Molecular Valency -By Tony Osakpamwan Agbons

As a young science student at Edokpolo Grammar School Benin City, Chemistry and English Language were my favourite subjects going into final year. For the former, I recall with nostalgia such interesting topics like the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical bonding amongst others. As stated in the renowned learning website, BBC Bitesize `the number of protons in an atom of an element is its atomic number. All atoms of a given element have the same number of protons. Atoms of different elements have different numbers of protons. An atom contains equal numbers of protons and electrons. Since protons and electrons have equal and opposite charges, this means that atoms have no overall electrical charge. For example, the atomic number of sodium is 11. Every sodium atom has 11 protons and 11 electrons. It has 11 positive charges and 11 negative charges. What a natural synchronisation right there! Amazing. That is how nature works; it abhors a vacuum.

The bit that always got me excited in the study of chemistry was when we learnt more about protons, neutrons and valence. In simple terms, valence is the combining capacity of an atom, meaning the number of chemical bonds an atom can form to achieve stability. It is directly related to the number of electrons in the atom’s outermost shell, known as valence electrons. For example, hydrogen has a valence of 1 because it forms one bond, while oxygen typically has a valence of 2, forming two bonds. In my young mind, the unity and togetherness of these minute particles which are not visible to the human eye got me curious. These atomic entities work in tandem to function. In the realm of human relationship, these could be described as partnerships, collaborations and networking within the ambience of a purpose driven ecosystem. So, away from the scientific!

Edo State like others in the Nigerian federation has three Senatorial Districts – South, North and Central. Although linguistically diverse, ours is one of the most homogenous states by heritage. We are fortunate to be a people bond together by a divine common ancestry and Deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA dating back to hundreds and thousands of years. We are a people steep in culture, and traditions. We are savvy, industrious, mercurial, and conventionally wise. As a people we recognize leadership and also understand the responsibilities that accompanies it without any equivocation. A Benin proverb says, ‘Odionwere gha se omwan egbe aire bor yor`. (The oracle is not consulted when it is your turn to be the community head by seniority). We revere our royal father, His Royal Majesty, Omo N`Oba Ne Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll. In our traditional hierarchy they are titled Chiefs, Enigies, Onojies, Odionweres and Youth leaders who superintend over various communities. These structures help to promote social cohesion, communal peace, justice, and equality within our towns and villages. We are a people with a rich history spanning centuries and thrive on the warmth our of people and inclusive demeanour.

Edo State sons and daughters are articulate, passionate, and compassionate. Like the moon and stars, we are found in all parts of 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 etched upon our art, culture and tradition. Edolites glow with an effervescent charm, uncommon humility, honesty, and integrity that is outstanding. We are a people of poise, pride, gait, and mercurial wisdom. Our statecraft is embedded in our savvy enlightenment, endowment, innate skills, gifts and talents. Ours is a land that has produced legendary dynasty of Kings, men and women of renown.  Since its creation as the Midwestern region, later Bendel state and now Edo state, we have been blessed with some unique transformational leaders.

We honour the memory of Dr Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, and Prof. Ambrose Folurunsho Alli who left indelible footprints in the sands of time. Their vision and accomplishments remain a gold standard. 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, 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 sweet-talking PowerPoint technocrats. He is flexing on the maxim of `workative` and not `talkative`.

The onerous task of building a virile Edo State is for all and sundry. The Pull Him Down (PHD) syndrome coming from some quarters is uncalled for. The time for governorship election/political campaigns has come and gone. This is the time for governance. An election is not correctly done only when your political party or candidate wins. The fact the political party or candidate you supported won marginally in your unit/ward does not mean, the other political party or candidate supported by another person did not win elsewhere. Let’s stop all this unending spewing of swords, spears, toxic fire and brimstone (Italics mine). No human or group of humans has monopoly of knowledge, and `no Edo State citizen is more Edo` than another. We are all critical stakeholders in Edo State. All these sagas, lies, and `I told you so` and `Did I not tell you` approach should stop.

Like the pioneer Director General, Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor said in a recent Arise News interview, “let people please look beyond partisaness and let them understand that development and economic movement has no colour. if Edo State schools are working PDP children. children of Labour Party chieftains would attend it. So let’s move our state forward”. A sick man or woman rushed to Central hospital Benin City or Otibhor Okae (now Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital) would not be asked by the Nurses, Doctors or Lab Scientist about partisan leanings. All megalomaniac, utopian and highfalutin tendencies must stop. In the words of one of our greatest minds, The Rev. Fr. T.Y Uwaifo (of blessed memory), “it is only Professor Joel who believes that what he does not know, does not count as knowledge”. No man or woman is Island. Like protons and neutrons in an atom, `we are because each of us is`.

Edo state is on a generic re-oxygenation albeit quietly and meticulously under the able leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo. He has shown clearly, he means well for the people of Edo State and that he is in `to serve and not to be served`. His smart objective is the systematic re-engineering of governance, security, healthcare, education, roads, agriculture, transportation, arts, culture, tourism, youths, and sports, and transformation of our landscape. The harnessing of the enormous power of our vast Edo State diaspora is also a focal point of his administration. No doubt there are challenges within the limits of available resources, but these challenges are not insurmountable. So, Edo State sons and daughters across the spectrum, we are first Edolites before anything else. Let us therefore pull the tug in sync. What unites us is far greater than what divides us – tribe, political party, partisan politics. Our shared humanity is the true religion. Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM) for it is Teamwork that makes the Dreamwork. Let us focus on our focus. Least I forget, both my Chemistry and English Language GCE O Level results came out as A`s. Yes, we can!

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