The essence of charting a new democratic pathway through the effective adoption and utilisation of social inclusiveness of youths in governance in the 21st-century system of modern administration and governance in Edo State is one fundamental factor that should never be swept aside, wished away, overlooked or undermined when deciding the future of Edo through its transition in leadership from the current MEGA administration of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, to the next administration which would eventually be decided in February 2024 by the delegates of various political parties contesting for the gubernatorial elections as well as the majority of the voting population of the good people of Edo State come September 21st, 2024. The outcome of this political process would surely and unarguably be determined by the total votes of both Edo women, men and youths whose political interest and enthusiasm are beginning to wax stronger, greater and better, especially with the advent of the “Ai Movement” in the gubernatorial race.
Truly, Edo people are about to chart another great democratic course in their history as their love and support for Dr. Asue Ighodalo (Ai) is beginning to grow very fast with an exhilarating speed of light whose democratic electrical components are fully intact and in tune with their dreams, wants, needs, desires, thirst, zest, quest, passion, optimism and aspiration for a greater and better Edo under Ai Governance.
However, the above fundamental fact can only make more democratic sense when administrative sanctity of representing the energy base of Edo State is duly considered by creating more opportunities for the youths to be more included and recognised in the political and administrative process of Edo State.
For instance, a youth deputising on behalf of not just the future governor and principal but also representing the young population of Edo State will make any subsequent administration more productive, democratic and effective in nature. This is never a bad idea in any sane democratic society which wishes to advance the course of its young population which is mostly both the working (social capital) and energetic population of such sociopolitical milieu, context or clime.
From in-depth research, it has been discovered that over 50 per cent of Edo youths are less than 40 years old. This means that Edo has a very vibrant and active young population which, when included, on boarded and incorporated into the world of administrative affairs, governance and general workforce of subsequent administrations, would definitely make the state more productive in the comity of states in Nigeria.
Furthermore, harnessing the potentiality, skills, God-given talents and the intellectual viability, cerebral capability, prospects, capacity and sagacity of young minds in Edo State should be the focal point of any subsequent administration which wishes to move Edo forward for the betterment of all and sundry in the state.
The only way this can come to pass is when the good people of Edo State choose to step into the era of Ai Governance with Dr. Asue Ighodalo under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDDP) with a vibrant Edo youth as his deputy, so that the young population and generation of Edo State can begin to witness transformational governance in all ramifications. It is time for the old wagons, pot-bellied, beer parlour and pepper-soup joint politicians to give way for Ai and the young generation of Edo people to take over.
To this end, the best thing that can consolidate the MEGA administration of Governor Obaseki as well as the democratic history of Edo State is for Edo people to reflect on their past when governance used to be for political jobbers and traders, narrow their thoughts to the present when a technocrat extraordinaire took over and is changing the ugly narratives in the state and look into the future when Artificial Intelligence (Ai) would surely become the mainstay of governance in Edo State. This can only be made possible when Edo people come together, put aside their tribal, partisan or political sentiments and push for a more robust democratic, utilitarian as well as united front by nominating, endorsing and supporting Dr. Asue Ighodalo (Ai), who is an Artificial Intelligence in human form, in the forthcoming primaries in Edo State, and a youth as his running mate. The era of Ai Governance has come to stay in Edo State.
Moreover, it is Youths O’clock in Edo2024. #AiRising, #AiMovementLoading, #AsueIghodalo2024, #ManWeySabi, #BrainBox, #WisdomPersonified, #VoteAiUnderPDP, #GreaterEdoUnderAi, #EsanOye, #EdoYouthsOye, #Let’sAIMHigherTogether, #N’EdoGhama.
*Comrade Obayuwana, a public affairs analyst, writes from Benin City, Edo State.
