The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki today, Monday, 26 August expressed optimism about the future of the state, saying it had the potential to become a glorious nation.
The governor who spoke at an event organised by the state Ministry of Education, titled, “Education: the partway to the new Edo nation”, to mark Edo at 33, said, “Today is a story of hope.
“We have shown in eight years that it is possible to make a difference.”
The governor, who highlighted the challenges his administration faced when it took office in 2016, including human trafficking and slavery said those challenges had been surmounted.
Obaseki said his government had made significant progress in addressing these issues and setting the state on a path to greatness.
Obaseki, who said new master plans for Edo and Benin City would be unveiled on Tuesday, stressed the importance of planning for the future.
In her welcome address, the state Commissioner of Education, Joan Oviawe said the new regional development and Benin City master plans would be incorporated into the education curriculum of the state.
Oviawe said the incorporation was imperative to equip students with knowledge, skills and values necessary to drive progress and development
“Through our subjects, we are intentionally reflecting the master plan’s key components, including sustainable urban planning, innovative agriculture, access to clean water and renewable energy amongst others.
“By integrating these components into our education system, we are empowering our students to become active contributors to the realisation of the New Edo Nation.
“Through this event, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice showcasing how the subjects taught in our schools can be applied to real-world challenges,” she said.
Shielding light on the development plan, Ms Isoken Omo, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Housing, Urban and Regional Development said the master plan was a product of stakeholders engagement.
She said unlike the previous plans that were not people-centric, the new master plans, which would last for next 30 years were data driven and engage critical stakeholders.
Omo, who said the last master plan for state expired in 2012, regretted that Edo had been developing in the last 12 years with a plan.