Nigerian Army's Edo School Remodel Gets Governor Okpebholo's Praise

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its significant contribution to the education sector, specifically highlighting the renovation of Ezomo Primary and Secondary Schools as a major enhancement for learning across the state. The governor conveyed this commendation on Friday, via his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, during the official commissioning and handover ceremony of the revamped educational facilities located in Uzebu and Oliha quarters, Benin City.

A statement released by Friday Aghedo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, officially inaugurated the project. This intervention falls under the Nigerian Army’s Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative.

In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo described the Nigerian Army as “a worthy development partner and an institution whose commitment to community development deserved emulation.” He further added that “the state government appreciates the Army for selecting the schools and communities for the intervention as the project would provide a more conducive learning environment and contribute to educational development.”

Governor Okpebholo subsequently appealed to well-meaning individuals, corporate entities, and wealthy indigenes of the state to supplement governmental efforts by investing in community development projects. He emphasized that the creation of a prosperous Edo State demands collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders to back his administration’s SHINE Agenda.

Earlier in the ceremony, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu explained that the intervention was designed to enhance educational infrastructure while simultaneously fostering stronger ties between military personnel and civilian populations. He implored the Edo State Government, the host communities, and the school authorities to assume ownership of the newly renovated facilities and ensure their diligent maintenance for the long-term benefit of the students and pupils.

Mr. Washington Osifo, the Commissioner for Education, also expressed his gratitude to the Army, hailing their intervention as “a significant contribution to the state’s educational development.” Commissioner Osifo highlighted that since the Okpebholo administration took office, it has overseen the construction and renovation of over 100 schools. He further stated that the government has supplied thousands of classrooms, acquired more than 5,000 student chairs, and employed over 5,000 teachers.

The commissioner additionally revealed that the state plans to initiate the recruitment of an extra 3,000 teachers in the coming weeks to bolster the workforce in public schools. According to Osifo, the government has also procured and distributed more than 100 mobile science laboratories, each equipped with a minimum of 200 scientific apparatus, specifically to encourage practical science education. He concluded by mentioning ongoing plans to acquire two more batches, each containing 100 laboratories, to broaden access to hands-on science learning across all public schools.

The entire project was made possible through the efforts of Maj. Gen. Thompson Ugiagbe, operating under the Army’s CIMIC initiative. This initiative is designed to foster community development through rapid-impact interventions, simultaneously aiming to enhance public trust, encourage institutional collaborations, and solidify relationships between military personnel and civilian populations. The successful inauguration and handover of these schools serve as a clear demonstration of how strategic partnerships can effectively improve educational infrastructure and drive grassroots development.