BENIN: Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the reintroduction of indigenous Edo languages into the school curriculum across the state, saying the move is aimed at preserving the state’s cultural heritage and preventing local dialects from going extinct.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, following a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative to Government House in Benin City.
Okpebholo said his administration had directed the Ministry of Education to make Edo languages compulsory in schools, in line with the 2022 National Language Policy of the Federal Government which mandates the use of indigenous languages as the primary medium of instruction in the first six years of primary education.
“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,” the governor declared.
He also outlined ongoing reforms in the education sector, including massive school renovation, provision of desks, toilets, boreholes, solar power, and a school access programme designed to give pupils hands-on experience with computer studies.
Beyond education, the governor said his administration was investing in health, roads, transportation, and security. He disclosed that 65 primary healthcare centres had been completed or rehabilitated, 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses had been ordered to boost transportation, and major road projects such as the Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road were underway.
On security, he revealed that 2,000 personnel had been trained and placed on the government payroll, while a new mobile police barracks was being built in Edo Central. “We are decentralising security operations. Very soon, you will not hear of these incidents again,” Okpebholo assured.
The governor reiterated his determination to revive Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, describing its restoration as “a victory for the people,” while stressing that his vision was to leave behind legacy projects that would outlive his tenure.
Earlier, President of the Esan Okpa Initiative, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon, praised Okpebholo’s performance in office, particularly in education and infrastructure. He urged the governor to prioritise the teaching of Esan language in schools, noting that many young people of Esan origin were no longer speaking the dialect.
“This will align with the National Language Policy and help protect our culture. Esan language is fast disappearing, and urgent action is needed,” Egbadon said.
He also appealed for support in promoting independent power generation in Esanland, the establishment of agro-industries, and improved security for rural communities.
The visit, which brought together technocrats, business leaders, and community stakeholders, ended with the delegation pledging continued support for the governor’s administration.
