I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I address the Urhobo Nation on an issue close to my heart: repositioning ourselves for greater prosperity. Speaking at the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) event, a historic occasion for one of Africa’s oldest socio-cultural organizations, I reflect on the need for a paradigm shift in our attitudes, governance, and collective ambition as a people.
Understanding Repositioning
Repositioning is about critically reviewing our mindset, attitudes, and dispositions to adopt strategies that better serve our collective goals. It involves a shift in perspective, where we evaluate what has held us back and identify ways to move forward.
The time has come for the Urhobo people to take deliberate actions that align with the demands of modern society. To do this effectively, we must tackle several challenges, many of which are rooted in behavioral and systemic issues.
The Power of Attitude
Our aptitude—our inherent skills, resources, and opportunities—can only take us so far. It contributes just 25% to our success. The remaining 75% comes from our attitude. This is where we must focus our efforts.
We need discipline, punctuality, and orderliness in our gatherings and leadership. Community meetings must reflect respect and seriousness if we are to attract credible people and move the nation forward.
The Importance of Education
Education is the cornerstone of prosperity. It’s not just about schooling but the quality and relevance of education. Our youth must understand that shortcuts, like internet fraud or unprincipled hustles, cannot sustain a lasting legacy.
In the past, education gave the Urhobo Nation a sense of pride and identity. Leaders from humble beginnings achieved greatness through sound education and intentional effort. We must revive this ethos, focusing on practical and globally competitive knowledge.
Preserving Our Identity and Boundaries
The Urhobo Nation must define and defend its identity and territorial boundaries. This is not about creating conflict but about ensuring respect and recognition for our contributions and existence. We cannot prosper as a people if we are timid or fail to assert ourselves in the national and regional context.
When I saw Urhobo listed as part of another territory without consultation, I was disheartened. Such incidents call for swift responses from our leadership to clarify and protect our identity.
Leadership and Accountability
Our leaders, especially in traditional and political spaces, must rise to the challenge. Leadership should be impartial and focused on the collective good rather than personal or party interests.
The Urhobo Progress Union and other leadership structures must remain neutral and credible, avoiding alliances that undermine the unity and respect of the people. Leaders must prioritize the welfare of the nation over political affiliations.
Respect for Traditions and Institutions
Our traditional rulers and institutions must be accorded the respect they deserve. Events where our kings are kept waiting or overlooked are unacceptable. Respect for our traditions strengthens our identity and fosters unity.
Intentional Prosperity
Prosperity does not happen by accident; it is intentional. It requires planning, effort, and a collective determination to succeed. We must emulate communities that have thrived despite challenges by focusing on long-term goals and sustainable development.
Call to Action
To reposition the Urhobo Nation for prosperity:
- Adopt Discipline and Decorum: Let orderliness and punctuality become the norm.
- Prioritize Education: Invest in relevant, high-quality education for our youth.
- Assert Our Identity: Define and protect our place within the Nigerian framework.
- Demand Accountable Leadership: Ensure our leaders are impartial and focused on collective progress.
- Honor Traditions: Respect our traditional rulers and institutions.
- Act Intentionally: Recognize that prosperity requires deliberate actions and sustained effort.
A New Dawn for the Urhobo Nation
This is the time for a collective awakening. Let us embrace change and commit to actions that will secure a better future for the Urhobo Nation. It is not enough to wish for prosperity; we must work for it.
I remain your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
God bless the Urhobo Nation.
