Governor Okpebholo Accuses Obaseki’s Administration of Hoarding Presidential Book Donations in Edo State
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of refusing to distribute educational materials donated by President Bola Tinubu to schools in the state.
The governor, who supervised the distribution of the withheld books in Benin City on Monday, expressed shock and disappointment that the materials, meant to aid learning, were hoarded allegedly because they bore the image of the President.
Redistributing Hope
Governor Okpebholo, during the event, launched the state-wide distribution of notebooks, textbooks, and other instructional materials, ensuring they reach students across the 18 local government areas of the state.
“This warehouse is filled with books donated by the President of Nigeria, but the previous administration prevented their distribution to our children. This act is nothing short of wickedness,” he said.
The governor also announced plans to remodel public schools in the state, starting with eight schools selected from the three senatorial districts during the first phase.
Focus on New Era College
While inspecting New Era College, a facility for young athletes built by late Governor Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Okpebholo highlighted the dire condition of the school’s infrastructure. He revealed that students were learning in dilapidated classrooms and even sitting on the floor.
“This school is for Edo children, and we will not accept this level of neglect,” Okpebholo stated. He issued directives to the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to begin immediate reconstruction efforts.
Criticism of the Previous Administration
Governor Okpebholo criticized the former governor’s focus on the EdoBEST initiative, describing it as insufficient. “He claimed to have developed education, but what we see here today shows a complete failure to address critical infrastructure needs,” he added.
Commitment to Education
The SUBEB Chairman, Paddy Iyamu, assured that the governor’s orders for book distribution and school reconstruction would be implemented across all local government areas.
Governor Okpebholo’s actions underline his administration’s commitment to revitalizing education in Edo State, addressing the systemic neglect of the past, and ensuring equitable access to quality learning resources for all students.
