In an effort to attract development to Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the indigenes of the state to actively participate in politics.
He made this call at the 8th biennial retreat of the Weppa Wanno Pyramid Club of Nigeria in Lagos, where the community requested the attention of the Federal Government to the town of Agenebode in Etako East.
His speech on the theme of the retreat, “Politics as a Veritable Tool for Community Development,” Oshiomhole who was represented by Prof. Marcel Okhakhu from the department of Mass Communication, University of Benin emphasized the importance of political engagement for all individuals, stating that “everybody is a politician.”
He urged the citizens to hold their elected officials accountable and to collaborate with them through town hall meetings to prioritize necessary projects and ideas.
Oshiomhole emphasized the significance of sharing information and supporting politicians to ensure that the needs of the community are met.
According to Marcel Okhakhu, the state government has neglected Agenebode, which is the last town in Edo State, making it effectively a “back town.”
Okhakhu highlighted the disadvantageous geographical position of Agenebode, which is separated from Kogi by the river Niger. Building a bridge across the water would lead to more development in the area.
Additionally, he pointed out the absence of tertiary schools, with only secondary schools established in 1967 and a handful of private schools. These schools also suffer from a lack of teachers, compelling the community to rely on PTA teachers for education. The General Hospital in the region was built through community efforts and donations.
The Weppa Wanno Pyramid Club expressed regret over the lack of basic infrastructures in the area, including a linking bridge to Ida in Kogi State, tertiary institutions, and good road networks.
President of the club, Dr. Austine Aipoh, stressed the relevance of the theme, considering the impact of politics on all aspects of life and sectors of the economy, including community development.
Another member of the club, Mr. Kenndy Izuagbe, called on the federal government to prioritize the construction of a bridge linking Agenebode and Ida in Kogi State. He believed that this bridge would improve commerce in both Edo and Kogi States.
