can they? Will they have the will and the opportunity to do so?
 
In the current dispensation when one of the godfathers is bringing in the army boys to disrupt rallies of opposition parties because the defence minister is from his clan and the godfather had a hand in his appointment as a minister. Such irresponsible actions of the godfather and the minister will definitely move all of us towards the cliff’s edge, total anarchy and irreparable destruction if not checked and checked quickly by the federal government. The use of the military in political rallies is a very dangerous new dimension in Nigerian politics which must be resisted at all cost. No wonder the Senate is debating the issue presently as many well meaning Nigerians have spoken against it.
 
Will a people who have been raped politically over a period of eight years marked by a big fight  between a supposed godfather and a godson for the control of the hearts, minds and appointments be silent and watch their mandate taken away again without raising a finger? Will the people not fight and secure their destiny and the future of their offspring’s?  To think they will not do anything is to be naïve and ignorant. Edo State belongs to Edo people and not to a select few political rogues in agbada who do not care about the welfare of their own people.
 
We all know that the whole election process may be a farce as the PDP have been rumoured to have already formed a government in waiting for Edo State because they have total control of the machinery of the elections process, the army, the police, and INEC and Edo State civil service. I can tell you my brothers and sisters that the machinery is destructible and can be made inactive as its efficiency and output is human dependent and will be destroyed when deactivated by the good people of Edo State for the sake of the suffering masses of our people in the next election.
 
 
The outcome of this April elections is very crucial as its results will define Edo State politics for many years to come. If Edo State PDP is allowed to take the reigns of Edo State government again, Edo people can forget their future as a free people, their security, political and economic progress, their health and the health of their children, the education of their children and accept the total dominance of the PDP godfathers over Edo people for several years to come.
The consolidation of their oppressive hold on Edo people may never be reversed. It is to forestall the above ever happening that all good Edo people should come together as one and vote out the inefficient and arrogant PDP government of Edo State and vote in another party.
All political parties should come together as one and chase the uncaring PDP government away from Edo State as their rule have been a scourge on our people.
 
In Edo State due to the modus operandi of PDP godfathers and their godsons the stranglehold on Edo people by another PDP government after the next election will be asphyxiating and may send many more able bodied men and women to their early graves from lack of means of livelihood. That is why in the name of God almighty and Allah the merciful; in the name of the Spirits of our Ancestors, the yoke of Edo State PDP should and must be removed from Edo State at the next elections and their foot prints and all the evil they stand for and have perpetuated be swept out of Edo State domain for ever.
 
Whereas Obasanjo’s PDP government at the centre in Abuja may have scored some obvious good points in governance and economic development, but in Edo State as you and everyone can see, the story is totally different. The PDP government has suffocated Edo people for the last eight years; they must not be allowed to perpetuate their insensitive attitude in government any more. The only way to see their back is to work together as one in unity and remove their burden over our people forever.
 
There is the campaign slogan that once the governor is changed, Edo State PDP will improve, that is total gimmick, a publicity stunt and a big falsehood as the PDP machinery will remain, the godfathers who caused the non-performance of the present governor will remain, their fund immolating machinery will remain. The same godfather apparatus that produced the first governor, also  produced the new governorship aspirant so Edo State PDP will not change iota as behind the door manipulations will continue.
The tiger as we know it does not change its spots as the spots are an integral part of it so the PDP government can never and will never change as non performance, corruption, and insensitivity to Edo State people is also an integral part of Edo State PDP. Our people should not and must not be deceived. This is the time to stand up and be counted as an Edo man or woman and prevent another PDP government in Edo State.
 
If our people should fold their hands and bow their heads as they have done in the last eight years and allow the PDP godfathers to install another PDP governor again, they would have totally sold their birth rights. Our forefathers fought great wars that established the ancient Benin Kingdom, this is the fight of our times to remove an inefficient, boisterous and insensitive PDP government from Edo State or they will consolidate and put all of us in perpetual servitude. Therefore phone your brothers and sisters at home to abhor the PDP at the polls.
 
Ideally the best and most suitable person should rule and guide any organization or nation, but in Edo State for the purpose of non marginalisation, brotherhood; oneness and feeding that unity flame, leadership should reach all the senatorial districts so that they can have that sense of belonging to that larger Edo family. It is for that reason we believe that governorship should rotate through all the senatorial districts in Edo State. It will be the best arrangement in a bad situation until when our people are developed democratically to that level where national or state issues affecting the common man on the street become the prime factors for selecting candidates to such important position of a State Governor. Then electoral outcome will be based on their manifestos and not the present situation of sponsorship and selection by the political godfathers who are keen to maintain the statues quo of dominance to the detriment of the generality of our people.
To progress in our state, the people must ensure that their votes count and every effort must be made to subjugate the political party machineries especially that of the ruling party to the will of the people. Accountability should be to the people rather than what obtains presently where accountability is to the party hierarchy which is to the detriment of the people.
 
In the last few years of PDP reign in Edo State, tribalism, tribal affiliations and ethnocentricity have been pushed to the fore to the detriment of our unity of origin as unique Edo people. Ethnic and political leaders no longer speak of the general good rather it is what is best for his or her personal advantage or ethnic group advantage that is considered while the generality of the people of the state are completely forgotten in squalor and total helplessness. These ethnic leaders now have large follower ship as they have corruptly enriched themselves as they have been fed by the federal and state government subventions which produces the erroneous belief   that all is well with Edo people which is far from the truth, a falsified situation that can easily lead to implosion.
 
In perpetuation of this ethnocentric politics, all the federal manpower allocation to Edo State including the Minister of Defence(Onolimeme), through Edo State quota in Population Commission(Otaigbe), National Economic Intelligence Agency(Ehizokhale), National Maritime Agency (Eigbadon), INEC(Egbase), Executive Secretary, National University Commission (Okojie), and the Chief Medical Directors of the University  of Benin Teaching Hospital(Okpere) and the Federal Government Neuropsychiatry Hospital in Benin(Ihenyen) and even Edo State University at Ekpoma(Akpede) are all from a section of Edo Central Senatorial Zone courtesy of Chief Tony Anenih, Chairman Board of Trustee of the National ruling PDP  to the detriment of law abiding Nigerian citizens from the North and South Senatorial zones of Edo State. A win by the PDP government in Edo State will make the above disparity in sharing federal government manpower allocation to Edo State a child’s play as it is a case of the winners takes all.
Where there is love, a slice of bread can be shared and this attitude of total control and allocation of all available resources being it human, financial, or appointment by one individual in the name of the ruling PDP can no longer be tolerated.
 
You all will recall the rancour and intrigues that went into the nominations from Edo State into the Niger Delta Development Commission. The governor of Edo State submitted his list as the number one citizen in Edo State and Chief Tony Anenih submitted another list to counter the governor’s list. This issue deteriorated into one of the nominee being excommunicated from his village of origin. Edo State can and should no longer allow a situation where we have a parallel government operating in the state; one by the political godfathers and the other by the political godsons. For Edo State and the people of Edo State to progress economically, ascend in their standard of living, improvement in their general health and to reduce the number of our mothers and sisters who die in childbirth and reduce the number of our babies who die soon after birth, we must have a unified government led by a governor chosen by the people and who listen to the people, listen to the  State Assembly and public spirited individual who give unsolicited advice based on their training and expertise.
 
The type of ethnocentric politics prevailing in Edo State should not be condoned or allowed to be perpetuated. Edo North and Edo South should also have their share of the federal government largesse small as it may be that accrue to Edo State. The federal government personified by President Obasanjo may not be aware of this rape of justice by the Chairman Board of Trustee of the ruling PDP, on Edo people in distributing these choice positions to mainly the people of his village and ethnic origin in a section of Edo Central Senatorial zone. This position of distributor of federal government patronage has been largely taken away from the State Governor which in part contributes to the ongoing division and rancour in Edo State PDP. That will be unacceptable in future Edo State government.
 
In the fight to sustain the oneness of Edo People, we should invite our brothers from the North senatorial zone this time represented by Mr Adam Oshiomhole to the governorship of Edo State. It will right a little of the numerous wrongs perpetuated by the PDP godfathers on Edo People. Rather to look at our brothers from Edo Central with suspicion because of the ill and greed of a few men, we should all come together; Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South and remove the cause of the division amongst our people due to personal greed and domineering tendencies of an individual who in recent times created a non historical position to subjugate all the chiefs from the Esan area of Edo State. We should not stand aloof and watch a handful of individuals destroy the good destiny of a people bound in history, origin and past glory. We should not watch while a handful of people sow the seed of discord, disharmony and animosity between and within Edo people. Edo unity must outlive our generation so that we continue to share the love and friendship we started as innocent students at school in Edo State many years ago.
Those of us fighting for a unified Edo State must not be made to look ridiculous by not redressing the present state of affairs in the State.
 
For Edo North Adam Oshiomhole to be assured of victory, he should reach out to his political opponents from the South Senatorial Districts especially Hon Arigbe Osula and Charles Idahosa whom he displaced as the gubernatorial candidate of AC. He should not squander Edo North chances and the opportunity to ensure that for the first time in Edo State history, our brother from Edo North is the governor of Edo State. His failure to heed this call will make his political ambition and a good chance of Edo North to preside in Osadebay Avenue end in quick sand. We said this 2005 in our meeting in Budapest Hungary long before Oshiomhole came into Edo State political scene and here we are in the 11th hour saying it again that Edo North should produce the next governor of Edo State. I therefore use this medium to call on my brothers who are the gubernatorial candidates from Edo South to yield to persuasion as the unity of Edo people surpasses any individual ambition.
 
 We will feel fulfilled at the end of the elections if Adam Oshiomhole wins the Governorship of Edo State for the North Senatorial district, execute policies and programmes that will make all Edo people, irrespective of where they come from, to see themselves as one people, driven by a common dream and vision of making the state the best in the country and a point of reference in terms of development. His success as Edo State Governor will endear him to all Nigerians and would be a stepping stone for his Presidential ambition. The decision is his to make, to be all inclusive and be successful or to be parochial and confined to the political dustbin at the end of his tenure.
 
Finally my brothers and sisters from Edo State, if we have to be one, we must work as one, talk as one, act as one and share whatever resources we have as one people. We must right the wrongs of the last eight years. We must work to remove the political godfathers who have all outlived their usefulness for the good of Edo people.
 
The night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore cast off the work of darkness represented by the godfathers and let us put on the armour of light and truth and in the name of God and our ancestors our good desire for the wellbeing of the  people of Edo State will prevail and triumph over parochial and personal desires of a handful of people described as PDP godfathers in Edo State.
 
Thank you for your patience and attention. The second part of this speech will dwell on sowing, that is investment in Edo State private sector.
 
SEO OGBONMWAN KSC.
© March 2007
 
SEO OGBONMWAN

IF WE ARE ONLY FOR OURSELVES, WHAT ARE OUR LIVES FOR?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE, MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
Time for a change in Edo politics Publications
sa Views: 213  
   
Since November, 1949.
 
 
 
Thur. 12th April, 2007
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Time for change in Edo politics

By Seo Ogbonmwan

Lucky Igbinedion
Historically, the people of Edo State are of one origin as they migrated from the centre, now Benin City, at different times in the history of the ancient Benin Empire. The linguistic structure, culture and traditional rights are still a binding force, even in the 21st century.

 
Some of us who are ardent believers in the oneness of origin of Edo people, strongly believe that Edo State politics should be the politics among kinsmen or among blood brothers and sisters. The unity of origin of Edo people should manifest in unity of purpose, action, decisions, sharing and in all aspects of the state politics.

 
But it is not so presently. The fight for the creation of Mid-West Region and the success of the antecedent referendum was a manifestation of that unity of purpose. Chief Dennis Osadebay’s premiership and the disposition of social amenities and infrastructure in the old Mid-West region and, subsequently Bendel State under Brigadier Samuel Ogbemudia, also reflected that unity of origin of the people.

 
The good deeds of yesteryears have been completely eroded through mismanagement and lack of accountability, poor maintenance culture and poor utilisation of revenue that accrued to Edo State from the federal government.
Is it then not obvious that they will punish their tormentors in the next polls? The questions are, can they? Will they have the will and the opportunity to do so?

 
In the current dispensation, when one of the godfathers is bringing in the army boys to disrupt rallies of opposition parties because the Defence Minister is from his clan and the godfather had a hand in his appointment as minister, such irresponsible actions of the godfather and the minister will definitely move all of us towards the cliffedge if not checked by the federal government.

 
The use of the military in political rallies is a very dangerous new dimension in Nigerian politics which must be resisted at all cost. Edo State belongs to Edo people and not to a few political rogues who do not care about the welfare of the people. The outcome of the forthcoming elections is very crucial as the results will define Edo State politics for many years to come. If the state PDP is allowed to take the reigns of Edo State government again, Edo people can forget their future as a free people.

 
All political parties should come together as one and chase the uncaring PDP government away from Edo State as its rule has been a scourge on our people. In the state, due to the modus operandi of PDP godfathers and their godsons, the stranglehold on Edo people by another PDP government after the next election will be asphyxiating and may send many more able-bodied men and women to their early graves.

 
The PDP government has suffocated Edo people for the last eight years; they must not be allowed to perpetuate their insensitive attitude in government any more. This is the time to stand up and be counted as an Edo man or woman and prevent another PDP government in the state. Our forefathers fought great wars that established the ancient Benin Kingdom. Therefore, tell your brothers and sisters at home to abhor the PDP at the polls. Ideally, the best and most suitable person should rule and guide any organization or nation, but in Edo State, for the purpose of non marginalisation, brotherhood, oneness and feeding that unity flame, leadership should reach all the senatorial districts so that they can have that sense of belonging to that larger Edo family.

 
Then electoral outcome will be based on their manifestos and not the present situation of sponsorship and selection by the political godfathers who are keen to maintain the status quo of dominance to the detriment of the generality of our people. To progress in our state, the people must ensure that their votes count and every effort must be made to subjugate the political party machinery, especially that of the ruling party, to the will of the people. Accountability should be to the people rather than what obtains now where accountability is to the party hierarchy. In the last few years of PDP reign in Edo State, tribalism and ethnocentricity have been pushed to the fore to the detriment of our unity of origin.

 
In perpetuation of this ethnocentric politics, all the federal manpower allocation to Edo State, including the Minister of Defence (Onolimeme), through Edo State quota in the National Population Commission (Otaigbe), National Economic Intelligence Agency (Ehizokhale), National Maritime Agency (Eigbadon), INEC (Egbase), Executive Secretary, National University Commission (Okojie) and the Chief Medical Directors of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (Okpere), the Federal Government Neuropsychiatry Hospital in Benin (Ihenyen) and even Edo State University at Ekpoma (Akpede), are all from a section of Edo Central Senatorial zone, courtesy of Chief Tony Anenih, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the PDP to the detriment of law-abiding Nigerian citizens from the North and South Senatorial zones of Edo State.

 
A win by the PDP government in Edo State will make the above disparity in sharing federal government manpower allocation to Edo State a child’s play as it is a case of the winners takes all. Where there is love, a slice of bread can be shared and this attitude of total control and allocation of all available resources, be it human, financial, or appointment by one individual in the name of the PDP, can no longer be tolerated. You all will recall the rancour and intrigues that went into the nominations from Edo State into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The governor of Edo State submitted his list as the number one citizen in the state and Chief Anenih submitted another list to counter the governor’s list. This issue deteriorated into one of the nominees being excommunicated from his village of origin.

 
Edo State can and should no longer allow a situation where we have a parallel government operating in the state; one by the political godfathers and the other by the political godsons. For the state and its people to progress economically, improve in their standard of living and general health and to reduce the number of our mothers and sisters who die in childbirth and reduce the number of our babies who die soon after birth, we must have a unified government, led by a governor chosen by the people and who listen to the people, listen to the state House of Assembly and public-spirited individuals who give unsolicited advice based on their training and expertise.

 
The type of ethnocentric politics prevailing in the state should not be condoned or allowed to be perpetuated. Edo North and Edo South should also have their share of the federal government representation.
 
SEO OGBONMWAN

IF WE ARE ONLY FOR OURSELVES, WHAT ARE OUR LIVES FOR?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE, MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 
Of heredity and Benin traditional Publications
sa Views: 117  

Of heredity and Benin traditional system

By Seo Ogbonmwan

IN the last few months, we have read on the pages of some Nigerian newspapers descriptions of the roles and functions of the Iyase of Benin as regards other Chiefs, the Edo people and, more importantly, the Oba of Benin. Some of these roles and the terminologies used for them were, however, not sacrosanct. As such, they may confuse the non-Edo, apart from the fact that some of their connotations were also observed to be deficient.
OUR HULME EXPEREINCE Publications
sa Views: 188  

OUR HULME EXPEREINCE.

BY

DR SEO OGBONMWAN M.MED SCI, FMCOG(Nig.), FRCOG.

 

FATHER OF THE HEAD GIRL

Miss IYORE LORRAINE OGBONMWAN

On The Occasion Of SPEECH DAY CELEBRATIONS

Of

THE HULME GRAMMAR SCHOOL, OLDHAM, MANCHESTER UK.

October  2005.

 

The Chairman, Distinguished guests, Members of the Board of Governors, Headmistress and teachers,  students, ladies and gentlemen.

 

I would like to thank the school authority and my daughter Lorraine for the opportunity to give this speech at this annual Speech Day.

 

Our family relationship with Hulme Grammar School Oldham started in 1996 when Lorraine’s elder sister Daisy gained admission into Hulme after the usual competitive entrance examination.

Three years later Lorraine followed in her sister’s footsteps and came into Hulme from St Aidans & Oswald in Royton.

 

Lorraine was therefore quite familiar with Hulme activities through her sister before coming in, hence she settled down quite easily.

She progressed steadily from year 7 which may have been intimidating, through year 8 to year 9 by which time she had fully adjusted to grammar school life; to taking her GCSE examinations; where like her colleagues she did extremely well in keeping with Hulme tradition of excellence.

 

 The home work, deadline to meet for submission for class work, the team games and school trips all help in moulding Lorraine for adult existence.

Presently she is enjoying her teenage life with all it’s up and down in keeping with hormone fluctuations at that stage in life and she is coping with the added responsibility as head girl.

 

As she is now in the final year of her A-level class; and looking forward to going to the University, there is always the added pressure of preparations for the A-level examinations, searching for a university and taking the responsibility of head girl in her stride; all of which calls for commitment to school work and dedication to duty so as to show good example as required of a head girl.

 

I must congratulate Lorraine for the confidence reposed on her by the students and teachers to have elected her as head girl for Hulme Grammar School for Girls for this academic year.

Even after her departure from Hulme our family relationship with Hulme will continue.

Only recently, we received a letter from Hulme Old Students Association for Daisy which confirms that we will always share in Hulme activities for a long time to come.

 

It has not always been smooth sailing, as I would want you to believe. There were school activities where she needed to be dropped off which clashed often with my work in the hospital and her mum’s duty. On her part Lorraine was quite active in sports like rounder, hockey and netball which required a lot of practice.

Here Lorraine’s friends’ parents came to the rescue. I would like to use this opportunity to thank all the parents who picked and dropped off my children when we could not do so due to pressure of work.

 

Hulme Grammar School has provided a safe environment and good nurturing ground for my children and has helped in moulding them for the task ahead as good and dependable citizens of this great nation.

 

Whereas Hulme Grammar school provided a secure environment for the growth of the children, the experience in the wider Oldham society may be different as we have been asked on occasions while we chose to stay in Oldham.

While we have heard others complaining, I can safely safe we have made a home here in Oldham.

From interacting with the teachers in their primary school, through attending St Aidan’s & Oswald church activities to Hulme grammar school activities; we have found friendly faces and helpful friends.

The children on their part have been described by some of the teachers as pleasing to teach, hardworking and disciplined for which we give glory to God Almighty.

 

Even when I made an effort to leave Oldham so as to stop commuting to and from my place of work, the children especially Lorraine refused to leave Oldham because of her friends and the friendly atmosphere we enjoy here in Oldham.

 

Her choice of Oldham always may not be unconnected with the support from the teachers and the headmistress Miss Smolenski who occasionally provided important and appropriate advice when they thought it was necessary.

 

 

I must remember to thank the teachers for their excellent work and the constructive criticisms at appropriate time to bring out the best from the students.

At the parents and teachers evening when we wait in turn to see the teachers, I have never failed to marvel at the ability with which they nearly always come up with the correct analysis for each child. 

I would also like to congratulate the students as well for keeping the Hulme flag ever flying; for their excellent results at the GCSE, AS and A-levels examinations and outstanding performance in competitive sports in the Manchester area.

I hope they are benefiting from the experiment of mixed sixth form classes with the boys. I see it as an opportunity for the students to learn social skills which will come out useful in their daily life in future.

 

Once again; thank you for this opportunity and I wish Hulme Grammar School the very best for the future and to Lorraine a successful tenure of office.

Thank you

 

© .SEO OGBONMWAN, October 2005.
UNITY IN DIVERSITY: A KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE SEATTLE ENA CONVENTION Publications
sa Views: 164  

UNITY IN DIVERSITY: A KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE SEATTLE ENA CONVENTION

Edo National Association of the Americas 16th Annual Convention
Seattle 2007
hosted by Edo Delta Association of the Pacific Northwest

UNITY IN DIVERSITY.

A KEYNOTE ADDRESS
BY
SEO OGBONMWAN FRCOG, KSC
At the
16th ENA CONVENTION IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA

All protocols observed.

My brothers and sisters, it is a great honour to be here delivering this key note address at the 16th ENA convention in Seattle Washington in the Pacific North West. It is not an accident that we are here because there are similarities between our homestead Edo land and the county of Seattle Washington.

Whereas Benin Kingdom was a Great Empire, Seattle was a great maritime port. Both cities were razed to the ground about the same time more than a century ago. While Benin City was plundered and burnt by superior forces, Seattle was destroyed by hay fire. Both cities have risen from their ashes and become famed for their products, Seattle for aircraft manufacturing and Benin for bronze and brass casting.

Whereas the revival of Seattle was facilitated by the gold rush, of 1897 the revival of the Benin Kingdom was facilitated by the people's tenacity, hard work and resolve, doggedness, determination and total commitment to a developed Edo Kingdom. Has that spirit left us today?

That is the question we shall explore in this discourse.

The topic: Unity in Diversity was well chosen as the theme for this convention. Although the topic: Edo Unity has been flogged so seriously in the last few years, we keep coming back to it as it is clear that the gospel of Edo Unity which I preached in Dallas Texas in 2004, Verona, Italy later in the same year, Darmstadt Germany 2005 is yet to be completely assimilated by our people especially those in the Diaspora.

The message of unity in diversity was ever first preached by W. Carl Ketcherside as reflected in his books, essays, sermons, and journal articles. We shall follow in his footsteps as there is a lot for our people to gain in the crusade for unity. The same theme, Unity In Diversity, chosen for this Convention is one phrase which best characterizes what we seek in Edo State presently and maybe many decades to come so that the rot of greed deposited by the godfather politicians can be completely swept away from our domain.

It is the lack of unity which epitomises greed, ethnicity, clannishness, tribalism, lack of accountability, nepotism, partiality, bias, prejudice, discrimination, unfairness, rigging at elections and some subtle apartheid in the disbursement of available resources to our people by those who by accident of history hold brief on behalf of our people.

What is Edo Unity?

Using my 2004 definition,
Edo Unity is pursuing a common goal and possibly a common agenda for the benefit of Edo people.

Edo Unity is speaking with one voice in dealings within the State and more importantly with the Federal government and the outside world at large.

Edo Unity is aligning and re-aligning with the government at the centre for the benefit of our people.

Edo Unity is realising that although our clans are many and varied but we constitute a part of a single whole that is Edo Kingdom.

Edo Unity imposes on those at the helm of affairs to use the available resources for Edo people without damaging Edo economy by taking our money to foreign banks.

Edo Unity imposes on Edo in Diaspora to taking active part in the issues that concern Edo State and contributing their widow's mite to the self-help development projects of Edo State.

Edo Unity is constructive criticism and the avoidance of smear campaigns.

Edo Unity is disagreeing in harmony without drawing each other's blood.

Edo Unity signifies all things good for Edo people irrespective of their clan wherever they may be.

Edo Unity is facing our worst fears and turning our failures into success.

Edo Unity is re-orientating ourselves, our thought processes towards honour for achievements rather than praise and respect for those with ill-gotten wealth.

Edo Unity is celebrating our achievements and cultural heritage.
A united Edo State is a fortress and building block for a strong and united Nigerian Nation.

FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST Edo Unity.

* POLITICAL GREED
We have a bad concept and attitude that developed in the last few years and this concept has swallowed our fore fathers' spirit of live and let live. The concept of you can choose after me but not before me. The concept of when we all have what is desirable there is no jealousy. That attitude has completely been eroded by the new concept of when I choose, no one chooses after me if he is not my son or my family member. You cannot have the same things that I have or even aspire to have it. I would always wish to be before you in all spheres of life.

This attitude has led to winning at all cost, even when it means annihilating your opponents by whatever means. This attitude is ungodly and may some day lead the whole kingdom into anarchy by sudden implosion. There is enough of what a human being can take. If w have to be united then we must learn to share and jettison the attitude of the winners takes all. Government must show all inclusiveness and this support proportional representation which is practised in established democracy of the world.

Placing square pegs in round holes in the name of party patronage is counter productive. This leads to absence of opposition which in itself facilitate growth, progress and excludes the concept of one party state which easily leads to a slipping slope of demagogy and dictatorship.

In the recent screening for ministerial positions, it was reported that a woman was given a ministerial position because he is a widow and her middle name is progress. How can our people continue to bow their heads, when such frivolous criteria are used for giving jobs when the individual has no antecedents? So long we continue to give responsible posts to those whose only merit is their family name so long we shall continue to dwell in misery and poverty,

So long people continue to bow their heads without raising a voice when evil and bad

Precedents are being set, so long our people will continue in penury.

* ETHNICITY.
In spite of the fact that all of us know our ancestry, that all Edo people migrated out of Oredo at one time or the other during our chequered history, we still see ourselves based on our ethnic- linguistic groupings. Unlike any other State in our country, Edo State has the singular privilege of being historically and culturally linked. This makes Edo State one of a homogenous people which should be a source of strength but it seems to be our undoing.

Whereas Ekiti, Egba, Ijebu will answer to being Yoruba in spite of their obvious differences. You are more likely to hear that I am Esan or Ekpoma man rather than being an Edo, I am an Auchi or Ora person, rather than claiming Edo.

It is true Edo is a place Benin City and it is a people, Edo. The people of Oredo can no longer claim to be Edo people alone. Edo now encompasses all the people of Edo State with the aforementioned same origin. The ruling houses of all Edo State towns and villages have blood link to the Oba of Benin as at various times in our history, brothers and cousins were sent to these places to govern on behalf of the Oba. Can the river bed ever be greater than the river source? Those who are trying very hard to rewrite or distort our history will never succeed

If above is true while will anybody wants to give all the posts accruing to Edo State to the people from one town. Such actions do not bode well for unity.

* CORRUPTION
This is the most intractable problem of our nation and State. The issue of corruption has been flogged by all so we shall not dwell too much on it only to say that it has to be tackled head on if we are to succeed. The issue of oten mwen no, egbe mwen no oh has to be set aside in dealing with any airing individual who corruptly enriches himself/herself to the detriment of our people.

* POLITICAL GOD FATHERS
In everywhere in the world, there are political godfathers, party sponsors and elders. In our country this has taken a new dimension. Such sponsors now wish to dictate every aspect of governance to the government; appointments, retrenchments, board memberships and some have a stipend for doing nothing. To get nomination one has to declare allegiance to these so-called godfathers and swear to an oath to prevent deviation or non-keeping an earlier agreement. The notorious role of Adedibu in Ibadan politics and Uba in Anambra politics come readily to mind. In Edo State, Tony Anenih comes readily to mind. He has been described variously as the Leader, Mr Fix it, Chief etc. People react differently to this kind of appellations. Do you respect and honour a man because he can change the natural course or order of events by any means? In civilised and other societies, the crude activities of using strong arm tactics will make them end up in jail. How do you react to someone who facilitates the theft of the mandate of the people? How do you come to celebrate evil to the exclusion of good? How has it happened that praise singers have drowned the voice of reason? If Mr Fix it could fix anything, why did he not fix the Lagos-Benin expressway?

Our people needs total re-orientation of their psyche, their thought process and value systems. Where has honour gone amongst our people? Why do we blame the armed robbers when we sing the praises of those who steal with pen and intimidation? There can never be unity when evil is allowed to float freely. Their day will certainly come. It will not be too long. To have peace and unity in our body politics, one man one vote must be respected, the mandate of the people must be respected, and Imposition of candidates by the godfathers must be relegated. The ‘advance fraud fees' where prospecting politicians must pay homage to evil godfathers must be stopped; unconstitutional salaries to godfathers must be stopped as they have no worthwhile contribution to the kingdom.

A few weeks ago Tony Anenih declared at Uromi that there is no gubernatorial contest in Edo State come 2011. This was during the retreat for commissioners and governors. The interpretation is that the 2011 elections have been contested and won. Such pronouncements are inflammatory. Secondly and more importantly the last election case is still in the electoral tribunal. My dear people of Edo State, this challenge is hereby passed on over to you. Edo State progressives most not allow it to happen if the governors' performance does not merit it. To allow this to go unchallenged is our problem which is in our failure to organize our society or community based on rule of law, trust, follower ship and that is a problem of leadership.

Each and every one of us here wants to be a President so you see three to four Edo unions in one town in Diaspora. How can one lead when we have not learnt to follow.

* THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS.
The patriarchal age recognizes the prerogative of the father as the oldest member of the family, and later of the clan, for every nation was first a family, then a clan or tribe, and finally a nation. Abraham was a patriarch (Heb. 7:4). God said, "He will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord" (Gen. 18:19). Today our children no longer listen to us. Those who came after us want to choose before us. It cannot be right. It is not right.

The evangelists begin his series of lessons on eldership by pointing out to the congregation that the God who created the universe is a God of order and arrangement. To maintain order where two or more parts function in relationship, there must be control. God has ordained three organic institutions as a blessing to mankind. These are the family, civil government, and the congregation of the saints. Government is an essential feature of each. In each one there is authority to be respected, and rule to be obeyed, if we merit God's approval.

In the home, children must obey their parents (Eph. 6:1). In the political realm we "must be subject, not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake" (Rom. 13:5).

In every dispensation the rule of elders, or ancients, has been sanctioned as the most appropriate to man in his earthly state.

The natural order of things must be respected and followed as this is unifying, to do otherwise is to seek disharmony and division. A house divided against itself cannot stand. In the same vein give that which is Caesars to him and God's unto God.

In the creation of local governments, the natural order or proportionality was set aside hence a senatorial district with more than half of the population of the state has less than half of the created local governments. Righting such wrongs created by some of our people will support long lasting peace, unity and progress. To try and say it did not happen is to keep a keg of gun powder above the fire place. The truth must be said and what is right in the eyes of God and man must be done. Gone are the days when we should pretend that all is well. One thing we all seemed to agree about after the election results were declared is that all is not well.

* INDISCIPLINE OF YOUTHS.
The recent indiscipline shown by our youth's results from poor planning by the various governments of Bendel and now Edo state. With such a large turn out of school leavers and university graduates having no gainful employment, good percentage that are jobless resulted to crimes, especially armed robbery. When we went to school, there was a future for us and something to live for. Today, that is not the case. The youths who were armed to kill, maim and terrorize opponents during election campaign refused to return such deadly weapons after the elections; as they are jobless, they now use the weapons as means of livelihood. Blame the politicians who vow to win at all cost. Blame the politicians who provided these deadly weapons. The retributive justice is that sometimes these politicians are also at the receiving end of robbery and kidnapping by these restless youths.

Everyone here today can solve Edo State social problems but our individual greed for example to win at whatever cost, exceeds the need for collective wellbeing of our people. The dictum is if you cannot stop them, join them and the meeker amongst us checked out like Andrew during Sanni Abacha's time.

That some of us ran away from Nigeria because of our collective failure to organize our society to be functional and productive is due to lack of unity of purpose and action and this is a problem of leadership.

* ELECTION RIGGING.
In the crisis following the announcement of the results of the last election in Edo State, one thing was certain, there is no laid down organization that one can activate for immediate response. We were in total disarray. As I was unsure of what response I would get, I had to test the waters with my toes by sending in a poem prose titled ‘Who will cry with me?' The response was very positive especially privately and I knew I was not alone. This gave me the courage to send in more directives.

A spontaneous problem needs a spontaneous response, I did not need to test the waters with my toes or hold telephone conferences before going into action. Due to disunity of action and purpose, I or anyone else had no mandate of all Edo in Diaspora to do anything.

You can see how much we need unity even in diversity, we need peoples thinking hats, we need those with deep pockets and need good follower ship without which we shall fail.

I shall share with you a few of the e-mails I received that help galvanised me into action.

Dr. Ogbomwan, (In the place of Dr Ogbonmwan, you substitute your name and feel the effect of this short prose.)

This is NOT the time to cry or windbag about what might have been.
This is the time to act.
EVITA didn't cry.
The RIVONIA defendants didn't cry.
Those who pushed the Magna Carta didn't.
The SLAVE abolitionist didn't cry.
They stopped the madness around them by acting because they knew that EVIL would continue to succeed so long as only FEW are bold enough to stop brazen injustices.
Weep Not Dr. Stephen Ogbonmwan, You Must Rise and Shine!
Sandra

Subject: [Edo-Nation] Re: Edo_Global. A CRY FOR FREEDOM

Dear Dr. Ogbonmwan,

Yes, we should all cry with you and for our fatherland.

The wanton disregard for the democratic process leaves much to be desired. It is quite unfortunate that we as a people can not do much unless there is a concerted effort and coordinated action plan using civilized channels to express our disappointment and seek redress through appropriate means in the system( in this case through the judiciary).

This is the time for leadership of all the various organization in the Diaspora to bind together and act swiftly. I hope we can phantom a way to do this before it is too late.

Franklin Omoruna

"Nobody can give you freedom.

Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything.

If you're a man, you take it."

Malcolm X

This hydra headed beast that has recently subdued our people may have to be confronted.

Our people should remember that there is nowhere in history where freedom have been easily attained. If a handful says no and few thousand says yes and the handful prevail

People have to obtain their freedom, freedom to choose those who should lead them,

Freedom to choose who should speak for them,

We should no longer accept imposition as it is a rape of justice.

As it contradicts the United Nation Charter.

People should be free to choose without manipulation of votes in elections.

We reaffirm the Charter of UN that states nations should

Save succeeding generations from the scourge of war which has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women, justice for all and equitable distribution of resources; respect for the obligations arising from national constitution like conducting a fair and free elections, promote social justice and human progress and better standards of life in larger freedom and in peace.

Yes! We are a people in bondage today.

We have to seek our freedom from our oppressors.

Freedom will not come by sitting on the fence.

Freedom will be elusive if we adopt the wait and see approach.

Today I cry for freedom.

Will you weep with me? SEO

FIGHTING ON THE WW WEB.
Walking away from a fight is not necessarily a sign of cowardice or fear, it is a sign of wisdom and self control; it is possible to lose a lot more than one is fighting for if one chooses to go full steam ahead with an avoidable conflict. There are some fights that are unavoidable where every other option has been explored, but, it takes wisdom to choose such fights and ensure victory before one begins. it takes a stronger and more disciplined person to walk away from a fight after provocation The fight to save Edo State from charlatan politicians is a fight we cannot run away from. It is a fight we have to face headon.

ENHANCING Edo Unity

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN UNITY
The Edo people in Diaspora in spite of their training in law, finance, management, political science, human psychology, medicine etc. have not been able to make a substantial impact in Edo land due to lack of unity of action, unity of purpose and lack of unity of heritage.

So far we have been involved in pockets of various activities in Edo State, from scholarship award to deserving students to adopting wards in Central Hospital Benin City. We need to do more. We need to be involved in effective and visible projects in Edo land. As individuals we may be respected by our friends but collectively we are not thought of much because we are not included in the scheme of things in Edo State. This should not be the case. We can organize ourselves and form a unifying but formidable group that can move mountains in Edo if only we choose to do so. But can we make that choice and follow it up with sacrifice both in sparing our time and financial resources? That is the question.

CREATION OF EDO STATE THINK TANK
The creation of an arena where like minds and progressively thinking nationally focused elements and intellectual can evolve can be set up for Edo State if we can work together in unity to achieve this for our people. The proposed think tank can be a repository of ideas and research reports for the government to tap into as this would help to reintroduce levity and innovation to Edo State and national dialogue.

The stark absence of radicalized thoughts presently and acceptance of such thought in our conservative and staid body politic is a cause for much concern. This could be seen as the harbinger to the paucity of ideas and direction hitherto in very short supply on the State and national horizon.

To support this view point, it isn't necessarily that Edo people lack innovation, but conservatism constricts innovation and makes it less likely that new and emergent views and ideas can filter through. In unity we can work to set aside those thinking that have been un progressive; that have kept us in the same place for a long time. If we continue to do the same things the same way, we shall continue to get the same results; it is therefore pertinent that to get a different result we must all agree in unity to do things differently.

Working Together for the Good of Edo State:
Today we have Edo Global Organization, Edo Okpamakhin and Edo Nation Association of the Americas (ENA) and a plethora of other Edo Associations in Diaspora all pursuing different agendas without a meeting point or a clearing house like our contemporaries of the other Nigerian nationalities do; for example, Ohenanze in the East, the Arewa to the North and the OPC to the west. The blessings and gifts of these Edo Associations differ greatly. Acting separately, they will continue to make little impacts but working together and pooling their resources, different gifts and talents for common use and purpose, the result will be awesome and Diaspora Edo will be surprised at what they can achieve.

This cooperation that we speak about is envisaged to cut across party political lines; cut across religious beliefs; cut across ethnic divide; with the main focus being what is best for Edo State and Nigeria. Then we can work together as one body, speak with one voice, sustain a common agenda and take active part in the process of change that will definitely come to pass in Edo State and Nigeria.

To reach that goal, we have to constitute ourselves into one front and working together will ultimately strengthen the component parts. By the components parts, I mean the various associations that form one unifying group for all Edo people due to the centripetal forces at play. This will improve output and facilitate progress and economic emancipation our people.

The shine of the moon is different from the shine of the stars and the shine of the sun. Together they light day and night whereas separately they can either light the day or the night but never both simultaneously.

Secondly their beauty differs and the effect of the combinations of these three celestial sources of energy will be awesome. It can be so for Edo Associations or Organizations in Diaspora working together if they choose to do so. The worry is the strong lack of trust and suspicion of the motives of the various individuals working for the team spirit to prevail. This may make the desired unity virtually impossible to achieve. The luck on our side is that those who think cooperation are the way forward are in the majority.

For example, Edo Global Organization as the union of all separate Edo associations mainly in Europe which forms its foundation and building blocks will also ensure its stability.

Due to its broad base and solid foundation, like mount Zion, it will weather any storm. This is what we seek for all Edo in Diaspora.

In practical terms, we have been cooperating with one another. We need to take this to a higher level of cooperation to execute meaningful projects for the benefit of all in the land of our birth. In that way we will be regarded as messengers of good tidings and agents of change and progress.

Emphasising Edo Unity in Diaspora.
I cannot stress the need for this unity more as the result will be overwhelming since there is total failure of the political system in Edo State which is apparent even to the blind man in spite of what some newspaper reporters try very hard to sell. A hard sell it has been indeed. If a government without any opposition or hindrance to its activities cannot make visible impact to the lives of our people, then we are in serious trouble.

There is no doubt that we need a strong platform from which we can execute not only our projects but effect desirable changes in Edo State collectively or by proxy. Behold, how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity, to achieve a purpose in unity and so edify our heritage in unity. Those who think one brethren or one group is better than the other or that one brethren or group should compete with one another or do things separately because our individual endowments differ are ignorant.

Where has a tree made a forest?

Each of us is endowed with a different gift just like the shine of the moon is different from that of the star or the sun. The utilization of the combination of these gifts and talents brings out the best of the groups; in this case Edo in Diaspora.

We should therefore endeavour to work together with one another and in so doing keep Edo Unity of Purpose not only in Edo Land but in Diaspora within the bond of peace, mutual trust, mutual understanding and respect for our individuality, our respective religion, political affiliation and ethnicity.

We constitute many parts of a whole that is ancestrally, historically and genetically linked and we shall function best as one body with one purpose.

The overwhelming result of our unity will be the fruit of cooperation born out of unity of purpose, unity of action and unity in diversity. In this regard, the objective will be that the best among us will be representing all Edo people in Diaspora in articulating our desire for a better Edo State. In so doing, barking behind closed door will be banished forever as we will take the bulls by their horns by our action.

In co-ordinating this unity we should establish ourselves in unity, independent of forces of ethnicity, based on sound principles of justice and fairness, make informed decisions democratically, sensitize Edo public of their political rights and the importance to exercise their rights in the political processes rather than allowing a few godfathers to decide for them without their participation. More importantly we should work to be an effective force for change for the good of Edo people.

Co-operating with the System on the Ground in Edo State.

Sometime ago, one of our brothers wrote in Edo Nation forum that there was no government in Edo State for us to work with which implied we should abandon hope.

I responded by saying that there are at least two parallel governments in Edo State, the civil and traditional. No matter how badly the civil government may be performing or how controversial their position may be, they still represent Edo State and as such we have to do business with them, cooperate with them and make useful suggestions to them to enable them do things better for the benefit of our people.

The traditional Edo System of government is unrivalled in modern civilization.

With the Omo n' Oba as the head and custodian of our custom and tradition;

We also have the palace chiefs and the town chiefs headed by the Iyase, the ËœPrime Minister'.

In every district and streets in Benin City for example is an Odionwere or Okao who administer the district or street on behalf of the supervising chief of the area who in turn, is responsible to the Omo n Oba.

Under the supervision of these Okao in various communities are the Ikpolughe the youngest group, followed by the Igbama, Eghele who make things happen in the various communities; then the Edion, who take crucial decisions in the council of elders chaired by an Odionwere or an Okao.

This system is repeated in most Edo towns and villages with an Enogie or Enigie or Onogie or Onojie, as the head. In view of the above, we have a very effective and virile administrative system in place which any good civil government can draw upon and use for its own benefit and for the benefit of our people through effective and efficient mobilization of our people.

For us to be effective as Edo in Diaspora, we must connect with our grassroots and identify with whatever they are doing that is good for the people.

Political parties will come and go, party chairmen will come and go but our traditional roots will remain forever. It is for this reason that I consider them the most effective vehicle with which to mobilise our people for a good course.

Similarly an effective civil government in Edo State must connect and work closely with our traditional ruler ship system who can reach farther than party members who are more prone to congregate in urban centres. Secondly, the traditional rulers know our customs and tradition well and they can easily cut across party political divide, religious divide and divide due to ethnicity.

The Edo people in Diaspora have assimilated other cultures and can weigh the merits and demerits of various attitudes and adopt the best which they can safely introduce into Edo culture. We therefore constitute a special group that can be a catalyst for change not only in Edo State but in Nigeria as a whole.

Our Oba has led by example by introducing some changes into our people's culture and tradition in keeping with modernisation; he has gone further to present the true picture of the history of our people in his aeon making book ‘I Remain Sir Your Obedient Servant' which has caused earthquakes in some quarters. He has led from the front, and our duty as true Edo citizens now is to follow. And follow we must!

We can arrive at that critical point in Edo history where there is peace, harmony, progress, economic emancipation, health, wealth and total fulfilment of our people in the community of ethnic nationalities of our country Nigeria.

In addition to the above, we must identify, associate and co-operate with other cultural groups in Edo Land for example the Benin Forum in Benin and similarly other organisations in other parts of the state; as this will facilitate the desirable changes we are hoping for and keen to introduce.

My brothers and sisters, there is no one group that can do it all alone; we must therefore cooperate with each other, unite for a common cause and achieve that change or changes we all so desperately want. Those advocating segregation are not speaking in the best interest of our people.

Investing in Edo State.

In all we do, we should not forget the land of our birth, the land that gave us life, the land of our ancestors, the only place we can truly call our home on mother earth.

In happiness and joy - in despair and hope - even when the road of life becomes a little too rosy, or a little curvy or a little too long, we should always remember home in Edo Land. It is only in remembering that we can work harder to make it better.

The idea of sending money home regularly which I have preached in the past may not be the best solution in making Edo State progress like other parts of our country. In fact, it may create a problem of over dependency by our relatives in our home stead.

We could go a step further by setting up small to medium scale enterprises based on our skills or exposure here that could employ a few individuals in Edo Land, then we would have contributed more to the economic development of Edo State and in the same vein Nigeria as a whole. We all recall the Chinese saying of teaching people how to fish and feeding them for life rather than giving them fish which only feed them for a day.

Our people are proud people and do not want handouts. They want to be gainfully employed and earn a decent salary from a decent job for a decent living.

It may not be possible for individuals to set up such a business; therefore, a few of us could form co-operatives to pull our resources together to set up business enterprises that will employ labour if we trust one another. There are numerous areas yet untapped in our state which we can go into and even make profits that will make us smile when we get the dividend at the end of the financial year.

By providing employment, we will not only be improving Edo State and Nigerian economy, we will also be reducing crime rate as the idle mind is the devils workshop.

BIDCO an acronym for Benin Investment Development Company has taken a lead here. It was launched with fanfare by His Royal Highness Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin in April this year.…I hereby challenge all of us gathered here today to buy into BIDCO and make it a success story. Details about BIDCO can be found on Edo Global Organization web site www.edoglobalorganization.org

In spite of our bashing of the government and showing their inadequacies, the truth of the matter is that the government alone cannot provide all the necessities of life for our people. There is no where in the world that is done. The people must also contribute their quota towards their own welfare. Public spirited individuals who have must share with those who have not. Our people must be mobilized to get involved in self help development projects. We have done it in the past. We can do it again with good leadership and effective publicity. Those who have no money to donate can donate their expertise, and those who have no expertise can donate their time and those who have time but no skills can donate their labour.

While we are making this effort, the government must also contribute by creating an enabling environment to ensure such small to medium scale enterprises prosper. Good roads and security of life and properties are important to success of such ventures. It is obvious therefore that it will be the cooperation of the government or people on the ground in Edo State on one hand with those in Diaspora on the other hand that will ensure success.

We can also improve Edo State economy by projecting the image of Edo and Nigeria in Diaspora and working to make it a tourist attraction and destination. There are a lot to offer in Edo State. Tourism sustains the economy of many nations. We can invite our friends to come on holidays and be their tourist guide until the establishment of visible and viable tourist companies in Edo or improvement of the existing tourist companies. I have recently been informed of the wonders in Okomu Forest reserve.

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating" is a proverbial saying which is quite true. Because appearances can be so deceiving, things are not always as they appear to be. A plate of food may be tempting to look at, but the pangs of hunger can only be allayed by eating it.

It is not what men profess to know or what they intend to do at a convenient time which will justify them in the Day of Judgment. It is doing what can be done to supply the thing needed, or to relieve a condition while the need exists, and when there is opportunity to act.

There is no pattern of righteousness which a man may set up and adhere to, but that which will harmonize with the new covenant scripture, or laid rules or articles of a national constitution and to which by faith, respect, and knowledge man will apply himself as an individual. The justification is dependent entirely upon an individual doing what is right in God's sight according to His standard of righteousness or doing what is legal according to national or state laws.

The man who knows what God, the people or the State requires and refuses to do it, is no better off because of his knowledge and insight. Regardless of all he may profess to be, or of his claims to faith in God or level of education or number of degrees acquired, he is still classed as a sinner, under achiever, a transgressor (James 4:17). "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement, give us a spirit of understanding and unity among us as we deliberate on what is best for Edo Kingdom to enable us do what will glorify many rather than ourselves.

Finally it will be good if before we leave this place we form ourselves into these committees so that we start working in earnest in unity in spite of our diversity.

· Politics,

· Projects,

· Campaign,

· Education

· Business Development

· Investment in Edo state.

· Co-ordinating Group.

Conclusion:
Finally, I call on all of us gathered here today to be law abiding, to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and Edo Kingdom in particular in our abode here in America so that they will not regret our presence here and so prevent other Edo from coming in for their post graduate training and further studies.

You must see it as a duty to enhance the good name of our country Nigeria in all you do, at work, on the highway and in your various places of study, in your homes and in your relationship with your spouses especially those of American or European descent.

I have said a lot today but our people say you only tell an Edo man one word and in his/her mind, it will form a million words, he/she will know where you are going and where you are coming from; hence, the knowledge of our ancestors is the knowledge of the ages.

Once again thank you for this opportunity! Remember together we can make that Change we so desperately need. This is not the time to say it does not concern me as it does concern all of us.

It is clear we cannot change our yesterday, we can unite and work hard today for a glorious tomorrow.

May the peace and serenity of our God, Osanoghodua be with us today and always and may the good spirits of our ancestors allow this address to take a firm root and hold in our hearts and mind so that we can make manifest what we have heard to day.

SEO OGBONMWAN
SEPTEMBER 2007

IF WE ARE ONLY FOR OURSELVES, WHAT ARE OUR LIVES FOR? MAKE A DIFFERENCE; MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

DR STEPHEN OGBONMWAN
A THANK YOU & FAREWELL TO 2008 Publications
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A  Thank You & Farewell To 2008

To our God & Master We Thank You For the Year 2008.

We thank you for a safe beginning and a successful arrival.

We thank you God for restful sleep and our waking hours.

We thank you for our jobs, our successes and sometimes failures.

 

We thank you for our Children and our families.

We thank you for our homes and the companionship we share.

We thank you for our friends for true and  good friendship

We are thankful for our joyous moments and sometimes our joyful tears.

We thank God for the air we breathe, the water we drink and food that nourished us.

 

We thank you God for the good fights we fought and won.

We thank you for having the courage to walk away sometimes even at provocations.

We thank you for the Graces we have received and the anger we overcame.

We thank you for our numerous journeys on land, in the air and on the sea.

 

We thank you God for those lives that added values to our lives.

We thank you for those who brought laughter in our gloom and smiles when we could cry.

We thank you for a year that is passing into history with lots of memories.

 

We thank you for the numerous Blessings we experienced we cannot even remember.

We thank you for the year 2008 and for seeing light in Your  light.
A THANK YOU & FAREWELL TO 2008 DEC. 2008 Publications
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