Kogiflame
The Okun Development Association (ODA), a social cultural group of Yoruba speaking people of Kogi west has called on Governor Yahaya Bello and the good people of the state to support her to produce the next Governor, as Kogi State marks 30 years of its creation.
The President – General of ODA, Barr. Femi Mokikan, made call at a World Press Conference held by the association on Thursday in Lokoja.
Mokikan noted that for the spirit of brotherhood, fairness and equity, the East and Central zones which had produced governors since inception of the state in 1991, should join hands with the West zone to actualise her dream.
The president general lamented that for about 30 years of the existence of the state, Okun people are the most marginalised major ethnic group in Kogi, in the area of employment, appointment, project and execution.
He stressed that it was the coming of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, that changed their sordid stories. in his determination to give sense of belonging to all the zones in the state.
He noted that the governor on assumption of office, introduced ”EBIGO Agenda” to promote unity and oneness with the view to portraying the interest of the state first above individual or selfish interest.
“Without an iota of doubt, the EBIGO Agenda is commendable and one of the lofty policies of New Direction government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as it has confirmed that Kogi State belong to all, Igalas, Ebiras and Okuns as against the claims in some quarters in the past.
“Worthy of note and encomiums is the institutionalisation of this agenda in the Area of appointments (both civil service and political), allocation and execution of projects.
”This is why Okun people will continue to be grateful to Governor Yahaya Bello, for the establishment of one of largest Rice Mill in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area.
“Also, in the health sector, we are glad with the ongoing construction work at Isanlu General Hospital, Yagba East LGA, while the rehabilitation of the Kabba township road is no doubt a step in the right direction”, he said.
He, however noted that Okun was still lagging behind as it is the only Area in the State without a University as the East has the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba while the Central has the New Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
The association, therefore appealed to the State Government to as a matter of fact establish a University in Okun land to justify the equity, fairness and justice that form the mantras of the present Administration.
The group further appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, to urgently sign into law the bill establishing Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba, as done for some states in Nigeria recently.
The president general called on the people of Okun as well as Oworo land to come out enmasse and participate in the ongoing Voters registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He urged their sons and daughters in the diaspora to also motivate their children of 18 years and above to register and collect their permanent voters cards.(PVC).
The association further congratulated the Government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the people of the state on the 30th Anniversary of the creation of the State.
