* Edo Gov, Obaseki 
By Ikhili Monday EBALU, Benin City 

 The traditional ruler of Usen, His Royal Highness, Oluogbe II, Elawure of Usen has appealed to the federal government to  urgently  look  into  the  exploration  of solid  materials  in  the community   as  to help engage the unemployed  youths in the area.

 He made the appeal on the occasion of his 10th year coronation anniversary as the Oluogbe II, Elawure of Usen in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

 His Royal Highness, Oluogbe II who spoke through Dr. Dan Erhunmwunsee said with its various minerals and other natural resources, such as gold, bitumen, clay of various textures and colors abound in large commercial quantities,  it is regrettable that it is  only the timber that are extracted and utilized.

 He said the state and the federal government can leverage on the available resources to get the nation out of the economic woes through industrialization of the area.

 "I find it necessary to invite the government, companies, and enterprising individuals to establish in Usen community, industries that will utilize the resources.

 "I wish to also call on the banking sector to establish banks at Usen to help in motivating the establishment of medium and large scale enterprises", he said.

 He said the issues of development are seen these days not so much as community endeavour because there is very little a people can do on their own for the realization of their needs, therefore, the government must provide its citizens the basic necessities of life.

 Royal Highness, Oluogbe II , also  appealed  to the federal government  to 
construct an interstate road linking the community directly with Akure for easy accessibility of both towns for economic gains.

 He said, the  difficulty  in accessing  neighbouring  town  like Akure where  farm  produce  could  have  being  sold  is not palatable for the people.

 "The difficulty in accessing potable water continues to reduce the attractiveness of the area to many people, especially non-indigenes. A more comprehensive and effective water scheme for us by government will therefore be greatly appreciated", he said.

 While thanking the government for its presence in the community, said for the ten years of his reign, he has experienced appreciable expansion of facilities at the state polytechnic, Usen owing to its  intervention through the Education Trust Fund.

 Speaking at the ceremony, the immediate past senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, senator Ehigie Uzamere said over N3 billion was voted for the construction of Usen-Akure road including the Ogbese  bridge while he was in the senate noting that he will encourage the current senator representing the people of Edo South senatorial district not to relent on the issue until the construction of the road is completed.