An Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist, Comrade Embassy-Oseni Momodu, has urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to convert the reported appointment of about 4,800 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) into a technology-driven youth empowerment programme.
Momodu, who described himself as a friend of the governor and a strategic stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, said the development offered an opportunity for the state government to move beyond conventional political patronage and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people.
In a policy advocacy piece titled, “Re: 4,800 SSAs, 25 SAs Appointments: Okpebholo Should Build Edo’s Silicon Valley, Not Another Recycled Patronage Network,” the activist challenged the governor to consider transforming the reported appointees into entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
He asked: “What if they became 4,800 entrepreneurs?”
Momodu proposed the establishment of an Edo Silicon Technology and Innovation Valley (ESTIV), with its hub in Benin City and innovation centres spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to him, the proposed initiative should focus on emerging and high-growth sectors, including software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, robotics, fintech, digital agriculture, e-commerce, digital marketing and renewable energy technology.
He stressed that mere training would not be enough, arguing that beneficiaries should be supported through a comprehensive model built around “Train, Incubate, Mentor, Finance, Connect and Commercialise.”
The lawyer also advocated the provision of computers, broadband internet access, innovation hubs, mentorship programmes, seed funding and opportunities to connect beneficiaries with investors and international markets.
He said the ultimate objective should be to produce Edo youths capable of competing in the global digital economy.
“Edo State needs a young Edo indigene who can develop software for a company in London, provide cybersecurity services to a business in Lagos, design digital products for an American client in the US, or build an agricultural technology platform for African farmers,” Momodu said.
He further urged Okpebholo to study technology and entrepreneurship initiatives introduced in Anambra State under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, particularly the Solution Innovation District (SID).
Momodu said Edo could adapt the model by building an ecosystem that brings together young innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, technology companies and government institutions.
“Regardless of political differences, Governor Okpebholo can build an ‘Edo Silicon Valley’ as well,” he said.
The activist also proposed the development of an eight-year Edo Digital Economy and Innovation Master Plan (EDEIMP-2033) by technology entrepreneurs, academics, investors, ICT professionals and young innovators.
He said the proposed master plan should contain measurable targets covering youth training, startup incubation, job creation, private-sector investment and digital exports.
Momodu maintained that the success of the initiative should not be judged by the number of political appointments made, but by the number of young Edo people who become technology entrepreneurs, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, robotics engineers and globally competitive professionals.
He said the transformation of “4,800 political aides to 4,800 digital entrepreneurs” could become one of the defining legacies of the Okpebholo administration.
