By Dada Ahmed
The people of Ebiraland in Kogi State Central Senatorial district have been urged to live as one for the district to witness the much desired social, economic and political development.
An upcoming but promising musician in Okene, the political headquarters of the district, Hero Bright, gave the advice in a statement he made available to The Reporters,an online publication in Lokoja on Saturday.
He said:”Unity is the only key to development, there should not be any segregation in Ebiraland.
“Ebira is one, irrespective of the clan you belong, your local government area or what have you. The politicians only use segregation as a machinery in achieving their goal individually.
“Let’s accept one another as brothers and sisters of the same origin for our land to grow and develop in line with our expectation,”he said.
Bright uses his brand of music to highlight ills in the land, especially among members of the political class, and provide solution on how politicians can use the social contract they sign with the electorate to better the well-being of the people.
The online outfit reports that where as kogi central is ranked as a leading district in the state, in terms of thrive social and economic activities as well as being a big source of revenue for the state government, political challenge remains its teething problem.
According to history, the ebiras who dominate the district are from the kwararafa Empire of the 17 century.
The people have been evolving through ages with other tribes such as the Igalas and Idomas among others before settling in their present geographical expression comprising five local government areas: Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Ogori-Magongo.
The district is also noted for the thriving entertainment industry which in away has provided employment opportunities for talented youths and check youth restiveness.
Apart from music, Ebiraland also has rich cultural festivals, heritage and tourism sites which if effectively harnessed to meet the international standard, will attract local and foreign tourists with the attendant positive results.
However, the biggest stumbling block to political development in Ebiraland is clannish leaning, an unfortunate development politicians in the land have been manipulating to achieve their selfish interest.
