From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, stressed the importance of planning for the future and announced that new masterplans for Edo and Benin City would be unveiled tomorrow (Tuesday) as part of activities to mark the state’s 33 years anniversary.
The Governor while speaking at an event organised by the state Ministry of Education to flag off the celebration, expressed optimism about the future of the state, saying it had the potential to become a glorious nation.
“Today is a story of hope. We have shown in eight years that it is possible to make a difference”, he said and highlighted the challenges his administration faced when it took office in 2016, including human trafficking and slavery, disclosing that those challenges had be surmounted.
Besides, Obaseki said his government has made significant progress in addressing these issues and setting the state on a path to greatness.
In her speech, the state Commissioner for Education, Joan Oviawe, said the new regional development and Benin City masterplans would be incorporated into the education curriculum of the state, explaining that 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 added.
On her part, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Ms. Isoken Omo, while shedding light on the development plan, said the masterplan was a product of stakeholders engagement.
She explained that unlike the previous plans that were not people-centric, the new masterplans, which would last for next 30 years were data driven and engage critical stakeholders.
She disclosed that the last masterplan for the state expired in 2012 and regretted that Edo had been developing in the last 12 years without a plan.