Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, don shake tins for state cabinet as e redeploy Commissioner for Works, Dr Felix Akhabue, comot from Ministry of Works go Ministry of Water Resources. The directive wey come from Secretary to Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, say the change na with immediate effect. Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Works go hold the fort until dem appoint new commissioner.
As if that one no enough, Governor Okpebholo also increase Edo State University, Iyamho, monthly subvention from N100 million reach N250 million. Na during commissioning of Ehi Aganmonmen Business Administration E-Library and groundbreaking for Peter Omoh Dunia Fitness Centre plus Edo State University Health Centre the governor announce am. The occasion wey hold on Monday na defining moment for the institution according to the governor.
“Today na great day for Edo State University, Iyamho,” Okpebholo yarn. “Since we enter office, our administration dey committed to reposition education sector for Edo State. These projects na clear symbols of progress, partnership, and shared responsibility to advance education and health for our state.”
The governor hail Chief Ehi Aganmonmen for donating computers and furniture for the E-Library, say the contribution go enhance digital learning and academic excellence. E also commend Mr Peter Omoh Dunia for supporting the Fitness Centre development, describing am as strategic investment for student wellbeing.
But the big gist come when Governor Okpebholo announce N2 billion grant for infrastructure development for the university. The announcement follow after e hear say Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adetimirin, donate one month salary support the projects. “If Vice-Chancellor fit donate im salary, why Edo state government no go donate towards university projects dem dey carry out?” Okpebholo ask. “On this note, Edo state government go give you Two Billion naira.”
The governor call for more private sector participation for public development efforts. “These acts of generosity remind us say government alone no fit do everything. We call on other corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to emulate these noble gestures and partner with government to build stronger Edo State.”
For healthcare side, Governor Okpebholo express support for university plan to upgrade medical facility. “Health Centre go replace existing sick bay. This na important step to provide better healthcare services to our university community,” e add.
Addressing students and management, the governor stress need for responsible use and proper maintenance of the facilities. “To our students, these facilities na for your growth—use dem well. To university management, I charge una make una ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of these facilities. We dey invest for your future, and we expect una to guard that investment with discipline and purpose.”
Former governor Adams Oshiomhole wey dey present for the event commend Okpebholo for prioritizing educational development. Oshiomhole talk say the governor support for education don become widely acknowledged, citing interventions across institutions for state, particularly revival efforts at Ambrose Alli University. “But for Governor Okpebholo, challenges wey medical students for Ambrose Alli University face, wey system allow persist for years, dem resolve am within weeks of im assumption of office,” Oshiomhole add.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor Adetimirin, commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for im support to the institution, describing the visit as historic and timely. Adetimirin talk say the governor presence mark im first official visit to the university despite busy schedule. “On February 19, we meet Governor Okpebholo for Government House,” the VC yarn. “We present our needs, and within 20 days, our monthly subvention increase from N100 million to N250 million. Vehicles also provided to support my official duties.”
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirm im commitment to growth of the institution, say e no go relent until university attain world-class status. E reveal say proposed health centre dey supported through donations, and e personally contribute im full salary toward am. “Our students and staff deserve the best, and we dey determined to complete these projects for record time,” Adetimirin talk.
Governor Okpebholo also pledge two Toyota Hiace buses and two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to support transportation within the university. E acknowledge role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting education, say im sustained interest align with Renewed Hope Agenda.
The projects align with administration SHINE Agenda wey prioritize education, health, and infrastructure as key drivers of sustainable development for Edo State. Governor also commission several projects at Auchi College, including ICT hall, Administrative blocks, and Sporting arena, amongst others. These projects na sponsored by Peter Omoh Dunia.
As events dey unfold, clear say Okpebholo administration dey make serious moves for education sector. From ministry reshuffle to massive financial injections for tertiary institutions, the governor show say e mean business. But as dem always talk, the proof of pudding na for eating. Time go tell how these investments go translate to tangible results for students and staff wey dey ground.
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