In furtherance of its ongoing education reforms, the Edo State government has reintroduced the teaching of indigenous languages in schools in the state.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that this was announced on Thursday by Governor Monday Okpebholo while responding to an address by a socio-cultural organisation, the Esan Okpa Initiative (EOI) led by a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Matthew Egbadon, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Benin City.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge, Governor Okpebholo said vernacular would be reintroduced into the state’s school system “so that no language goes into extinction”.
The group, comprising technocrats, business leaders, and community stakeholders, commended the governor for the remarkable progress recorded in less than one year of his administration, and underscored the need to reintroduce the teaching of Esan language in schools to protect and advance the language.
Governor Okpebholo, who expressed gratitude to the Esan people for their support, described them as “critical pillar” to guarantee his success in office.
He also revealed that his administration had directed the Ministry of Education to intensify efforts at rehabilitation of schools.
According to him, “I have told my Commissioner for Education we have to provide seats and desks for schools. We will continue massive renovation and fencing, provide boreholes and toilets, and we will start installing solar lights in schools.
“We are already working on a school access programme where our children can have hands-on experience in computer studies—so they can see and touch technology in real time.
“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.”
Appreciating the visit, Governor Okpebholo noted: “When you see your people behind you, there is nothing to fear. The strength of a man lies in the backing of his people. With your continued support, I will succeed, by the grace of God.”
Okpebholo reiterated his determination to revive Ambrose Alli University (AAU), describing its restoration as “a victory for the people,” with substantial progress already underway to return the institution to its former glory.
Highlighting key interventions, the Governor disclosed that his administration had embarked on extensive road rehabilitation and new construction projects across Edo State.
He revealed that 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses had been ordered to enhance public transportation across the three senatorial districts in the state.
In the health sector, 65 primary healthcare centres have been completed or rehabilitated, reinforcing the administration’s drive to deliver accessible, quality healthcare to every community.
On infrastructure, he cited ongoing work on the Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road, noting that payment of compensation to affected property owners had already started.
He said: “By the dry season, construction will be accelerated. When completed, you will be able to get to Auchi in 35 minutes from there.”
The Governor further spoke on security reforms in the state.
He noted: “We are working seriously on security. Very soon, you will not hear these incidents happening again. A few days ago, we purchased new equipment, and we are building a new mobile barracks in Central which will soon be operational.
“We are decentralising security operations. We trained over 2,000 personnel last time and we have placed them on the government payroll. We are also considering engaging local hunters to strengthen community security.”
Reiterating his development philosophy, Governor Okpebholo emphasised his focus on enduring, life-changing projects that will outlive his tenure.
He said: “My concern is legacy. What we will leave behind for our people. That is the true essence of leadership.”
Speaking earlier, Egbadon, applauded the governor’s achievements and emphasised the urgent need to protect and advance Esan language and culture.
The former executive secretary of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) posited that “Protecting and advancing Esan language, culture, and values is critical. Your Excellency, you now need to reintroduce the teaching of Esan language in schools. Esan language is far disappearing because many people of Esan extraction are not speaking it, and the language is not taught in schools. It should be reintroduced into the school curriculum.
“This will align with the 2022 National Language Policy of the Federal Government, which mandates the use of indigenous or community languages as the primary medium of instruction in the first six years of primary education. So, it’s a natural policy.”
He reaffirmed that the EOI remained a non-partisan socio-cultural and intellectual movement dedicated to unity, progress, and the well-being of the Esan people.
He commended the governor’s achievements in education, employment generation, and infrastructure renewal, noting Edo’s inclusion in the Federal Government’s ₦142 billion modern bus terminal project, the only state in the South-South region, as proof of the Governor’s visionary leadership.
“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 further appealed for support for independent power generation in Esanland through private investment models similar to Ossiomo and Azura and called for the establishment of agro-based industries and stronger support for security agencies to promote rural development and community safety.