Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has laid the foundation for the Edo State Polytechnic School of Mining and Management in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, as part of his administration’s efforts to revamp the state’s education sector and boost its digital economy.
At the event, Obaseki also launched the Digital Resource Center for Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, reaffirming his commitment to enhancing internet connectivity and expanding the state’s digital landscape.
The governor was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Okasime of Igarra Kingdom in recognition of his developmental strides and dedication to the betterment of the people of Igarra and Akoko-Edo LGA.
“I want to appreciate and thank His Royal Highness (HRH) for the honor done to me this morning by first bestowing upon me a title for the modest contributions which I have made to Akoko-Edo and Igarra. I accept and value the title of Okasime from the Kingdom of Igarra.” the governor stated.
Obaseki emphasized the importance of education, stating, “The greatest development you can give to the people is education.”
He continued, “When I ran for governor, I made a pledge to you that I would put in place measures to guarantee that our children would be able to find employment after they graduate. We are currently making investments in the polytechnic, our technical school, to help our children become skilled workers. In order to attract industries, we wish to construct technical and vocational schools where our children can learn about the resources in their community.
“People should not come here to perform tasks that belong on our children’s plates. For this reason, I am here today for the foundation-laying ceremony for the School of Mining and Management in Edo State, which will be located on the Edo State Polytechnic’s Igarra campus. The same thing is being done in Edo South, where we are building a college of agriculture with the help of investors from the oil palm industry.
“This school will rank among the best in Nigeria, if not all of West Africa, for providing mining education to students. Edo State Polytechnic now has understanding and partnership arrangements with two Chinese Polytechnics. They will help us get the expertise and teachers to train those who will be in this school.”
He also highlighted his government’s achievements in improving education in Edo State, including the EdoBEST program, which has ensured that children across the state receive quality education.
The governor also addressed the issue of illegal mining in the LGA, announcing that his administration has established a rule requiring mining companies to partner with local and state governments before operating in Edo State.
The polytechnic school will offer programs in mining and management, including the National Diploma in Mineral and Petroleum, and certificates in basic prospecting and exploration for minerals, among others.
Chief Folorunsho Dania Festus, Palace Secretary, expressed the Igarra Community’s gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering commitment to their welfare. Festus praised Obaseki’s visionary leadership, saying: “Your exemplary governance has left an indelible mark on the state’s educational, political, and social landscape. Your name will be etched in history as a champion of progress and development.”
Festus acknowledged that, while infrastructure development is ongoing, Obaseki’s focus on education will empower future generations to drive growth and development. “By prioritizing education, we are cultivating a pool of talented engineers and surveyors who will build the roads and infrastructure of tomorrow, ensuring a brighter future for our community.” he noted.
