Today, as Edo State commemorates 35 years since its creation on 27 August 1991, I join my fellow Edo people at home and across the Diaspora in celebrating a state whose history is defined by resilience, enterprise, cultural distinction and an enduring capacity for reinvention.
This anniversary is more than a commemoration of the past; it is an opportunity to reflect deeply on our collective journey, recognise the contributions of those who came before us, and renew our commitment to the kind of Edo State we desire to bequeath to generations yet unborn.
From the ancient civilisation and enduring legacy of the Benin Kingdom to the vibrant communities that make up Edo State today, our identity has always been anchored in dignity, creativity, courage and a strong sense of community. Edo has produced men and women whose contributions have resonated far beyond our geographical boundaries, in governance, academia, business, diplomacy, public service, culture, technology, the creative industry and community development.
Our diversity remains one of our greatest assets. Across our various ethnic, linguistic and cultural communities, we are bound by a common destiny and a shared responsibility to safeguard the peace, dignity and prosperity of our state.
On this significant occasion, I commend the Government of Edo State under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for its continued efforts toward strengthening the foundations of governance, security, infrastructure, human capital development, healthcare, education and economic advancement. The task of governance is complex, and the transformation of a society is never accomplished overnight. It requires continuity, institutional commitment, constructive partnership and the collective support of citizens and stakeholders.
It is therefore important that we acknowledge and encourage every genuine effort directed toward building a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable Edo. At the same time, we must recognise that the responsibility for Edo’s progress does not rest with government alone. Government provides leadership and direction, but society as a whole must provide partnership, accountability, innovation and civic responsibility.
I particularly call upon the youth of Edo State, who constitute a significant part of our present and the overwhelming strength of our future, to embrace the responsibility that comes with citizenship and leadership. Our young people must reject violence, cultism, political intolerance, hate speech and every form of criminality that undermines the future we seek to build. Instead, we must promote entrepreneurship, innovation, education, technology, volunteerism, civic participation, environmental stewardship and peaceful leadership.
The future of Edo must not be negotiated through violence. It must be shaped through ideas, competence, integrity, enterprise and responsible citizenship.
I equally recognise the invaluable role of our traditional rulers, community leaders and institutions of cultural authority. Our traditional institutions remain important custodians of history, culture, communal values and social cohesion. I urge them to continue using their respected positions to promote peace, mediation, unity and responsible community development, particularly at a time when societies everywhere are confronted by new forms of social tension and insecurity.
To our Edo brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, your connection to Edo is not diminished by distance. Your knowledge, networks, investments, philanthropy, professional expertise and global exposure constitute a significant reservoir of development capital for our state. I encourage greater engagement with government, communities, private-sector actors, civil society and development institutions so that the enormous potential of the Edo Diaspora can be strategically harnessed for inclusive and sustainable development.
To our business community, investors, professionals, civil society organisations, faith leaders, women leaders, development partners, academia, media practitioners and other stakeholders, this anniversary should strengthen our resolve to work across institutional and political boundaries in pursuit of the common good.
We must build an Edo where economic opportunity is broad-based; where young people can build dignified livelihoods; where women and girls are empowered to participate fully in development; where communities are peaceful and resilient; where education and innovation drive productivity; where our natural resources are responsibly managed; and where development today does not compromise the welfare of generations tomorrow.
Sustainable development requires more than economic growth. It demands peace, social inclusion, environmental responsibility, accountable institutions and a culture of solidarity. Edo State possesses the human and natural resources necessary to achieve remarkable progress, but those resources must be matched with a shared vision and disciplined collective action.
As we celebrate Edo at 35, let us therefore move beyond political, ethnic, religious and sectional divisions and reaffirm the values that unite us. Political differences must never become grounds for hostility among brothers and sisters. Constructive criticism must never be confused with hatred, and loyalty to one political interest must never supersede loyalty to the development of Edo State.
Let us choose dialogue over confrontation, collaboration over division, peace over violence and development over destruction.
The next chapter of Edo’s history must be written collectively. It must be a chapter in which government is supported when it acts in the public interest, constructively challenged where necessary, and held to the highest standards of accountability; a chapter in which citizens understand that rights are accompanied by responsibilities; and a chapter in which every Edo person sees themselves as a stakeholder in the state’s progress.
As a proud son of Edo, I celebrate the remarkable journey of our state and honour all those, past and present, whose sacrifices, service, leadership and contributions have brought us to this important milestone.
May the years ahead bring greater peace, unity, investment, opportunity and sustainable prosperity to every part of Edo State.
May our government receive the wisdom, courage and support necessary to deliver on its mandate.
May our traditional institutions remain pillars of peace and community cohesion.
May our youth rise with vision and responsibility.
May our people in the Diaspora remain vital partners in our development.
And may every stakeholder, regardless of political affiliation or social standing, recognise that the destiny of Edo is a shared responsibility.
Happy 35th Anniversary to Edo State.
May our heritage inspire us, our unity strengthen us, our peace protect us, and our collective action transform our potential into enduring prosperity.
Long live Edo State.
Long live the people of Edo.
Long live peace, unity and sustainable development.
Amb. Marcus Odianose Ughulu
Peace Advocate, Social Impact Leader, Son of Edo State