The need for unity amongst the Benin ethnic nationality took the centre stage at the maiden edition of Benin Unity Summit organised by Benin Summit Group, which held on Friday in the Edo State capital.
The panel of discussants at the summit, which had the theme “One Voice, One Vision, One Benin,” all agreed that the lack of unity and individualistic mentality have hampered the development of various Benin communities and towns.
Speaking earlier at the summit attended by participants drawn from communities across the seven local governments that make up Edo South Senatorial District, convener of the Benin Summit Group, Osaro Oniawu, said that the group is non-political, warning that no one should use the group as an instrument to achieve his or her political ambition.
Oniawu, while calling on Benin sons and daughters to come together “as one for the progress and development of the seven local governments that make up Edo South,” lamented that the concentration of all Benin indigenes on Benin City has stunted the growth and development of other communities in the senatorial district.
The convener, who said that this migration and concentration of many Benin indigenes in Benin City is not helping other communities, added, “We should all go back to our villages and develop them.”
In his goodwill message, Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, stated that every Benin son or daughter sees himself or herself as a leader. However, she lamented that this attitude draws back the Benins as Benin people.
Also, in his goodwill message, a former senator, Ehigie Uzamere, while stating “we must cultivate love,” added, “We cannot rise when we remain divided; we can’t make progress if we are fighting ourselves.”
Uzamere, while stating that for “too long, hatred, pride, and strife had held us back,” said, “We must do away with all these to progress.”
