…set to host 1st online debate with Edo governorship candidates
By Isaac Eranga
Edo Progressive Indigenes Association (EPIA), also known as Edo Indigenous Movement Worldwide (EIM) has announced that it will be celebrating the 2020 edition of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in collaboration with the United Nations.
EPIA, while noting that the 2020 edition will reflect the challenges of COVID-19 across the globe, argued that despite the pandemic, there has been a peak in political consciousness of Indigenous peoples between 2019 and 2020, especially in Africa.
Chief Bishop J.O.E Edokpolo who spoke to journalists on the matter in Benin City, commended Edo indigenes at home and across the world for rising up to defend and protect the rights of Edo indigenes in the face of oppressive political policies.
He also said “This year’s theme is ”the Covid 19, Politics and Indigenous Peoples”, and Edo Indigenous Movement is using this opportunity to call on all its indigenes worldwide not to relent effort in promoting their indigenous empowerment and put their state high before any one on earth.
“No matter what anyone says against Edo, there is no place like home”, he emphasized.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9 August each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population.
This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
It was first pronounced by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1994, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in 1982.
Meanwhile, EPIA says it has concluded all necessary arrangements to host all governorship candidates in the 2020 Governorship election.
EPIA revealed that it will be anchoring a debate, where the 14 candidates will appear and tell Edo people what they intend to deliver to the citizens, if they win in the coming election.
The founding president and leader of Edo indigenes, Chief Bishop JOE Edokpolo who stated this in Benin, announced that they have concluded their arrangement for the debate which will be virtual, and monitored across the globe.
“We have completed the invitation process to have all the 14 governorship candidates to participate in the debate, as Edo indigenous people are very interested in knowing what the candidates have to offer.
“Edo people all over the world will be watching the show for them to tell us how they intend to implement their agenda or manifesto. These are the things that matter to our people, whom these candidates shall serve, if they win the election”.
He also said that more information about the debate will be made public as they come.
