The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has received praise for his utilization of science, technology, and innovation to propel the state’s education, health, security, and governance sectors to new heights. Osayande Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Holdings Oil and Gas, commended Governor Obaseki’s efforts during a lecture at a stakeholders’ workshop on science, technology, and innovation in Benin City, the state capital.
Igiehon acknowledged Edo State as an outstanding leader in technological advancement and innovation, attributing this success to Governor Obaseki’s consistent commitment to transforming Edo into a technology hub.
He specifically commended the state government’s investment in training and retraining civil servants, the introduction of tablets in public primary schools through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation program (EdoBEST), and the establishment of an innovation hub.
The CEO emphasized the importance of embracing technology and innovation, stating that any society that neglects these advancements will not achieve greatness. Igiehon assured that with sustained efforts by future administrations, Edo will become one of the best places to live and do business.
Governor Obaseki highlighted that his administration has implemented the necessary structures to produce 15,000 software engineers in the next five years, catering to the growing global information and communication technology industry.
The workshop, organized by the Edo State Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation in partnership with Heirs Holdings Oil and Gas, aimed to develop and implement effective policies in these areas to support the Obaseki administration’s goal of “Making Edo Great Again” (MEGA).
Governor Obaseki emphasized the pivotal role of technology and innovation in driving economic growth and productivity across various sectors. He cited education, healthcare, governance, security, and revenue collection as fields where science, technology, and innovation had already delivered value to the people of Edo State.
The Governor also expressed his commitment to further progress in the electricity sector, particularly through the operation of the CCECC-Ossiomo Power Plant, solidifying Edo’s position as an electricity hub.
The Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Bartholomew Brai, expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki for his dedication to driving industrialization through science, technology, and innovation. “Science, technology and innovation are perceived internationally as key drivers of progress and improvement and fuel headway that push the world ahead. The possibilities are unquantifiable and if appropriately outfit, mean fast monetary upheaval which we are anticipating in Edo State.” he said.
