As We Celebrate Edo State @34 -By Tony Agbonasevbaefe

Edo state is a land steep in culture, royalty and traditions that dates back to centuries. We the people of Edo state carry an air of style and gait that remains the envy of many of our brothers and sisters from other parts of Nigeria. The average Edolite is savvy, industrious, mercurial, and conventionally wise. Not for the first time, Edolites are known to be systematically thoughtful, inquisitive and underpinned with a rich culture and tradition. We are `exquisitely arrogant` in the real sense of it. Edo nor dey carry last and we are not one to be easily shoved aside. From the Ososo hills in the north, and Kukuruku hills of Estako, to the steep valleys of Esan land, and the vegetations of the south, every Edo state community is laced with a dose of organised communal hierarchy.

We revere our royal father, His Royal Majesty, Omo N`Oba Ne Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll. There are Enigies, Onojies, titled Chiefs, Odionweres and Youth leaders who superintend over their people. These age long structures are held in high esteem by all Edo sons and daughters. These elders help to promote social cohesion, communal peace, justice, and equality within their towns and villages. As a people we recognize leadership. We also understand leadership and the responsibilities that accompany it without contestation. In Benin language, we often say unapologetically; `Odionwere gha se omwan egbe aire bor yor`. (The oracle is not consulted when it`s your turn to become the community head by seniority).

We are a people with a rich history spanning centuries. The current delineation of our landmass was as a result of the rise of republicanism that occurred within the last two hundred years plus. Hitherto, Benin Kingdom had stretched to as far the Bight of Benin, Togo, into the Niger Delta area, and to Lagos (Eko). These are incontrovertible facts that are verifiable. Carved out of the former Bendel State on 27th August 1991 by the Military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Edo State has thrived on the astuteness of its people, diversity and inclusivity. Bendel state had the Midwest region as its forebear. The latter having been created by a referendum during the first republic in 1963. Till date, the Midwest region remains the only domain so created democratically. All other state creations – 1966 by Gen. JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi, 1976 by Gen. Murtala Muhammed, 1991 by Gen. IBB, and 1996 by Gen. Sani Abacha were done by military decree and fiat.

Edo State sons and daughters are articulate, passionate, and compassionate across the world. We are a people with a high sense of purpose, drive, tenacity, and panache. Our mantra which resonates far and wide beyond our shores is our art, culture and tradition. Edolites glow with an effervescent charm, uncommon humility, honesty, and integrity that is outstanding. Edo State is a land of great history, revered culture, and royalty. We are a people of poise, pride, gait, and mercurial wisdom. Our statecraft is embedded in our divinity which is steeped in savvy enlightenment, endowed skill, and knowhow. Ours is a land that has produced legendary dynasty of Kings, men and women of renown who deserves plaudits and accolades. Since its creation as the Midwestern region, to Bendel state and now Edo state, we have been blessed with some unique transformational leaders.

God bless the memory of Dr Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, and Prof. Ambrose Folurunsho Alli who left indelible footprints in the sands of time. Their vision, mission and accomplishments remain a gold standard in our state and national history. The incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo standing on the shoulders of those giants is creating his own legacy of practical governance with a calm, `workative` humane, humble disposition. The Governor`s demeanour of less talk, but work done is permeating to the very people at the grassroots who prior were being cajoled by so-called smooth talking PowerPoint technocrats.

Edo state is on a generic re-oxygenation albeit quietly and meticulously. Its current leadership has shown a penchant to serve and not to be served. The smart objective is the systematic re-engineering of governance, total transformation of our landscape – security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, industrialisation, arts, culture, youths, sports, tourism and the harnessing of the enormous power of our vast diaspora. Although, there are challenges, they are certainly not insurmountable. Yes, we can! The glory of Edo State is a catalyst to inspire a new generation. As we mark 34 years of the creation of our dear state, let us roll out the drums to celebrate our Edoness. God Bless Edo State, Amen.

Dr Agbons, a proud son of Edo State blogs at www.twin2.org