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Okpebholo Orders Edo Schools to Teach Indigenous Languages
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has announced the reintroduction of Edo languages into the school curriculum across Edo State.
A government house statement in Benin City described the action as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to preserving Edo’s rich cultural heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge.
It revealed that Gov Okpebholo made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative to Government House in Benin City.
Led by its President, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon, the delegation comprising technocrats, business leaders, and community stakeholders, commended Gov Okpebholo for the remarkable progress recorded in less than one year of his administration.
On his part, Gov Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the Esan people for their support, and described them as “a critical pillar” to guarantee his success in office.
He informed them that his administration had directed the Ministry of Education to intensify school rehabilitation efforts.
Gov Okpebholo said, “I have told my Commissioner for Education that 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, Gov 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.”
Gov Okpebholo reiterated his determination to revive the 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 compensation was already being paid to affected property owners.
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 declared, “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, Gov Okpebholo emphasized 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.”
Earlier, the President of the Esan Okpa Initiative, Rt. Hon Mathew Egbadon, applauded the Governor’s achievements, underscored the urgent need to protect and advance Esan language and culture.
According to Egbadon, “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 fast 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 Esan Okpa Initiative remains a non-partisan socio-cultural and intellectual movement dedicated to unity, progress, and the well-being of the Esan people.
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He lauded 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.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over what he described as a sluggish response to the renewed wave of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
Atiku, in a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said it was disappointing that Nigeria failed to act swiftly despite repeated attacks on its citizens living in South Africa.
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The former presidential candidate stated that smaller African countries had already taken decisive steps to protect their nationals, while Nigeria appeared slow in responding to the growing tension.
According to him, Ghana had approved the evacuation of more than 300 of its citizens affected by the latest anti-immigrant threats, while the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu only reacted after mounting pressure.
“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria, a country that prides itself as the giant of Africa, once again found itself reacting instead of leading in a moment of continental crisis,” Atiku said.
He argued that the delayed response raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
The former vice president noted that Nigerians in South Africa had for years endured intimidation, harassment, looting and repeated xenophobic attacks, with several businesses destroyed and lives threatened during previous outbreaks.
Atiku stressed that the protection of citizens remains one of the primary responsibilities of any government, regardless of where those citizens reside.
He urged the Federal Government to issue stronger travel advisories, begin evacuation plans for willing Nigerians and intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.
The former vice president also called on the African Union to take stronger action against recurring xenophobic violence across the continent.
“Africa cannot continue to preach unity while tolerating periodic persecution of fellow Africans,” he added.
He further urged Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act with greater urgency whenever the safety and dignity of Nigerians overseas are under threat.
Panic swept through parts of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday after a fresh gas leak affected more than 100 students and teachers across several schools, forcing many victims to be rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The incident, which occurred less than two months after a similar case in the town, reportedly affected schools including Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, among others.
Witnesses said students suddenly began complaining of breathing difficulties, stomach aches, dizziness, and weakness as the strange gas spread across the affected areas.
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Videos circulating online showed frightened students running out of school premises while teachers and residents assisted those who fainted into vehicles for emergency medical attention.
Many of the affected students were taken to the Ogun State Hospital in Ijebu Ode, while others were rushed to nearby private medical facilities as worried parents stormed the hospitals.
An eyewitness described the situation as more severe than the previous gas leak recorded in April.
“I am currently at the Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, and the hospital is overcrowded. Some parents had to move their children to private hospitals. The students are complaining of stomach pain and weakness. This incident affected multiple schools and over 100 students,” the source said.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed the development, stating that emergency response agencies had been mobilised to contain the situation and investigate the source of the leak.
According to the commissioner, air quality monitoring devices installed within the area detected elevated methane gas concentrations, with readings reportedly peaking at about 13,500 ppm in surrounding locations.
He explained that although the methane level remained below the lower explosive limit, the situation was environmentally significant and required urgent investigation.
Oresanya said the state government had activated a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency responders, security agencies, and air quality experts to determine the source and extent of the emissions.
Officials, including the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, and the Managing Director of OGEPA, Kenny Bello, were also seen visiting affected schools and hospitals to assess the situation and monitor medical response efforts.
Residents were advised to remain calm, avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas with unusual gas odours, and immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort.
The latest incident comes weeks after over 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following another gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in April, raising fresh concerns over environmental safety in the area.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to release former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as unfair and politically troubling.
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
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The former presidential candidate condemned El-Rufai’s detention ahead of the Muslim festival, saying it contradicts the spirit of mercy, compassion, and reconciliation associated with Eid-el-Kabir.
According to Atiku, it would be wrong for any government to deny a citizen freedom without clear justification, especially during a significant religious period when families are expected to reunite.
He warned against the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents, stressing that democracy should not be used as a weapon to settle political scores.
“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing for Eid-el-Kabir, it is unconscionable to keep a citizen away from his family without just cause,” Atiku stated.
The former vice-president also argued that the credibility of any democratic government depends on how it treats opposition figures and perceived critics.
He urged authorities to ensure transparency if El-Rufai’s detention is connected to ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to constitutional rights, including liberty and due process.
The demand comes days after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirmed that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering, and possession of proceeds of crime before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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