Governor Okpebholo Approves Compulsory Teaching of Edo Indigenous Languages in Schools

Benin City, Nigeria – October 16, 2025

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the compulsory teaching of Edo indigenous languages across schools in the state. The decision marks a bold step toward preserving Edo’s rich cultural heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge among younger generations.

Governor Okpebholo made the announcement during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative to Government House, Benin City.

Led by its President, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon, the delegation—comprising technocrats, business leaders, and community stakeholders—commended the Governor for the remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than one year of his administration.

Preserving Culture Through Education

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, cultural revival, and infrastructure renewal.

“On language, we must start from home because charity begins at home,” the Governor said. “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.”

He directed the Ministry of Education to ensure the immediate inclusion of Edo languages—such as Bini, Esan, Etsako, and others—into the school curriculum.

In addition, he disclosed ongoing efforts to improve school infrastructure, including the provision of desks and seats, massive renovation and fencing of school buildings, installation of boreholes, toilets, and solar-powered lights, and the launch of a school access programme that provides hands-on experience in computer studies.

Developmental Strides Across Sectors

Governor Okpebholo highlighted key achievements of his administration across several sectors:

• Education: Continued rehabilitation of schools and revival of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), which he described as “a victory for the people.”

• Infrastructure: Ongoing road projects across the state, including the Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road, where compensation has already been paid to affected property owners.

• Transportation: Procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve public transport across the three senatorial districts.

• Healthcare: Completion or rehabilitation of 65 primary healthcare centres, ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all communities.

• Security: Establishment of a new mobile police barracks, decentralisation of security operations, and training of over 2,000 personnel now on government payroll. The Governor also revealed plans to engage local hunters to strengthen community-based security.

“We are working seriously on security,” Okpebholo said. “Very soon, you will not hear of these incidents again. My concern is legacy—what we will leave behind for our people. That is the true essence of leadership.”

Esan Okpa Initiative Commends the Governor

Earlier, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon, President of the Esan Okpa Initiative, commended the Governor’s achievements and urged him to prioritise the reintroduction of the Esan language in schools in line with the 2022 National Language Policy of the Federal Government, which mandates the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction in the first six years of basic education.

“Esan language is fast disappearing because many people of Esan extraction are not speaking it, and it is no longer taught in schools,” Egbadon said. “Reintroducing it will help preserve our identity and culture.”

He also lauded the Governor’s investments in education, infrastructure, and employment generation, noting Edo’s inclusion in the ₦142 billion Federal Government modern bus terminal project—the only state in the South-South region to benefit—as proof of visionary leadership.

Egbadon further called for support for independent power generation in Esanland, agro-industrial investment, and enhanced security partnerships to drive rural development.

Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the group’s support, describing the Esan people as “a critical pillar” of his administration’s success.

“When you see your people behind you, there is nothing to fear,” he said. “The strength of a man lies in the backing of his people. With your continued support, I will succeed, by the grace of God.”

A Vision Rooted in Legacy

Governor Okpebholo reiterated his vision for Edo State as one anchored on legacy projects, human capital development, and cultural preservation.

“Our goal is to build an Edo State where development is inclusive, culture is celebrated, and every citizen has access to quality education and opportunity,” he concluded.