Dear good people of greater Ogoja, our advocacy over the past three weeks concerning the need for Mr President to assent to the Bill for the establishment of federal University of technology Ogoja is gathering momentum positively but with a minor hitch.
Our specific objective is to get the assent of Mr President. All possible roads to get that done should be explored. Most of us in the advocacy team – Greater Ogoja Development Initiative are not functional politicians. If we go near politicians, it is purely because we are looking for ways in which we can influence them to focus on development issues.
Let me state that the impact of the university will not be felt along party line. The socio economic benefit will not know a party person. At best, the contractors could be party men, but the 5000 possible workers on site will not be admitted because of their party. So let us keep party matter very far.
We have designed three approaches to securing the signature of Mr President.
First is media advocacy and it is free for all. I know that a media consultant is already working behind the scene to expand the scope of our media advocacy beyond just social media.
Next is the visit of a delegation of traditional rulers to see Mr President. That also is in the pipeline. Also, it is expected that a delegation from the 6 local governments under the principal catchment area of the proposed university should visit with the governor and impress upon him to lead them to see Mr President.
Lastly, we are making contact with top and influential men in the party of Mr President to soften the ground for the easy passage of our request.
At this stage, I will very formally state that in the list of those to see the governor, the duty of a coordinator is not to lead the delegation. He is to make contact with all those in a list and see how they can all agree to meet with the governor. At best, the coordinator is the logistics officer of the team. Also people should not be petty in quarreling how the names are arranged. Whether you sit in front or behind, the bus will take you there and all will arrive at the same time. 45 year ago, we quarreled over the name of the location on the signpost and the powers that be took the university to Calabar and replaced it with a military cantonment which does not add anything significant to the socio economic development of Ogoja nation.
Our goal for now is securing the signature of Mr President. We don’t want to loose focus.
Channel your energy to providing 500 T-shirts and face caps that will be needed for the Advocacy March in early July.
No, we cant afford to fail. Generations yet unborn will not forgive us.
God bless you all.
Mike Udam
08032496398
Team Leader
Greater Ogoja Development Initiative
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