By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday inaugurated the distribution of books, textbooks, and other instructional materials previously withheld from Edo children under the previous administration.

Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo condemned the hoarding of the books as “wickedness in the highest places.” The materials, donated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had reportedly been kept in storage due to political reasons.

“These books were provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Edo children, but the former governor, Godwin Obaseki, refused to distribute them simply because the president’s face is on the books. This is unacceptable,” Okpebholo said.

Accompanied by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman Paddy Iyamu, former Oredo Federal Constituency Representative Hon. Omoregie Ogbiede-Ihama, and other government officials, Okpebholo inspected the New Era College in Benin City, a special school for sports-oriented students. The governor promised to rebuild and revive the school, which has suffered neglect over the years.

“This is New Era College at the heart of the city. We just visited a classroom where children are being taught while sitting on the floor. This is the legacy of the EdoBEST programme introduced by the former governor. It is disheartening,” he said.

Okpebholo directed SUBEB to begin immediate preparations for the reconstruction of the school, emphasizing that it is a priority for his administration to provide a conducive learning environment for Edo children.

“I have instructed the SUBEB Chairman to distribute these books across all 18 local government areas and to start the reconstruction of New Era College. These children deserve better,” he added.

In his remarks, SUBEB Chairman Paddy Iyamu assured the public that the governor’s directive to distribute the books would be executed promptly and efficiently.

This initiative marks a renewed focus on education and infrastructure in Edo State under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.