As remodelling work progresses on the 230 public primary schools across Edo State, residents in some of the schools’ host communities have applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki for sustaining reform of basic education.
A cross-section of residents in some of the communities who spoke with the press said steps by the state government to revamp the schools would complement the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to improve learning outcomes in the basic education sector.
A retired school administrator in Ugbiyoko, Daniel Otinua, described the intervention of the state government as timely and strategic in transforming public education at the basic level, noting, “With the training of 7000 teachers on modern methods of teaching, it is only logical that schools where the modern technological tools are deployed, be remodelled to ensure children learn in a conducive environment.”
According to a parent in Evbuotubu axis of Benin City, Monica Osunde, the governor deserves to be encouraged as he has shown uncommon commitment to restoring the lost glory of basic education in the state.
“From what I see being done in one of the schools, children will get the best from the schools. I thank the state government for approving the 230 schools for refurbishment.
“After the renovation work, my children will have the chance to return to their school. We are really happy that schools are being worked on. It is not every government that places this emphasis on primary schools. It is worth commending,” she said.
Favour Ikponmwosa, who lives in Egor area of the state, expressed appreciation to the governor for listing Eweka Primary School among the schools in the first phase of the renovation work, saying, “I thank Governor Obaseki for remembering our children.”
Meanwhile, the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) says it intends to retain its influence in the House of Assembly by winning all or most of the seats to sustain the programmes and policies of the Obaseki-led administration.
The state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, who said this at a rally to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory, urged members and supporters of the APC to come out en masse and vote for the party’s House of Assembly candidates.
“I urge Edo people to come out en masse on March 9, 2019, to vote for candidates of the APC to help the government consolidate on its achievement by passing bills that would enable us accomplish more for all Edo people and residents,” Shaibu said.
Shaibu, who represented Governor Obaseki at the rally, explained that “a parliament that is dominated by APC legislators will cooperate with the governor and support the people-centred programmes of the party such as infrastructural development that will grow the economy and put smiles on the faces of Edo people.”
He cited the cooperation of the current assembly with the executive arm of government, which he said has led to progress and development in the state.
On Buhari’s victory, the deputy governor said “it means freedom for Nigerians and victory for the people of Edo State who should be ready to enjoy more dividends of democracy in the state.
“The President is a friend and father of the state. We need his support in the infrastructural and economic development of the state. Our president is not partisan when it comes to the development of Nigeria and the wellbeing of Nigerians. He has helped all the states of the federation with bailout funds to enable those that were owing their workers settle salary arrears.”
