As Edo state prepares to celebrate its 30-year anniversary, I cannot help but reflect on my life as an Edo youth living in the diaspora. To begin with, I am more than proud of my Edo heritage despite being born in Canada.
However, I am aware of the slight disconnect between myself and my culture to which I am sure other youth in the diaspora can relate as well. Although my family has managed to pass on many traditions and celebrations associated with our culture, they can only do so much when not physically present in Edo state.
Being an Edo youth in the diaspora is constantly learning new things about Edo’s rich culture and history. I personally do not have the luxury of going back home every year as Canada is quite a distance. Therefore, a lot of pressure is on our parents to teach us the culture in another man’s land. In places where pop culture and the English language dominate. As a result, many of us know little to nothing about Edo culture. I personally am still learning about our culture as I continue to grow. Many aspects of it I have yet to experience.
As Edo state turns 30, I hope that we can work harder to pass on the Edo culture, especially the language to our youth. After all, language is culture, and culture is carried on by the people.
- Naomi Omorede
Youths in Edo State (40 yrs and under) comprise over 50% of the state’s population. One of the greatest concerns of Edo youths is financial security. In a recent poll, 48% of youths indicated that their greatest fear as a Nigerian youth is unemployment. As an Edo youth, I have advocated for the prioritization of education and resources needed to empower the youth demographic. There is a need for enhanced educational programs (especially in emerging fields of technology and cyber-security), internet accessibility, and access to small business funding for emerging entrepreneurs.
Edo State is leading the way in the promotion and empowerment of the youth population. Under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the training program “Edojobs on Ramped” has been created to equip youths in the latest software engineering and leadership skill training. In addition, the Edo Tech Park was established in 2020, with the aim to train a minimum of 15,000 software developers within four years.
As we celebrate Edo at 30, we also celebrate the promise and future of Edo Youths. We are capable, we are resilient, and we are determined to make Edo State proud and to build upon the rich cultural foundations set down by our forefathers.
- Beverly Isa, MPH