By Osahon Osahon
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, ordered the compulsory teaching of Edo indigenous languages in schools across the State, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge of the state.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative, led by its President, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon, to Government House, Benin City.
The delegation, which included technocrats, business leaders, and community stakeholders, commended the Governor for the remarkable strides recorded within the first year of his administration.
Describing the Esan people as a “critical pillar” of his success, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering support. He also directed the Ministry of Education to intensify school rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing improved infrastructure and access to modern technology for students.
“I have instructed my Commissioner for Education to provide desks and seats for schools. We will continue massive renovations, fencing, boreholes, and toilet facilities, and begin installing solar lighting in schools. We are also developing a school access program to provide hands-on experience in computer studies so our children can engage with technology in real time,” the Governor said.
On the language policy, Okpebholo emphasized the importance of starting from home: “We must reintroduce vernacular languages into our school system. Every tribe must learn and speak their language to prevent the extinction of our indigenous tongues.”
The Governor also reiterated his commitment to the revival of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), describing its restoration as “a victory for the people,” with significant progress already underway to restore the institution to its former prominence.
Highlighting other key interventions, Governor Okpebholo revealed that extensive road rehabilitation and new construction projects are ongoing across Edo State.
He announced the procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve public transportation across the three senatorial districts.
In the health sector, 65 primary healthcare centres have been completed or rehabilitated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare delivery.
Governor Okpebholo further detailed infrastructure upgrades, including ongoing work on the Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road, with compensation already paid to affected property owners.
He assured that construction would accelerate by the dry season, reducing travel time to Auchi to just 35 minutes upon completion.
On security reforms, the Governor highlighted recent purchases of new equipment and the construction of a mobile police barracks in central Edo, aimed at decentralizing operations and enhancing community safety. “We trained over 2,000 personnel, who are now on the government payroll. We are also considering engaging local hunters to strengthen community security,” he added.
Reiterating his development philosophy, Governor Okpebholo said, “My concern is legacy—what we leave behind for our people. That is the true essence of leadership.”
Speaking earlier, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon applauded the Governor’s achievements and emphasized the urgent need to protect and promote Esan language and culture. He urged for the reintroduction of Esan language instruction in schools, aligning with the Federal Government’s 2022 National Language Policy mandating indigenous languages as the medium of instruction in the first six years of primary education.
Egbadon further commended the Governor’s efforts in education, employment, and infrastructure, citing Edo State’s inclusion in the ₦142 billion Federal Government modern bus terminal project, the only South-South state featured, as a testament to Governor Okpebholo’s visionary leadership.
He also appealed for support in independent power generation initiatives in Esanland, agro-based industrial development, and enhanced backing for security agencies to promote rural development and safety.
The Esan Okpa Initiative reaffirmed its commitment as a non-partisan socio-cultural movement dedicated to the unity and progress of the Esan people.
