Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to bring Edo languages back into the school curriculum across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the 16th of October, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor restated his commitment to preserving Edo’s cultural identity and encouraging indigenous learning.
He made the announcement while receiving members of the Esan Okpa Initiative at the Government House in Benin City.
The delegation, led by President Mathew Egbadon, included community leaders, professionals, and business figures who praised the governor for his developmental strides within his first year in office.
Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the Esan people for their unwavering support, describing them as a “critical pillar” for his administration’s success.
He also directed the Ministry of Education to accelerate school renovation projects.
“I have told my Commissioner for Education that we must provide seats and desks for schools. We will continue massive renovation and fencing, provide boreholes and toilets, and start installing solar lights in schools.
“We are already working on a school access programme where our children can have hands-on experience in computer studies, so they can see and touch technology in real time.
“On language, we must start from home because charity begins at home. We will reintroduce the teaching of Edo languages in our school system. Let every tribe begin to learn and speak their language so that no language goes into extinction.”
The governor thanked the Esan Okpa Initiative for its visit, saying, “When you see your people behind you, there is nothing to fear. The strength of a man lies in the backing of his people. With your continued support, I will succeed, by the grace of God.”
Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to restore Ambrose Alli University to its former standard, describing the process as “a victory for the people.”
He listed several ongoing projects, including extensive road rehabilitation, new construction works, and the procurement of 50 Compressed Natural Gas buses to improve transportation across Edo’s three senatorial districts.
In the health sector, he said 65 primary healthcare centres had been completed or renovated to boost access to quality care.
He also spoke about ongoing work on the Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road, noting that compensation was being paid to property owners affected by the project.
He added, “By the dry season, construction will be accelerated. When completed, you will be able to get to Auchi in 35 minutes from there.”
On efforts to enhance security, the governor said: “We are working seriously on security. Very soon, you will not hear these incidents happening again. A few days ago, we purchased new equipment and we are building a new mobile barracks in the central part of the state which will soon be operational.
“We are decentralising security operations. We trained over 2,000 personnel last time and placed them on the government payroll. We are also considering engaging local hunters to strengthen community security.”
Okpebholo said his vision was to focus on projects that would leave a lasting mark on the state.
“My concern is legacy, what we will leave behind for our people. That is the true essence of leadership,” he said.
In his remarks, Egbadon commended the governor’s record and stressed the importance of promoting the Esan language and culture.
He said, “Protecting and advancing Esan language, culture, and values is critical. Your Excellency, you now need to reintroduce the teaching of Esan language in schools. Esan language is disappearing because many people of Esan extraction are not speaking it, and the language is not taught in schools. It should be reintroduced into the school curriculum.
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“This will align with the 2022 National Language Policy of the Federal Government, which mandates the use of indigenous or community languages as the primary medium of instruction in the first six years of primary education. So, it’s a natural policy.”
Egbadon described the Esan Okpa Initiative as a non-partisan socio-cultural group committed to unity and progress among the Esan people.
He also applauded Okpebholo’s work in education, job creation, and infrastructure development, citing Edo’s inclusion in the ₦142 billion Federal Government modern bus terminal project as proof of the governor’s performance.
“Your Excellency, we have seen your work. New roads are being built, schools are being rehabilitated, and over 4,000 teachers have been regularised. You have returned Edo to the national development map,” he said.
He called for support for independent power projects in Esanland through private partnerships, the establishment of agro-based industries, and more backing for security agencies to boost rural growth and safety.
Since assuming office, Okpebholo has upgraded schools, employed 5,000 teachers, rehabilitated federal roads, and begun building the first bridge in Edo at Ramat Park, with another project already awarded.