PHOTO:
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State (Extreme Right), addressing Oba Ewuare ll, and his chiefs, during an event to introduce the State Executive Council members to his Royal Majesty

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to encourage various communities in his Kingdom, to take charge of schools located in their communities.

The Governor made the call when he led members of his newly formed Executive Council on an introductory visit to the Oba and his chiefs at the Benin palace.

TheNEWS reports that many schools renovated or completely rebuilt by the administration of the immediate past Governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole, have been completely vandalised in communities across the State.

“Schools renovated in the last eight years have been vandalised. Please, Your Majesty, use your good office to reach out to communities and urge them to take ownership of schools in their localities as we will not build schools in any communities until agreements are  reached that such property will be protected,” Obaseki said.

The Governor who sought Monarch’s support in the areas of basic education and protection of the environment, said the reason why Nigeria is challenged as a nation is the failure in the areas of basic education which is the foundation and the future of the nation.

He also decried the enormous cost of tackling erosion which is one of the effects of deforestation and urged the palace to help in preventing further exploitation of the environment particularly heritage sites such as the Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park from encroachment.

“Edo State has less than eight percent of our forest reserve left; the environmental consequences can not be quantified. Two-third of the land belonging to Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park has been encroached on, he said, adding that his administration would continue to work with traditional institutions for the good of the State.

While appreciating Oba Ewuare II for his help in checking illegal activities of Community Development Associations (CDAs), Obaseki proceeded to acquaint the Oba of his administration’s accomplishments in the use of concrete technology for road construction, re-branding of the traffic management agency, agricultural initiatives, job creation and restoration of law and order in the city centre, particularly around the palace.

In his remarks, Oba Ewuare II commended the Governor for his developmental strides in the state within the very short time he assumed leadership, promising to set up a standing committee of top palace chiefs to assist government achieve its objectives, especially on environmental issues.