4th February, 2018
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has charged Nigerians living abroad to give support to the government in order to enhance rapid development of the country.
Oba Ewuare made the call at the weekend when he received members of the Edos in Diaspora Organization Worldwide, at his palace in Benin City, capital of Edo State.
While commending members of the group for the visit, the Oba urged them to always be good ambssadors of the country in their respective host countries and never to forget their places of origin.
He also praised them for embarking on a number of projects, particularly the Diaspora Smart City, which when completed, would give jobs to about 20,000 Nigerians.
According to the Oba, “the government, particularly the Edo State govenment, needs helping hands in providing for the needs of her citizens, including jobs for army of unemployed youths and the Libyan returnees.”
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Edos in Diaspora Organization Worldwide, Barr. Efosa Ogieriakhi, informed the monarch that members of the group were on a visit to pay homage and intimate him of what the group was doing for the benefit Nigerians, especially the people of Edo.
Ogieriakhi, a Legal practitioner who is based in Berlin, disclosed that the Organization was duly registered and certificated in Europe.
He told the Oba that the Diaspora Smart City, located at Avbiugo community in Orhionmwon local government area of the State, was aimed at industrialilizing and opening up rural communities in the State.
He explained that when completed, the Diaspora Smart City, would be a large settlement for Edo indigenes abroad and would serve as both residential and industrial purposes.
“Your Royal Majestic, it is our hope that when fully completed, the Diadpora Smart City will be occupied by residential houses and industries that can give employment to up to 20,000 Nigerians, especially Edos people.
“It is part of our contributions to support the government of the day in the state not only by bringing investments but also providing jobs for our jobless youths.
“Besides, our organisation has also planned to establish a skill acquisition centre to train our youths on a number of trades and after the training, we shall certificate and give them grants to start up their respective businesses.
“Edos in Diaspora Organization Worldwide are also contributing our quota to make the proposed Gelegele Seaport in the state a reality. Some of our members including Engr. Brisbourne Iyamu, Pastor George Osaghae, Mr.Joseph Ehigiamusoe, Mr. Henry Enehizena, etc, are making contributions to the project,” Ogieriakhi added.