Poor Representation Hinders Development in Igedeland

Stakeholders from Igedeland convened recently in Abuja for the 2nd Annual Public Lecture of the Association of Igede Media Professionals, where they issued a communiqué highlighting the detrimental effects of poor representation over the past 25 years since the return of democratic governance in 1999. The communiqué pointed out persistent issues such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, absence of industries, and overall underdevelopment, despite the community's agricultural potential and human capital.

The stakeholders urged the electorate to reject vote-selling and instead choose candidates based on competence. They also called on the media to engage in accountability journalism as a means of fostering development.

Additionally, the Association resolved to establish a credible, non-partisan body aimed at mentoring future leaders and ensuring that only individuals with integrity and capacity are supported by the community. The event featured a speech by NLC Spokesperson Sir Benson Upah on “Re-thinking Leadership Recruitment System in Igedeland: 2027 in Focus,” chaired by Prof. Ode Ojowu, the former Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo.