Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to reintroduce the teaching of Edo languages in schools across the state.
In a statement on Thursday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving Edo’s cultural heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge.
Governor Okpebholo disclosed the plan during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative to the Government House in Benin City.
The delegation, led by Mr. Mathew Egbadon, commended the governor for the developmental strides recorded in less than one year of his administration.
Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the Esan people for their continued support, describing them as a critical pillar of his success in office.
He said his government had directed the Ministry of Education to intensify school rehabilitation efforts and improve learning facilities across the state.
“I have told my Commissioner for Education that we must provide seats and desks for schools,” the governor said. “We will continue massive renovation, fencing, provide boreholes, toilets, and start installing solar lights in schools.”
Okpebholo also announced plans to launch a school access programme that would provide students with hands-on experience in computer studies, saying, “Our children must see and touch technology in real time.”
Speaking on language education, he said, “We must start from home. We will reintroduce the teaching of Edo languages in our school system. Let every tribe begin to learn and speak their language so that no language goes into extinction.”
The governor assured that his administration would sustain its developmental momentum across key sectors.
He said significant efforts were ongoing to revive Ambrose Alli University, describing its restoration as “a victory for the people.”
On infrastructure, Okpebholo revealed that extensive road rehabilitation and new construction projects were underway statewide, including the Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road, for which compensation was already being paid to affected property owners.
He disclosed that 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses had been ordered to improve public transportation across the three senatorial districts.
In the health sector, the governor stated that 65 primary healthcare centres had been completed or rehabilitated, strengthening access to quality healthcare in rural communities.
Okpebholo said his administration was intensifying security efforts through decentralised operations.
“We recently purchased new equipment and are building a mobile police barracks in the central part of the state,” he said. “We have trained over 2,000 personnel, placed them on the government payroll, and may engage local hunters to boost community security.”
Reiterating his development philosophy, the governor said his focus was on legacy projects that would outlive his tenure. “My concern is legacy, what we will leave behind for our people. That is the true essence of leadership,” he stated.
In his remarks, Mr. Mathew Egbadon, President of the Esan Okpa Initiative, praised the governor’s achievements and urged him to prioritise the protection and advancement of the Esan language and culture.
He said the reintroduction of Esan language in schools would align with the 2022 National Language Policy, which mandates indigenous languages as the medium of instruction in the first six years of primary education.
Egbadon reaffirmed that the Esan Okpa Initiative is a non-partisan socio-cultural movement dedicated to the unity, progress, and well-being of the Esan people.
He commended the state’s inclusion in the Federal Government’s ₦142 billion modern bus terminal project, noting that Edo was the only state from the South-South region selected for the scheme.
“Your Excellency, we have seen your work. New roads are being built, schools are being rehabilitated, and over 4,000 teachers have been regularised. You have returned Edo to the national development map,” he said.
Egbadon further called for independent power generation in Esanland through private investment models and urged the establishment of agro-based industries to promote rural development and community safety.
Since assuming office nearly a year ago, Okpebholo has employed 5,000 teachers, rehabilitated schools, and embarked on major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the first bridge at Ramat Park and the award of contracts for additional road works across the state.