Okpebholo’s Govt Will Be People-centred, Says Group

The statement by the Friends of Monday Okpebholo (FOMO) about the people-centered vision of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration should not just be mere political declaration but a profound commitment that every leader should deeply internalize and act upon.

CSR REPORTERS recalls that leadership is not about occupying a position of power; it is about serving the people and ensuring that every decision made reflects the genuine needs and aspirations of those who have entrusted them with authority. Okpebholo’s promise to adopt a bottom-top approach is a refreshing deviation from the usual top-down governance that often alienates the people from the processes that directly impact their lives. This approach, where the people’s voices and concerns are the foundation of governance, is the bedrock of true democracy.

The disconnection between the government and the people, as highlighted by FOMO’s convener, Eng. Praise Dada, is a pressing issue that has plagued not just Edo State but many regions. When leaders govern from a distance, making decisions that do not resonate with the lived experiences of the people, it creates a gap that leads to mistrust and disengagement. Okpebholo’s vision to bridge this gap is a critical step toward restoring faith in government. It’s not enough to simply promise change; leaders must actively involve the people in the governance process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. This is how transparency is achieved—through the involvement of the people in decisions about the projects and policies that will affect them.

The promise to consult with communities before siting projects in their areas, ensuring that these projects are not only beneficial but also embraced by the people, is a move that should be the standard in governance. Too often, projects are imposed on communities without consideration for their actual needs or desires, leading to underutilized or even resented developments. By committing to a people-centric approach, Okpebholo’s administration is pledging to respect the autonomy and wisdom of the communities, recognizing that they are best placed to determine what will serve them most effectively.

Moreover, the focus on transforming rural areas, which have been historically neglected, speaks to a broader vision of inclusive development. Rural communities are often left out of the development narrative, leading to disparities that drive rural-urban migration and exacerbate inequality. Okpebholo’s promise to focus on these areas is a recognition of the fact that sustainable development must be evenly distributed across both urban and rural settings. This approach will not only help in reducing the pressures on urban centers but will also create a more balanced and resilient state economy.

The emphasis on empathy and compassion in leadership cannot be overstated. In a time when many leaders are perceived as disconnected from the realities of the people they serve, Okpebholo’s focus on understanding and addressing the plight of the ordinary Edo people is a call for a return to a governance model that prioritizes human dignity and well-being over political expediency. This is not just a campaign promise but should be a moral imperative for every leader.

As citizens, it is crucial to hold leaders accountable to these promises and ensure that they translate into tangible actions. The commitment to a people-centered government should not remain mere words on paper but should be etched in the hearts of those given the opportunity and mandate to lead. The moment a leader is entrusted with the people’s mandate, this philosophy must be implemented with urgency and sincerity. The future of Edo State, and indeed any society, depends on leaders who are not just figureheads but true servants of the people, committed to making a real difference in the lives of those they govern.