Amb. Dion Osagie, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Edo State on Diaspora Matters, has stated that Governor Monday Okpebholo is focused on the task before him and not deterred by negative comments and criticism.
“Negativity doesn’t affect us it straightens us. We need people to criticize us more so that we know the area where we are failing so that the Governor can channel his energy towards that area.
“We don’t see criticism and negative comments as anything. It’s normal for people to voice their opinion. Even the best country in this world like Norway, Finland that have good infrastructure, good transportation etc.
“People still talk bad about the governance. That’s normal. It doesn’t change who we are. We want people to talk more and we are here to show case the Governor’s good work.”
Osagie describes Governor Okpebholo as a man who turns negativity to positivity by his chain of achievements.
“During the election (Edo State 2024 Governorship poll) they said he cannot speak English, he cannot read etc. But look at what he is doing.
“I continue to say that governance is not about English. Governance is about compassion, the love you have in your heart for people. You can even be a deaf and dumb. If you have love in your heart we will see development.
“As I speak with you today, the Governor of Texas, Greg Albert, is on a wheelchair. The person controlling Texas today is the person on a wheelchair. Texas is one of the best states in America.
“Our condition doesn’t define leadership and the negativity that they’re talking about are problems that Edo State have been facing for years.
“Insecurity, number one. Look, if the past administrations did 10 percent of what the Governor is doing today in terms of security Edo State would have been too safe. In one year there’s no more cultism in Edo State. Is that not a plus?”
On how his office is supporting the Governor’s vision to secure the 2.5million votes that he promised President Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential election.
He disclosed that the number of votes that the Governor promised President Tinubu has been increased to 3 million
“The diaspora play a major role in Edo politics. Even if we’re not able to vote we can influence our family members or friends to support who they want to support. Our role at the diaspora office is to use our influence to show case to the diasporas to see that the Governor is working and we need to support him.”
On the values that he is bringing to the table.
“At my younger age in America I was a taxi driver. That’s how I paid my bills. I think we can create a new transportation system in Edo State that will operate seamlessly. The Edos in diaspora face a major challenge in transportation. When they get to Lagos they are looking for vehicle to bring them home. They don’t feel safe. I feel that if the state government can create a transportation system that helps the Edo in diaspora, pick them up from the airport and bring them to Edo State I think a lot of people will key in to generate money for the state.
“I own an automotive shop in America, Cado Global Automotive. We’re already working together with my team to create what we call the Edo International Mechanic Village. A lot of young people want to work but they don’t have a place to work. Most of these vehicles you see around here. All these mechanics around here are testing. They don’t know what’s wrong with the car. Right now there are technologies you can plug in your car. It tells you exactly what is wrong with your car and exactly the part to change. We can bring all those technologies to the state to help the government create jobs. To help our people to be employed,” he divulged.
Going further, he asserted, “we can also create Edo Diaspora City where the Edo people can come to invest, buy your land, build your place. All they want is the government to invest in the area by creating roads and basic infrastructural development. I have a license in private security in America.
“Since there are lots of security issues in Edo State we are already working with my team to look for companies in China that can provide security drones. We cannot fight insecurity in old school (analog) ways. You have a big bush of say 10,000 hectares where there are kidnappers. Now, the only way you want to go is by bike. No we don’t that any more.
“You can be in Edo State Government House and fly a drone to those bushes and we will be looking at them on a screen. Those technologies are available and we are looking for people in China who can join us to fight insecurity. They can send us one or two drones to test run. After that we can buy from them.”