FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the reintroduction and compulsory teaching of Edo indigenous languages across schools, as part of efforts to preserve rich cultural heritage and promote indigenous knowledge.
The governor announced this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Esan Okpa Initiative, EOI, to the Government House, Benin City.
Led by its President, Matthew Egbadon, the delegation, made up of technocrats, business leaders and community stakeholders, commended Governor Okpebholo for the remarkable achievements recorded in less than a year of his administration.
The governor expressed gratitude to Esan people for their support, describing them as a “critical pillar” for the success of his administration.
“On language, we must start from home, because charity begins at home. We will reintroduce vernacular into our school system. Let every tribe begin to learn and speak their language so that no language goes into extinction,” the governor declared.
He said the Ministry of Education had been directed to intensify the rehabilitation of schools and improve learning environments across the state.
“We have to provide seats and desks for our schools. We will continue massive renovation and fencing, provide boreholes and toilets, and begin installing solar lights.
We are also introducing a school access programme where our children can have hands-on experience in computer studies — to see and touch technology in real time,” he added.
Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to leaving behind enduring legacies, stressing that “the true essence of leadership is what we leave behind for our people.”
He further announced ongoing interventions in education, infrastructure, transportation, health, and security.
The governor revealed that substantial progress had been made toward the revival of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, describing its restoration as “a victory for the people.”
Earlier, Egbadon lauded the governor’s developmental strides, particularly in education, employment, and infrastructure renewal.
He urged the government to prioritise the teaching of Esan and other indigenous languages in schools, in line with the 2022 National Language Policy, which mandates the use of local languages as the medium of instruction in the first six years of primary education.
He also called for support for independent power generation in Esanland through private investment models similar to Ossiomo and Azura, and for the establishment of agro-based industries to promote rural development.
Egbadon affirmed that the Esan Okpa Initiative remains a non-partisan socio-cultural movement committed to the unity, progress, and well-being of the Esan people.
