….-Dr. Paddy Iyamu To the Rescue
*Embassy-Oseni Momodu*
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s racent tour around the state’s owned institutions and facilities have reawaken public trust and confidence in governance. The Edo people could not hold their tears when photo footages of the schools visited by the Governor and his team exposes the metaphor of Obaseki’s alleged reforms in education. From Oroma Primary School, Amagba; to Eweka Primary School Obazagbon; Amagba Secondary School; and Uyiosa Primary School, Uzebu in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, the narrative is the same. No roof, no windows, no ceiling, no floor tiles, fewer teachers but only a ramshackle classroom fillled with pupils who are exposed to sunlight directly from the sky with other avoidable cataracts. If this could happen in the heart of the state capital, Benin city where pulpils and teachers were found in a disgusting and horrific learning environment, it is disturbing that other parts might appear the worst.
*EDO BEST*
My understanding of the word ‘BEST’ in its simplest meaning is “something that is extremely good”, “of the most excellent” or “desirable type” or “quality” which should have translate to mean Edo has the Best schools infrastructure, technology, expertise, students’ safety, and other educational enablers that eases learning in South South Nigeria.
A closer assessment of Obaseki’s acclaimed reforms in education sector suggests whether the widely celebrated reform branded as “EDO BEST” under the immediate past administration was either non existent, intentionally selective or it was a deliberate act to subject the innocent pupils and teachers to such abominable treatment despite available surge in revenue from tax payers’ money.
*GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO*
Leading the tour on Wednesday November 28th was His Excellency, Governor Okpebholo alongside the newly appointed chairman of Edo State’s Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Paddy Iyamu who were almost in tears at the sights of the horrendously avoidable learning conditions. This reckless abandonment of the schools raises concern of the fate of other learning points in remote communities in the state.
*EDO BAD*
This neglect of the affected schools cast significant doubts in Obaseki’s “EDO BEST” in relation to ‘EDO BAD’. The only offense, if any, allegedly committed by these pupils in Obaseki’s lexicon lives many puzzling after his tenure. More will be unmasked as the Governor continues his tour to other parts of the state in Edo central and Edo north respectively where the ex Governor treated the people with near abandon throughout his 8 years tenure.
The Amagba-Eweka schools and others have SLOWED to the world that the acclaimed revolutionary “EDO BEST” initiative was indeed ‘EDO BAD’ which was deceitful and cleverly packaged for Edo people and sustained with propaganda, lies and profliglacy.
*OSHIOMHOLE AND RED ROOF REVOLUTION*
Comparatively, during Adams Oshiomhole’s tenure as Governor, eight years earlier as Obaseki’s predecessor (2008-2016), Edo state’s governance image was synonymous with ‘red roof revolution’, a distinct phrase that symbolizes Oshiomhole’s reform in education sector and it was predominantly felt throughout Edo State. Good learning environment, staff welfare and support, adequate training and improved learning materials were glaringly visible, even to the blind.
*IYAMU AND THE THINK TANK*
With Governor Okpebholo, Denis Idahosa and SUBEB chairman, Paddy Iyamu at the helm, Edo people could go and sleep with their two eyes closed; whilst constructions, rehabilitation, policy formulation, reforms, and transformations take the center stage in different sectors of the state. Already worthy of accolade are the choices of erudite Barr. Musa Ikilor, SSG; Gani Audu, the Chief of Staff; Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, Commissioner for Health; Dr. Samson Osagie, Attorney General of the state; and Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor, Commissioner for Finance whom the Governor have appointed and assumed official duties. They have thus far been adjudged as formidable think tank to consolidate the All Progressives Congress’, APC government and its campaign promises to the Edo people.
*CONCLUSION*
In the same vein, Mr. Governor would further need to continue this remarkable trajectory in the above direction and shop for more capable party loyalists with deep political background who had sacrificed for our great party to handle other critical sectors of the state’s MDAs. Together, we would collaboratively work to deliver a better Edo in terms of infrastructure, education, security, agriculture, employment, social welfare and youth empowerment than where we met it on November 12th, 2024.
*~Embassy-Oseni Momodu is the SSA (Media & Publicity) to Rep. Anamero Dekeri DANCO, National Assembly, Abuja.*
+2348120567606 (sms only)