BENIN CITY – As the commissioning of projects executed by Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the state continued, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also on Tuesday commissioned the re-modeled Itohan Girls Grammar School, Benin City equipped with modern facilities including furniture.
Governor Ambode, who was earlier with President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor-Elect, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and Deputy-Elect, Hon. Philip Shaibu at the inauguration the Edo University, Iyahmo said, “I am here to celebrate with our Comrade Governor and the good people of Edo State for the commissioning of capital projects as our amiable governor winds up as governor of Edo State. At a time when our nation is facing economic challenges, these projects are a display of astute, prudent and visionary leadership by our Comrade Governor. Governor Adams Oshiomhole understands leadership and the need of his people. He understands the concept of inclusive governance and making sure nobody is left behind.
On the projects, Governor Ambode explained, “The projects commissioned today have demonstrated a government of inclusion. We have commissioned projects in the three senatorial zones of Edo State. This is very remarkable and is very significant because this is one government that had actually started well and is ending very strong. Roads have been commissioned in areas where government presence and attention are required. We are very sure those roads will open up communities and joining three local governments together, would accelerate growth and development. We were also at Edo University, a model University that was commissioned by Mr. President this afternoon at a time when we are in dire need of tertiary institutions. So, I want to congratulate my brother for actually making that dream possible for us to be able to have a state university that is upward in moving state partnership with the private sector and setting up that University in a model that has not been seen before in Nigeria.
He continued, ” I salute your vision. I salute your leadership. You have set a high standard in Edo State and visibly turn around the fortunes of the state. Posterity and all Nigerians will remember Comrade Oshiomhole very favorably for his wonderful works and for everything he has done for Edo State with little resources made available to him. The truth is this, our country needs people like you especially at this critical time in our history. I’m also very glad that I came here last time, as chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Governor-Elect and I am excited there is continuity in Edo State as we move from one APC government to another. We want to thank the people of Edo State for voting for APC and for making sure that Edo State remain on the part of the progressives. Today as you have humbly honored me with the invitation to come and commission this grammar school, I need to pay something back to this school. Because I have also visited the Edo University, I want to declare openly that I will adopt two students from here who will be given full scholarship in Edo University based on merit. I will personally find a way to pay from year one to the end of their university education. So, I will always remember this school for that same purpose because of what you have done today. I will like to create a linkage between primary, secondary education and the tertiary education. That is very significant because education is the bedrock of the society and it is the only way we can give great people and leaders opportunity to move on in developing Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the host and Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said, “Let me thank you and welcome you very warmly this afternoon for coming at a very short notice. We have a standard relationship with Lagos, even at traditional level. I remember the words of the Oba of Lagos, Kabiyesi Akiola, so we have old ties. Politically, our party started in Lagos and Edo became the second AC state and because Lagos is working, we had no problem coping what works and we copied Lagos and the more we copied the better for us and we thought therefore, that we need the current governor of Lagos to come help us commission this very beautiful, completely re-built Itohan Grammar School.
Speaking further, he said, “To our children, I am happy that we are able to rebuild this school. As I have always said my own personal passion for sound basic education flows from my own life experience. The only thing that I was able to readily acquire in spite of the economic circumstances of my parents was a quality basic primary school because we were then under western region and we enjoyed Awolowo’s free education and it is that foundation that I have had to build on over the years without which I wouldn’t be here. I believe it is right to focus on University. For primary, secondary school, this is the basis foundation. Once you have it, any other thing can be added and I am also happy to Dr how much have changed in our school system, not only in terms of the physical infrastructure but in terms of the result of WAEC and NECO. We can see Edo taking second position out of the 36 states of the federation and I know that under Godwin, Edo will take first.”
“For our children, I trust you will appreciate this new school and for the teachers, I believe that the basics of your joy is not just the part of your salary been paid as at when due, the classroom has to be clean for you to have that sense of pride for you to come and teach. I think your task now is to ensure this facilities are maintained. To keep them clean and I also want to appeal to the communities to treat them as your own. Guide it, protect it the way you will protect your own private property,” Governor Oshiomhole concluded
