2027: BBIGN, A Third Force?
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
The Bridge Builders Initiative for Green Nigeria, BBIGN, a Corporate Affairs Commission, registered socio- political pressure group and an umbrella body of Nigerians whose vision geared towards grassroot mobilization for the All Progressive Congress, APC, across the states of the federation is gradually spreading it's roots in Edo State to consolidate on the continuation of the actualization of the Renewed Hope Initiative, of the present administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president of the federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Edo State chapter of BBIGN that held their inaugural meeting on Sunday 20th April 2025 in Benin City, had the National Director of rules, ethics and protocols, Comrade Stanley Ovbokhan Okpugie, present to explain to the members of Edo state Chapter, the destination that BBIGN is heading, and the roadmap to arrive at the destination.
Speaking with a team of Journalists after the meeting, Comrade Okpugie said; “it is no more news that a united All Progressives Congress, that fought, and wrestled power from a clueless party, both at the federal level, and recently in Edo state, now has some moles in the House, that are working to disorganise the House. One after the other, these moles will be properly put in their places to ensure that the Renewed Hope Initiative, is achieved.
"The BBIGN, will not allow the wheels of development in Nigeria, and Edo state, to be reversed".
The National Director of rules, ethics and protocols who commended the commitment and resilience of the leadership of the group, in Edo state, even though, they are all holding their positions in acting capacities, announced that, the inauguration of the national and state executives will come up next month, May 22nd and 23rd, as efforts are currently in top gear for preparation for the inauguration of the executives, an event, which according to him, will be held in Abuja.
Comrade Okpugie concluded by saying; "...the group, amongst other things, also seek to promote and encourage members' participation in politics by creating leadership and political opportunities".
Ambassador Odion Kessington Oriaifo, in a pose with Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo
Also, the acting Edo state Coordinator of the group, Ambassador Odion Kessington Oriaifo, who spoke on phone with Winning Media Online, from the United Kingdom, buttressed what Comrade Okpugie said, saying; “BBIGN” is not a new political group, we have been on ground penultimate to the 2023 Presidential election; this time around however, it is a different focus, as the organization is working towards the betterment of the ordinary Nigerian; we have these ordinary Nigerians as our members at the national, state and local government levels. What we are doing now, is to awaken the spirit of ownership of the government in them after all, we are operating a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
In Edo state, our job is much easier, as we are definitely going to compliment the efforts of our governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who, like you know, made it abundantly clear that Edo state is for APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Asked how he is able to co-ordinate the affairs of the organization from Diaspora, Ambassador Odion said; "That is very easy, the world today, is a global village; beside, I have an assistant that is on ground, in Edo state. Though, we are all holding the position in acting capacities, we are very passionate about achieving our goals in the long run".
The members of BBIGN are present across the three Senatorial districts of Edo State, with membership cutting across the various wards and Eighteen local government areas in the state.