- New Year Message To Owan Nation Citizens
FELLOW citizens of our great Owan Nation of Edo state, as we stand on the cusp of a new year, I am honored to address you today. Our beloved homeland, despite its rich cultural heritage, has been grappling with several challenges that continue to hinder progress. It is my fervent belief that by collectively acknowledging and addressing the road infrastructures, healthcare systems, economy, agriculture, youth unemployment, insecurity, and kidnapping issues, we can pave the way for a brighter future. Let us embark on this journey of transformation with unwavering determination and optimism.
- Poor Road Infrastructures:
One of the primary impediments affecting Owan Nation is the lack of reliable and well-maintained road networks. The dilapidated state of our roads handicaps our transportation system, stifles economic opportunities, and isolates our communities. Therefore, as we enter this New Year, let us prioritize the improvement of road infrastructures. By collaborating with government agencies, seeking private investments, and implementing sustainable strategies, we can create a transportation network that connects our communities, stimulates commerce, and enhances our overall quality of life.
In making choices of any Owan Nation’s road that should be included in the national budget should be generally accepted as a priority needs for the entire Owan Nation because main disadvantage of not carrying a community along in the choice of a road project in the national budget is the potential for resentment and dissatisfaction among the community members. When a road project is included in the national budget without adequate input or consultation from the community it affects, it can lead to feelings of marginalization and exclusion. Without input from the community, there is a risk that the road project chosen may not align with the actual needs and priorities of the community. A road that does not address the specific transportation challenges or socioeconomic requirements of the entire Owan Nation may be of limited value or even detrimental.
By excluding the community from the decision-making process, the opportunity to stimulate local development and empower local stakeholders is lost. Involving the community in the planning and execution of road projects can create employment opportunities, promote skills development, and encourage entrepreneurship within the community.
Overall, failing to carry a community along in the selection of road projects in the national budget can have serious consequences, both for the community and the successful implementation of the project. It is crucial to engage and involve communities in decision-making processes to ensure that road projects truly meet their needs and aspirations.
- Lack of Access to World-Class Functioning Health Systems:
A robust healthcare system is the backbone of any thriving society. Regrettably, Owan Nation has been grappling with inadequate access to quality healthcare facilities and services. To address this pressing issue, we must advocate for improved health infrastructure and personnel. By working in conjunction with the government, encouraging public-private partnerships, and attracting medical professionals to our region, we can ensure that Owan Nation no longer suffers from a lack of access to world-class healthcare. Our citizens deserve nothing less.
- Owan Nation’s Poor Economy and Livelihoods:
It is impossible to disregard the impact of a weak economy on the stability and prosperity of our people. Owan Nation has experienced a decline in economic opportunities, resulting in poverty, reduced standards of living, and limited access to basic necessities. To tackle this challenge head-on, we must foster an enabling environment for business growth and investment. By supporting local entrepreneurs, attracting industries to Owan Nation, and promoting tourism, we can revitalize our economy and create sustainable livelihoods for our citizens.
- Access to Agriculture:
Owan Nation, with its fertile lands and natural resources, has the potential to become an agricultural powerhouse. Unfortunately, a lack of investment, modern farming techniques, and infrastructural support has hindered the growth of this sector. To harness the full potential of our agricultural resources, we must provide comprehensive support to farmers, including access to credit facilities, training programs, and modern farming equipment. Let us nurture a generation of successful agribusiness owners who can propel Owan Nation towards self-sufficiency and food security.
- Youth Unemployment:
The youth of Owan Nation are our most valuable asset. However, the alarmingly high rate of youth unemployment poses a significant threat to the stability and wellbeing of our society. To tackle this issue, we need to invest in vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and job creation initiatives. By empowering our young people with the necessary skills and opportunities, we ensure that they become active contributors to the development of our community and hold the keys to a prosperous future.
To solve youth unemployment in Owan Nation we must urgently do the following:-
Promote entrepreneurship education and Integrate entrepreneurial skills development into the curriculum of schools and vocational training centers. Provide training on business planning, management, and financial literacy to equip the youth with the necessary skills to start and sustain businesses. Develop business incubators and accelerators Establish incubation centers and accelerators that provide mentorship, financing, and networking opportunities to young entrepreneurs. Encourage partnerships between established businesses and startups to foster knowledge sharing.
Encourage digital skills training and promote the acquisition of digital skills such as coding, data analysis, and digital marketing. Organize workshops and training programs to equip young people with the necessary skills for employment in the digital economy where you youths can work from home and earn more in this present global space.
Provide access to funding and Create funding opportunities specifically tailored for young entrepreneurs, such as grants, loans, and venture capital investments. Establish a youth entrepreneurship fund and encourage financial institutions to allocate a portion of their lending portfolio to youth-led startups.
Improve infrastructure and connectivity and Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve internet connectivity in Owan Nation’s communities and ensure reliable electricity supply in Owan Nation. Provide access to shared workspaces with reliable internet connections to facilitate digital entrepreneurship.
- Insecurity and Kidnapping:
We cannot shy away from acknowledging the unfortunate reality of insecurity and kidnapping that plagues our land. Our citizens deserve to feel safe and secure within their own communities. We must rally together to support law enforcement agencies, community vigilante groups with incentives, and encourage intelligence sharing. Additionally, we must promote education and awareness about the detrimental effects of kidnapping, ensuring that our youth understand the importance of building a peaceful and harmonious Owan Nation.
As we usher in a new year, let us embrace this opportunity for change and progress. By getting the State and federal Government to actively address the road infrastructures, healthcare systems, economy, agriculture, youth unemployment, insecurity, and kidnapping issues that hinder our prosperity, we can pave the way for a brighter and more promising future for Owan Nation.
We also call on Owan political leaders to thoroughly consider Owan Nation’s development first above any political party. This call also go to our thriving sons and daughters to actively get involve in the development of Owan nation.
Together, we can build a stronger community, instill hope in the hearts of our citizens, and create a lasting and prosperous legacy for generations to come. I therefore call on all Owan Nation micro-ethno Associations to join efforts to achieve the Owan Nation of our dream.
Let the dawn of this New Year mark the beginning of an era of transformation and progress for Owan Nation.
Long live Owan nation citizens
Long live Owan General Assembly
Long live Edo state
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria