51st Uromi Day Celebration: Okojie Calls For Unity, Courage To Confront Community's Challenges



The People's Democratic Party PDP Edo Central Senatorial District Aspirant, Hon. Joseph Okojie has called for unity and courage in tackling common challenges facing the Uromi community. 

Okojie who joined  prominent Uromi sons and daughters in celebrating the 2025 51st edition of Uromi National Day, urged the people to reject fear, embrace courage and be united in the face of adversity.

The 2025 Uromi National Day began with grand procession and captivating cultural displays, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions from participating communities.

His speech read in parts; 

SPEECH BY PRINCE JOSEPH OKOJIE ON THE OCCASION OF UROMI DAY

“Toward a Peaceful and Progressive Esanland”

Your Royal Majesty,

Distinguished Elders and Leaders of Thought,

Brothers and Sisters of Uromi, Friends and Well-wishers,

I stand before you today, humbled and honored, on this auspicious occasion of Uromi Day — a day of unity, identity, and renewal for all sons and daughters of our great kingdom. This gathering is not merely ceremonial; it is a reaffirmation of our shared heritage, our collective responsibility, and our unwavering belief in the greatness of Uromi and Esanland.

Today, as we celebrate, we also reflect. The times we live in call for deep introspection.

We are a people renowned for our wisdom, resilience, and community spirit. But in recent times, we have been tested. Our land has witnessed growing insecurity — the specter of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violence has cast a shadow over our farmlands, our roads, and even our peace of mind. Our people, especially the elderly and the farmers, live in fear. Mothers worry for their children. Young people question the future. These are not the times we hoped for, but they are the times we must confront with clarity and courage.

Let me say this without equivocation: we must not normalize fear. We must not become a society that accepts violence as fate.

But while the challenges are real, so too is our capacity to overcome them. History teaches us that the Esan spirit does not yield to adversity — it rises to meet it.

So what must we do?

First, we must reject self-help justice and mob action. Insecurity must never be used as a justification for lawlessness. The tragic incidents of jungle justice — even against suspected criminals — do not reflect our values. They erode the moral foundation upon which our society stands. We must allow the rule of law and security institutions to carry out their duties. We must channel our frustrations into constructive pressure on government, not destructive reactions in our communities.

Second, our traditional institutions must be strengthened. I salute our revered Onojie, His Royal Majesty Anslem Eidonojie II, for his enduring leadership and voice of reason. But our royal fathers need the support of the state, the collaboration of the youth, and the vigilance of community groups to be effective in these times. Security is not only the duty of uniformed personnel; it is a shared burden.

Third, politically, we must stay united and alert. Esanland, and indeed Edo State, is at a critical juncture. As elections approach, we must prioritize competence over sentiments, unity over division, and vision over empty promises. We must support leaders who understand our pain and have the integrity and capacity to deliver lasting solutions. This is not a time for politics as usual. It is a time for courageous leadership and responsible followership.

Fourth, we must rekindle the spirit of Esan progress. Security is deeply linked to economic opportunity. Let us invest in skills training for our youth, encourage agricultural revival with safety guarantees, and attract partnerships that will create jobs and empower families. Let Uromi become not only the pride of Esanland but the beacon of development for Edo State.

Let me be clear: our future will not be written by those who sow fear and division, but by those who build peace and prosperity.

As we mark Uromi Day, let us renew our commitment to each other. Let us speak kindly, act justly, and live honorably. Let us unite — across clans, across generations, across political differences — with one purpose: to build a Uromi where our children walk freely, our markets thrive, and our elders sleep in peace.

I pledge myself to this cause. And I invite you all — not just to believe in Uromi, but to build the Uromi we believe in.

May Uromi flourish. May Esanland prosper. And may Edo State rise.

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