VOTE OF THANKS TO OUR REPRESENTATIVES AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE LISTING OF OKUN AMONG THE STATES TO BE CREATED
By Musa Bakare
This is to express a very deep gratitude for the recognition, the efforts the contributions and the support Okun have received from our representatives in the National Assembly, namely Senator Sunday Stephen Karimi, Representative Leke Joseph Abejide, Representative Salman Idris, and Representative Danladi Suleiman Aguye, in our quest for a separate state.
The desire for a separate state by Okun people is historically rooted in the need for self-determination and the ability to reach our full God given potentials, a significant sentiment shared by many communities across Nigeria.
It powerfully highlights the historical neglect faced by the Okun people and emphasizes the need for equitable political distribution, representation and development and an advocacy for improved infrastructure, educational institutions, and political representation reflecting a broader call for equity and justice.
If there is a group of people in Nigeria today morally and spiritually deserving of their own separate state, who deserve their own independence so as to be able to truly achieve their potentials as a people, Okun people in the west senatorial District of Kogi state is unarguably on the top list.
Okun people, of the former Kabba Province of the old defunct Northern Region of Nigeria are today the most neglected former Province in Nigeria. They have never been extended the courtesy of producing a state governor, not even in their years of sojourn in Kwara state. Absolutely no Federal tertiary institution, (Kabba the capital of Okun Nation is the only former Provincial headquarter in Nigeria without a Federal University), and no passable Federal roads in the entire seven Local Government Areas of the District
The very wonderful news of the listing of Okun among the states to be created is a clear testimony that our representatives are abreast of the urgent needs of Okun people and that people have long awaited this recognition.
When Okun State comes to fruition, it would indeed serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring future generations and fostering a sense of pride among the Okun people, a vision of progress and unity that resonates deeply with those who cherish Okun heritage and seek a better future for the very resilient Okun people.
History will record our present representatives in golden pages if they continue to be the Omoluabi they have been since they were voted in and in togetherness continue the positive representation they are offering Okun Nation
Your representations are indeed serving our interests well, advocating for the creation and the listing of Okun state in the National Assembly calls for Okun people to prayerfully continue to support their efforts and work towards the realization of Okun state. The future generations will hugely benefit from this significant development.
Okun state will be a reality and our children yet unborn will be proud of our land, our heritage and of our present representatives in National Assembly
Hon. Musa Asiru Bakare writes from Lokoja Kogi state capital.
8th February, 2025
