Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the reintroduction and compulsory teaching of Edo indigenous languages across schools in the state, as part of efforts to preserve Edo’s rich cultural heritage and promote indigenous knowledge.
The Governor announced this policy during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative (EOI) to the Government House in Benin City.
Led by its President, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon, the delegation — made up of technocrats, business leaders, and community stakeholders, commended Governor Okpebholo for the remarkable achievements recorded in less than a year of his administration.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Esan people for their support, describing them as a “critical pillar” for the success of his administration.
“On language, we must start from home, because charity begins at home. We will reintroduce vernacular into our school system. Let every tribe begin to learn and speak their language so that no language goes into extinction,” the Governor declared.
He said the Ministry of Education had been directed to intensify the rehabilitation of schools and improve learning environments across the state.
“We have to provide seats and desks for our schools. We will continue massive renovation and fencing, provide boreholes and toilets, and begin installing solar lights.
We are also introducing a school access programme where our children can have hands-on experience in computer studies — to see and touch technology in real time,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to leaving behind enduring legacies, stressing that “the true essence of leadership is what we leave behind for our people.”
He further announced ongoing interventions in education, infrastructure, transportation, health, and security.
The Governor revealed that substantial progress had been made toward the revival of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), describing its restoration as “a victory for the people.”
On road infrastructure, he disclosed that major rehabilitation works were ongoing across the three senatorial districts, including the Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road, where compensation had already been paid to affected property owners.
He also said 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses had been ordered to improve public transportation, while 65 primary healthcare centres had been completed or rehabilitated to strengthen access to quality healthcare.
Addressing security challenges, Governor Okpebholo explained that new equipment had been procured and a new mobile police barracks was being built in the central part of the state.
“We are decentralising security operations. We trained over 2,000 personnel who are now on the government payroll, and we are considering engaging local hunters to strengthen community security,” he said.
Earlier, the EOI President, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon, applauded the Governor’s developmental strides, particularly in education, employment, and infrastructure renewal.
He urged the government to prioritise the teaching of Esan and other indigenous languages in schools, in line with the 2022 National Language Policy, which mandates the use of local languages as the medium of instruction in the first six years of primary education.
“Esan language is fast disappearing because many people no longer speak it, and it is not taught in schools. Reintroducing it will help preserve our culture and values,” Egbadon stated.
He also called for support for independent power generation in Esanland through private investment models similar to Ossiomo and Azura, and for the establishment of agro-based industries to promote rural development.
Egbadon affirmed that the Esan Okpa Initiative remains a non-partisan socio-cultural movement committed to the unity, progress, and well-being of the Esan people.
“Your Excellency, we have seen your work — new roads are being built, schools are being rehabilitated, and over 4,000 teachers have been regularised. You have returned Edo to the national development map,” he said.
