The Edo Government on Thursday disclosed that Education, Agriculture Health, and Infrastructure was top of its development agenda for the state.
By Nefishetu Yakubu
The Edo Government on Thursday disclosed that Education, Agriculture Health, and Infrastructure was top of its development agenda for the state.
Mr Bugie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser to Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Media, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Benin on the scorecard of the governor.
Okhuemoi said that the Okpebholo led administration was focused on practical initiatives and development agenda that would deliver progress and improve the quality of life for Edo residents.
He explained that in a bid to revive the education sector, the governor declared a state of emergency on the sector in the state.
He said that the governor had since commenced the rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools in the state, adding that some of the schools include Evbareke Secondary School, Egor, and Army Day Secondary School, Ikpoba-Okha.
“In the agricultural sector, the government acquired several hectares of arable land aimed at boosting local food production and security.
”He also commenced the ‘Back to Farm’ initiative designed to stimulate agriculture across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“This initiative targets the development of large-scale farms and provides access to critical farming inputs like fertilisers and equipment.
“Farmers will also benefit from loan schemes and incentives, thereby encouraging mechanised farming and increasing overall agricultural productivity.
“This administration hopes to position Edo as a major agricultural hub in Nigeria through this focused intervention programmes,” he said.
On infrastructure, Okhuemoi disclosed that the governor had begun the construction of a 480-meter flyover at Ramat Park, describing the project as an unprecedented one in the history of the state.
He also disclosed that there were several ongoing road rehabilitations across the state, including the major asphalting of the Ekpoma–Benin highway.
“This administration is not only developing roads but also strengthening other sectors like employment and human capital development.
“More than 2,000 residents have recently been employed into civil service, improving government capacity and reducing unemployment.
“Recruited workers include teachers, nurses, engineers, and doctors to support key sectors like education and healthcare delivery.
“To support workers’ welfare, the governor raised the state’s minimum wage to N75, 000, one of the highest in Nigeria,” Okhuemoi added.
The special adviser explained that the wage increase demonstrated the governor’s commitment to workers’ rights and overall prosperity of the state.
He further disclosed that in the health sector, the governor had signed a bill establishing the state College of Nursing, Health Sciences, and Technology.
According to him, this institution located in Udomi, Esan Central, aimed to train professionals and improve manpower across the health sector.
”The governor with these bold steps is laying the foundation for sustainable development in Edo.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)