By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Pioneer Director General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. (Mrs) Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, has called on sons and daughters of Edo State across the globe to rally behind the state government’s effort to strengthen security infrastructure, warning that development would remain elusive without peace and safety.
Speaking at the 32nd Annual Convention of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) held in Montreal, Canada, Dr. Ogboro-Okor delivered a keynote on the theme “Strategies in Crime Prevention for Socioeconomic Development in Edo State” under the title “Leveraging Our Edo State Diaspora for Security Infrastructure.”
“If we don’t secure Edo State, we cannot build Edo State,” she declared, stressing that insecurity remains the biggest obstacle to investment, growth, and prosperity in the state.
The DG painted a vivid picture of the challenge with a story of a friend who relocated from America to invest in agriculture in Edo. His dreams ended tragically after bandits raided his farm.
“He escaped with his life, but some of his workers weren’t so lucky. They were killed,” she recounted. “This is not just statistics. It is blood, sweat, dreams, and lives lost.”
Dr. Ogboro-Okor revealed that insecurity was the leading concern among Edo indigenes abroad, citing findings from her Italian engagements where 80% of respondents identified security as their greatest fear about returning home.
She quoted Governor Monday Okpebholo’s firm stance on the matter: “Do you see why I must work hard to flush out bandits, kidnappers and cultists? This is the reason why there is an ‘S’ for Security at the top of my SHINE Agenda for Edo State.”
Dr. Ogboro-Okor maintained that the Edo Diaspora was not just a community abroad but a vital resource for the state’s safety and development.
“Our diaspora is a reservoir of knowledge, a force of innovation, and a network of influence that can be harnessed for the security and stability of our homeland,” she said.
She outlined five key strategies including, Unity beyond divisions; Technology transfer, including drones, data analytics and cyber defense; Training and capacity-building for law enforcement; Investment in community-based security infrastructure, and Policy advocacy and intelligence sharing.
Despite the challenges, the Edo Diaspora Agency DG cited encouraging examples of progress in recent months.
She noted the commissioning of a police post within Palm Villa Estate, Ikweniro, built with diaspora support and formally opened by Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, on August 13th, 2025. She also pointed out that the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF) was also doing housing projects in Edo State South, Central and North Senatorial districts with similar security measures in place to serve not just their estates but the communities at large.
Another example was in Oza community, where a similar diaspora-led project was launched during the Oza Festival.
“Tourism will now thrive in Oza without fear. This is the snowball effect of diaspora-driven security solutions,” she said.
In a passionate appeal, Dr. Ogboro-Okor emphasized that security efforts were not to be viewed as government’s burden alone.
“This is not about charity. This is about partnerships. Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment,” she said, quoting Nelson Mandela.
She commended Governor Okpebholo for activating the Edo State Diaspora Agency — established in law since 2022 but left dormant until his administration.
“My brothers and sisters, security is not just the business of government—it is the duty of every citizen. The Edo Diaspora is not a distant community; it is an extension of Edo State itself. Together, we must rise, protect our homeland, and secure the future,” the DG declared.
