…Solicits government, organizations’ support
By Simeon OSAJIE
The people of Ugbayon community in Uhunmwonde local government area of Edo State, in unity have decided to woo investors and partners in the conscious implementation of outlined plans and strategies; for modern day growth and development.
This is in a deliberate embrace of a sweeping new trend of a push for growth and development across communities in Edo South senatorial district of the state.
The community elders spoke to journalists in an enlarged meeting facilitated by Nosakhare Ahanor Michael, the Okaighele (youths Head), and presided over by the Council of Elders led by the Odionwere , Pa. Ibizugbe Omoregbe.
It was during the occasion of creating layouts in the village in preparation for potential investment partners and developers, in the days and years ahead.
The people pointed out that they cannot continue to be waiting for the government, hence the move to open up Ugbayon with the first step of mapping out the landscape.
Following this, are different outlined plans and strategies to attract investors and development partners, it was asserted.
Ugbayon community bounded by neighbours; Ugomoson, Ugoneki, Okogo and Evbuosawe villages respectively, is a linear village with a greater part of the landscape being bushes and forests serving as abodes to criminals; particularly; killer herdsmen and kidnappers.
“So, today, we the people of Ugbayon are planning development expansion and we are soliciting the support of the government of the day in all ramifications.
“Therefore, what we are doing, is one of the many strategies to unlock the potentials of the place, open it up to the much desired growth and development.
“By this, the threat of kidnapping and other crimes and criminalities will be reduced to the barest minimum,” Kingsley Osemwengie Aifuwa the General Secretary asserts.
Speaking in the same vein, the Okaighele (Youths Head), Nosakhare Ahanor Michael, said for about two years, Ugbayon because of its large expense of bushes and forests have faced the scourging challenge of killer herdsmen and kidnappers.
“In agreement, we all thought that it was necessary to have a layout to the forest so that people can come build to open up the space, and chase out these unwanted elements from our community.”
A plan he said began in 2021 and is coming to fruition in 2025, no doubt is a step in the right direction considering its many positive multiplier gains to the people of Ugbayon
The Okaighele said in self help effort, they have put in place a local vigilante group to help curtail the activities of criminals and improve on the security of the area.
But considering the enormous threat of the invaders herdsmen and kidnappers, the support of government at all the levels of representation is solicited; also, an appeal to the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo.N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II for intervention in whatever way possible.
“Imagine, very recently someone was kidnapped in this community and the ransome of N5m was collected. Another one happened two months ago until we decided to set up the local vigilante operations for self help.
“We are in dire need of all the support we can get from the government at all the levels of representation; and the Palace of the Oba of Benin kingdom, Oba Ewuare II.”
Asserting that the people of Ugbayon are peace loving, they call on all natives in the diaspora, developers, investors and even the government to come build and partner for a symbiotic relationship and gain.
Fred Aibangbe Ogiemwonyi, the Ozukpogieva was amongst the many important personalities present on the day.