Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State expressed hope for a more robust future as the state celebrated its 33rd anniversary.
He made these remarks on Monday at an event organized by the state Ministry of Education to mark Edo at 33.
The governor expressed optimism about the state’s future, stating that it has the potential to become a prosperous nation.
According to him, “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, and his government had made significant progress in addressing those issues and setting the state on a path to greatness.
Governor Obaseki, while announcing that the new masterplans for Edo and Benin City would be unveiled on Tuesday, stressed the importance of planning for the future.
Also speaking at the event, the state Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, said the new regional development and Benin City masterplans would be incorporated into the education curriculum of the state.
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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 more light on the development plan, Isoken Omo, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Housing, Urban and Regional Development, said the masterplan was a product of stakeholders’ engagement.
Omo added that, unlike the previous plans that were not people-centric, the new masterplans, which would last for the next 30 years was data-driven and engaged critical stakeholders.
She disclosed that the last masterplan for the state expired in 2012, just as she regretted that Edo had been developing in the last 12 years with the plan.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE