In a notable culmination of his administration, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, recently expressed profound satisfaction regarding his tenure in office, particularly highlighting the bold reforms and initiatives implemented across various critical sectors.
During a commissioning event held on Tuesday, Governor Obaseki was joined by notable dignitaries, including his Enugu State counterpart, Dr. Peter Mbah, and former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator for Sokoto South Federal Constituency, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal. Together, they inaugurated several key projects in Edo State, marking a significant milestone in the governor’s commitment to revitalizing the region.
Among the projects unveiled during the event were the Benin Technical College and an extensive network of internal roads spanning over 12 kilometers within the college’s premises. The governor also launched the Edo State Education Hub, which serves as a centralized institution housing several critical educational agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the Directorate of Educational Quality and Accountability, the Directorate of Higher Education, the State Examination Board, and the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), alongside the Library Board and the Board of Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The event brought together key figures from the state’s political landscape, including the State Deputy Governor, Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha, as well as various commissioners and members of the State’s Executive Council. Traditional rulers and education stakeholders were also present, underscoring the broad community support for these initiatives.
At the inauguration of Benin Technical College, Governor Obaseki articulated his government’s mission to restore hope to the people and rebuild Edo’s economy. He remarked, “This project is something I had to do because when I contested as governor of Edo State in 2016, we were facing existential threats. Our children didn’t want to go to school but rather preferred to travel for greener pastures.”
The governor noted the alarming rates of irregular migration and human trafficking at the time, with over 30,000 young Edo natives trapped in Libya, at grave risk as they sought passage into Europe. “You can imagine how many died on their way there,” he lamented, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the youth.
Reflecting on his campaign promises, Governor Obaseki stated, “I promised to create over 200,000 jobs, and by grace, we have surpassed that. These jobs were not created by the government or the civil service, as we focused on developing skills and training our young boys and girls in institutions like the Benin Technical School.” He articulated that his administration’s focus was to generate hope and provide opportunities for the youth who longed for a brighter future.
“When I resumed office on November 12th, 2016, I visited the Secretariat and the next day, I was at the Benin Technical College. If I am to create 200,000 jobs, I need the institution to do this,” he recalled. His glimpses into the dilapidated conditions of the college left a profound impact on him; it sparked a commitment to revamp the institution.
“I am glad this afternoon that a week after my exit from office, I can see a rebuilt technical college giving hope to thousands of young boys and girls,” he expressed, highlighting his fulfillment in leaving behind an institution that embodies opportunity. The governor characterized this accomplishment as a “greater joy and gift from God,” which serves as a fitting capstone to his leadership journey.
Moreover, the newly inaugurated education hub stands as a testament to the significant strides made in overhauling the education sector under Governor Obaseki’s guidance. This state-of-the-art facility has been named in honor of Chief Tayo Akpata, a distinguished educationist who served as the Commissioner for Education in the old Midwest State. This dedication reflects the governor’s commitment to honoring those who laid the groundwork for educational excellence in the region.
Governor Obaseki’s tenure has been marked by a clear vision for the future of Edo State. His initiatives not only address immediate needs but also lay a foundation for long-term growth and prosperity. As he leaves office, the projects and reforms he championed will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the community, empowering future generations of Edo citizens and positioning the state for sustained success.
Governor Obaseki reflected on the challenges faced by the education sector upon his assumption of office. He stated, “Today, we are here to commission the Edo State Education Hub and this facility is like a summary of what we have done in Edo State. When we came, we met our educational system in disarray, but today we are leaving a very organized education system. This hub represents that because this hub is everything education.”
A central theme of the governor’s address was the crucial role of teachers in the success of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program. “In this facility, we have created a hall of fame for our teachers. The whole reform in Edo’s education sector was anchored on the teacher. The EdoBEST programme succeeded because we focused on teachers who eventually teach the children. Teachers should be at the core of any education reform,” he elaborated.
The event also featured remarks from notable guests, including the governor of Enugu State, who praised Obaseki as a transformative leader. He stated, “I am deeply honored to be invited to commission this landmark project as it’s a testament to the commitment of Governor Obaseki to transform the education sector.” He further noted the governor’s significant achievements over his tenure, emphasizing that these initiatives have not only reshaped the educational framework but have also enhanced the overall learning capabilities of the Edo populace.
In his address, he remarked, “In the last eight years, the governor has been planting, and it’s our hope that the young ones and people of Edo State will reap from the bountiful harvest of your selfless work for Edo people.”
Senator Aminu Tambuwal also took the opportunity to commend Governor Obaseki’s accomplishments, describing him as an achiever and a pacesetter. He expressed his admiration for the education hub, noting its uniqueness in Nigeria. “I must commend you for the initiative of the education hub. It’s yet another first and has not been seen anywhere in Nigeria. I urge the people coming after you to continue with the good work, as it’s not about politics but about governance and the people of Edo State and Nigeria,” he stated.
The inauguration of the Edo State Education Hub marks a pivotal moment in the state’s educational journey. It serves as a comprehensive resource center that not only celebrates the achievements of educators but also provides a framework for ongoing educational excellence. As Governor Obaseki prepares to leave office, his legacy in education is expected to resonate for years to come, with the hope that future leaders will build upon the foundation laid during his administration.
