Group Condemns Attempt To Sabotage Development In Edo

A coalition under the aegis of Concerned Edo Youths has condemned what it described as the continuous harassment of private initiatives and development projects within the Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State and an attempt to sabotage the commissioning of the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWAA).

The group spoke following a protest by socio-cultural organisations and traditional groups against the planned opening of the museum slated for Tuesday.

In a statement by Comrade Joseph Gbale and the secretary, Isaac Ogieva, the group expressed utter dismay and linked the action to a deliberate political scheme.

They accused some faceless groups of purportedly claiming to be speaking for the revered Palace of the Benin Monarch to sabotage Edo South Senatorial District.

The youths declared that MOWAA remains an Edo heritage that must be jealously protected, warning that a pattern of attacks on key investments in Edo South was emerging.

“How come MOWAA is under attack? Radisson is under attack. Ossiomo Power is under attack. Presco Oil Palm Plc is under attack. Do they really think it is a coincidence?” the statement queried.

They revealed that the upcoming opening of MOWAA has already drawn massive global attention, with over 200 international journalists accredited to cover the event, including representatives from CNN, The New York Times, and several European governments.

“Hotels are fully booked, transportation operators, food vendors, caterers, and Igun art traders are set to benefit, yet some politically motivated groups want to sabotage the development.

“These politically directionless elements are currently roping in the Palace to make our monarch look like an accomplice in this unpatriotic act,” the statement warned.

Describing Edo as “the cradle of black civilisation,” the youths insisted that the people of Edo are satisfied with the MOWAA project, which aligns with their cultural and developmental aspirations.

They cautioned that any attempt to frustrate the initiative would make Edo an “investment risk destination,” discouraging private investors and international partners from committing resources to the state.

The group called on all Edo people to resist what it termed “retrogressive elements” and to defend the MOWAA project as a symbol of Edo pride and progress.

“We urge Edo people to resist these retrogressive elements hiding under any guise. MOWAA has put Edo State on the global map for good,” they stated.