“THE TIME TO BUILD OWAN IS NOW” — OYA CHARGES AITALEGBE, AIKPOKPO TO PRIORITISE RURAL DEVELOPMENT, BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
The Owan Youth Assembly (OYA) has congratulated the newly inaugurated Executive Chairmen of Owan East and Owan West Local Government Areas, Hon. Ernest Oyaole Aitalegbe and Hon. Enahoro Aikpokpo, KSC, while calling on the new administrations to immediately address the worsening condition of roads, inadequate electricity supply and other basic infrastructure challenges confronting communities across Owan Nation.
The apex youth body representing the interests and aspirations of young people across Owan made the call in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Felix Ohimai Esezobor, and National Secretary General, Comrade Samson Godwin, following the inauguration of the new local government administrations.
OYA also extended its congratulations to the Vice Chairmen and Councillors of both councils, urging them to approach their new responsibilities with wisdom, courage, accountability and a genuine commitment to grassroots development.
According to the Assembly, the inauguration of the two councils marks a new chapter in grassroots governance across Owan East and Owan West and presents an opportunity for the new political leadership to address longstanding developmental challenges affecting residents.
However, while congratulating the new Chairmen, the youth body said the immediate realities confronting Owan communities require urgent attention rather than political celebration alone.
One of the major concerns raised by OYA is the condition of roads linking communities across Owan East and Owan West.
The Assembly said several roads remain severely dilapidated and, in some locations, difficult or impossible for residents to navigate, with the situation affecting transportation, agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce and the movement of people and goods.
OYA therefore urged the two local government administrations to make road rehabilitation one of their major priorities.
The organisation called for the immediate identification and documentation of critical roads, particularly routes connecting rural communities with major towns, markets, schools, healthcare facilities and administrative centres.
It also acknowledged that some major road projects may fall within the responsibilities of the Edo State or Federal Government, urging the councils to aggressively advocate, lobby and collaborate with the relevant authorities for the rehabilitation of such roads.
The Assembly stressed that meaningful economic development would remain difficult if communities continued to be disconnected by poor road infrastructure.
Another major issue raised by OYA is the lack of reliable electricity in several rural communities across Owan East and Owan West.
The youth organisation described electricity as a basic requirement for modern development rather than a luxury, pointing to its importance to education, healthcare, security, communication, technology, small businesses and local economic activities.
OYA called on the new Chairmen to conduct an immediate assessment of communities without electricity as well as areas experiencing prolonged power outages.
The Assembly further urged the councils to work with the Edo State Government, relevant Federal Government agencies, electricity distribution authorities and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions to the electricity challenges.
It also encouraged the exploration of alternative and renewable energy solutions for communities where conventional electricity infrastructure remains inadequate.
According to OYA, no community should be left permanently in darkness in the 21st century.
The youth body also warned the new administrations against concentrating development exclusively in major towns.
It called for a deliberate rural-development agenda capable of reaching villages and remote communities where many residents depend heavily on agriculture, petty trading and other small-scale economic activities.
OYA said such an agenda should cover roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare, education, sanitation and access to economic opportunities.
The Assembly also placed youth participation among its major demands.
It urged the new local government administrations to establish meaningful and regular engagement with young people and youth organisations across Owan.
According to the group, young people should not be treated merely as spectators during the development of their communities.
OYA called for consultations involving youth organisations, traditional institutions, community development associations, professionals, farmers, traders and other relevant stakeholders.
The Assembly argued that continuous engagement with communities would enable the councils to understand their actual needs and develop projects based on genuine priorities rather than assumptions.
Beyond physical development, OYA urged both administrations to embrace transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.
The organisation called on the Chairmen to communicate their development priorities clearly to the people and provide periodic updates on projects and programmes being implemented.
It described public office as a responsibility and a trust, insisting that the people of Owan East and Owan West deserve leadership that listens, plans, delivers and remains accountable.
Addressing the two new Chairmen directly, OYA said their tenure provides an opportunity to create a lasting legacy across Owan.
The Assembly urged Hon. Ernest Oyaole Aitalegbe and Hon. Enahoro Aikpokpo, KSC, not to measure their tenures solely by political activities or administrative achievements, but by the tangible improvements experienced by ordinary residents.
The youth body said the administrations should strive to be remembered for making roads more accessible, extending electricity to rural communities, improving transportation for farmers, creating opportunities for young people and improving access to essential services.
OYA stressed that its demands should not be interpreted as opposition to the new administrations.
Rather, the Assembly said it was presenting the demands as a constructive partner and advocate for the development of Owan Nation.
The organisation pledged to support genuine initiatives capable of advancing the welfare of residents while continuing to advocate responsibly for issues affecting communities.
According to OYA, Owan East and Owan West possess significant human and economic potential which can be unlocked through purposeful leadership, effective collaboration and proper utilisation of public resources.
The youth body therefore expressed optimism that the new administrations could use their tenure to initiate meaningful grassroots transformation.
It also called on residents, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to work collectively with the councils in pursuit of sustainable development.
The Assembly concluded by congratulating the Executive Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors on their inauguration and wishing them successful and impactful tenures.
OYA further prayed for wisdom, courage, sound judgment and strength for the new leaders to serve the people with integrity.
The youth organisation said it looks forward to constructive engagement with both local government administrations in the collective interest of Owan Nation.
Its message to the new leadership is clear:
The people are watching. The challenges are visible. The opportunity to build is now.
“THE TIME TO BUILD OWAN IS NOW.”
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