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Nigeria: Education As Democracy Dividend in Edo
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Vanguard (Lagos)
7 May 2008
Posted to the web 7 May 2008
Olubunmi Falaye
Lagos
Education is a vital part of a people's existence. There is very high demand for education in Edo State, hence the huge annual allocation to the sector in the state's budgets. Edo State records one of the highest enrolment figures in Nigeria at both the primary and secondary levels.
Senator (Prof.) Osunbor is of the view that sound primary education followed by a well-focused secondary education is the bedrock of the march towards technological, economic or social development. He strongly believes that the greater burden of education should be borne by the state.
With this belief, the governor has not failed to give attention to the welfare of teachers in the state since he assumed power and the teachers are better off in Edo state today.
Just like the other workers in the state, the teachers have benefitted from the increase in minimum wage of workers from N6,500 to N9,500. One billion Naira guaranteed welfare loan package was put in place for workers in the post primary education board.
Apart from the workers in the educational sector welfare enhancement, Governor Osunbor has spent more than previous administration in the funding of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma as the monthly subvention of the university has been increased from N100million to N140million as well as releasing over N350,000 for the accreditation of courses at the university.
Governor Osunbor also increased the monthly subvention of College of Eductaion, Ekiadolor from N15million to N20million.
With the success he has achieved in the educational sector, I am more thrilled with the improvement in the infrastructure like roads in Benin City and other towns in the state.
Reading one of the daily recently, it was reported that the Ministry of Environment and Transport, last month jump-started the work from three sites. The sites include, the Upper Mission Road, starting from New Benin Market to Ikpoba River. Work has commenced on the site and has progressed to an advance stage.
The second site is Akpakpava Road, starting from First East Circular junction to Ikroba River. Work has also commenced and it is almost at finishing stage. Also, the Ministry is also working in Uselu-Lagos Road to Ugbowo from Five Junction to UBTH and the desilting work has started at Adolor College Road Junction and Five Junction and work is progressing well.
Apart from the above areas of operation, the state governments has also listed out other areas devastated by flood due to blocked drains. According to the Permanent Secretary, in the State Ministry of Environment and Transport, Engr. Ade Edeki "other areas are being targeted and very soon work will commence.
Essentially, the Permanent Secretary explained that presently the Ministry is doing maintenance because it is raining now, which makes it almost impossible to carry out new construction, pointing out that the Ministry is also using this period to do feasibility studies.
He said, "it is now you really know the pattern of flow and enormity and the magnitude of flooding in any area as it is raining.
Residents of the area will remain grateful to the Governor and are optimistic, that the present effort of Governor Osaunbor aimed at de_flooding Benin City will surely bring a lasting solution to the perennial problems of flooding in the city.
Are we saying a governor who has done all this does not deserve to be given a chance?. We Edo people needs a governor like him.
As stated elsewhere, from a deluge of impassable, pot hole and flood-filled roads, blocked drains, menacing erosion, high rate of unemployment, near absence of industries, among others, to the non-challant attitude of government towards the yearnings and aspirations of the people and their welfare, which were the hallmarks of the Igbinedion administration in the state, the people are now looking forward to a better life.
But, the way things are in the state, it seems the gains the state have witnessed in the last one year is about been flushed out and this is where my appeal comes in that we should all rally round the man Osunbor.
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An empirical aggregation of public opinion currently indicates that a great number of people of the state are beginning to develop less interest in who governs them as long as they can get maximum benefits especially as it concerns socio-economic well being.
I think Edo people care about who is their Governor, that is why there was an election. So the real results of the election is the very interest of the people. To be a governor is not to be corrupt , miss use public funds, holding back development and the likes . If Osunbor is using his office well, that is ok and that is what is expected, the money is not his , it is for the state. If he chooses to be corrupt, then he will be accountable. If he has not win the election and the court... [Read Full Text]
Governor Osunbor is doing what he was elected to do, gone are the days, an elected official can divert the money meant for the people to his personal account and his God fathers. If the Governor decides not to do good for the people, thank God for EFCC.
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