By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The former Governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Patience Ndidi Ofure Key has expressed her displeasure over slow pace of Infrastructural development in Edo State despite the huge government spending.
She further said that roads remain dilapidated and essential services underdeveloped
Ndidi made this disclosure at the weekend in Benin City during the 14th edition of BA Global Awards ceremony organized by the BA Global Consult, a research improvement and public policies exparte, where she was honored with the "Noble Woman of The Year" award.
According to her, "over 60 percent of Edo youth are either unemployed or under employed. Involved in cultism and many are forced to Japa (leaving the country in droves in search of opportunities."
The former Governorship candidate said industrialization plans has failed woefully as several industries and revenue generating projects, such as Gelegele Seaport, Edo Line Transport Service and Edo Modular Refineries have still not seen the light of day due to poor planning and implementation framework.
She Dedicated the award to every woman in leadership, every young girl who dreams of breaking barriers, and every citizen who envisions a better Edo State and a greater Nigeria.
She thanked the organizers for the prestigious honor and for providing a platform where research, policy, and leadership are celebrated as instruments of national progress.
A scholar presentation, with the theme, "How Research Improves Public Policies and Economic Outcomes," Ndidi said resonated deeply with her given it relevance in driving governance which can never be built on assumptions but rather on concrete data, thorough research, and evidence-driven decision-making processes.
"When leaders listen, analyze, and implement policies based on factual research, economies flourish, societies progress, and people prosper".
Ndidi said for too long, public policies in Nigeria had been designed reactively rather than proactively, adding that Public programs are launched without empirical data, leading to waste, inefficiency, and stagnation. The consequence is a governance system that fails to address the real economic and social challenges of the people.
"In advanced economies, research is the bedrock of policy development. Countries like Singapore, Canada, and Germany heavily invest in policy research institutes, ensuring that every decision is data-driven.
Edo State stands at a critical moment. With abundant human and natural resources, the state should be a leading economic powerhouse in Nigeria. Yet, what do we see today"?
On women's under representation in leadership, she said despite Edo’s history of producing powerful women leaders, female political participation remains low and limiting progress in governance.
She said If research had been applied in governance, Edo State would not be where it is today. She added that with proper planning and evidence-based policies, we could have developed the Gelegele Seaport into an economic hub, creating over 100,000 jobs and boosting Edo’s GDP by 30% in less than four years.
"Revamped Edo’s Agricultural Sector using technology, turning it into a world-class agribusiness center and increasing farmers’ earnings by 200%.
Prioritized STEM education and digital skills for youth, making Edo a leading tech hub in Nigeria instead of a state where graduates struggle for jobs. Implemented policies that promote women in governance and business, ensuring a fair and inclusive society where half of the population is not marginalized".
She said her journey in politics has not been easy as she has experienced difficult as with every women aspiring to break into leadership in Nigeria. She however down played it saying it should not be seen as insurmountable.
"I encourage women to be strong, focused and courageous.Women have proven time and time again that they are capable leaders, yet governance in Edo State and Nigeria still remain largely male-dominated. Women in politics are more likely to invest in education, healthcare, and social policies that directly improve communities.Countries with higher female political participation have lower corruption rates and stronger economic growth".
I am deeply humbled by this "Noble Woman of the Year" award. It affirms my belief that good governance is possible, that women’s voices matter, and that a better Edo State is within reach.
She concluded by telling her fellow women, young girls, and aspiring leaders never to stop fighting for what they believe in or let anyone tell them that leadership is not for them.
Earlier in his remarks, the Project coordinator of BA Global Consult, Dr. Bishop Akhalamhe praised, Ndidi Patience Ofure Key describing her as a formidable politician whose records of performance in the last Edo 2024 guber election could not be forgotten in hurry by Edo people.
He said before she could make up her mind to contest the governorship election it means she has a dip knowledge of the problems that affect Edo State and the solution to them
In a key note lecture delivered by Dr. Akhalamhe, titled: " The Impact of Public Policies on Good Governance " he said research is very crucial in every sector of the economy as it helps to drive progress.
He advised the three arms of government to ensure they get involve in research to help them shape their policies.
High point of the event was the presentation of awards to Ndidi Patience Ofure Key and other awardees
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