By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo state deputy governor, Engr Marvelous omobayo has lauded the decision of Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki to have the school mining and management in Igarra, Akoko Edo local government.
Engr omobayo who holds the record of being the first Akoko Edo person to be a deputy governor credited Governor Obaseki for taking the step to alter the narrative of marginalization and neglect experienced by Akoko Edo.
The deputy governor made the statement in igarra while giving a vote of thanks at the sod-turning ceremony for the establishment of satellite campus of the School of Mining and Management in Igarra, Akoko Edo,
The momentous event brought joy to Akoko Edo leaders,
He was immensely delighted that such an epochal event that would change the Akoko Edo narrative was taking place in his lifetime
Alongside other esteemed Akoko Edo dignitaries, they discussed loudly how Gov Obaseki’s vision for the state was unfolding and taking shape.
In particular, Hon. Omobayo expressed great enthusiasm about the event, recognizing its potential to significantly empower the youths of Akoko by equipping them with valuable skills.
Additionally, he encouraged the Akoko youths to embrace the opportunity presented by the school and to view it as a platform for enhancing their technical and vocational skills in mineral processing and related fields.
Emphasizing that the sod-turning ceremony signifies a new beginning, he urged the youths to seize the opportunity to improve their lives.
Similarly, he expressed gratitude for the governor’s attention to the needs of the Akoko Edo community, pledging support for the governor’s initiatives while expressing confidence that the community would reciprocate by endorsing the governor’s plans for continuity and progress.
Governor Obaseki had told the top Akoko Edo dignitaries present at the event that his administration places a lot of premium on youth skill empowerment
He further added that by the time the School comes fully on stream it would be one of the best in the country and the West African sub-region in its area of specialisation.
He emphasized that the state government has finalized partnerships with two Chinese Polytechnics to provide advanced technical support and expertise for students specializing in mining and related fields.
Gov Obaseki also revealed that once the school is operational, it will offer OND courses in Minerals and Petroleum, along with Certificate courses in health, safety and the environment (HSE), drilling, blasting, mining, processing, and exploration.
Chief Folorunsho Dania, the Otaru of Igarra, expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki for choosing to locate the school in the community, acknowledging the area’s abundant mineral resources as a cornerstone for this initiative.
