The Edo State Government, in conjunction with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), on Monday, 21st September, 2026, flagged off the First Term Back-to-School Initiative for the 2026/2027 Academic Session in Esan Central Local Government Area, marking yet another milestone in the state's sustained drive to reposition public education across the grassroots.
The event, which held at the Esan Central LGA Council Secretariat, was coordinated by the Acting Education Secretary, Mrs. Aimuamwosa Patience, and brought together an impressive array of political, traditional, and labour stakeholders united in their commitment to the future of the Esan Central child.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Esan Central LGA, Hon. Prince Abdullahi Momodu ("Superlee"), the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Engr. Health Aidenojie Izokpu, delivered remarks on behalf of the Council Boss. He reaffirmed the administration's unwavering resolve to place education at the very heart of governance in Esan Central, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the council's belief that an educated child today is a prosperous nation tomorrow.
In his own remarks, the Esan Central LGA Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Rawlings Ekeoba (aka "Oskede"), commended the flag-off as a shining testament to the sincerity and forward-thinking vision of the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, noting that such gestures continue to restore confidence in the public education system across Edo State.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Esan Central Chapter, Comr. (Mrs.) Egbeyan Augustina, lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for the historic recruitment of 5,000 teachers across the state, describing the feat as bold, timely, and unprecedented.
She, however, appealed to the Governor to sustain and expand this gesture, disclosing that several schools within Esan Central LGA remain grossly understaffed, with some institutions managing with as few as five to six teachers for their entire pupil population. She further called on the government to urgently deploy adequate security across public schools in the local government area, lamenting the rising wave of vandalism currently threatening the sanctity of educational infrastructure.
Responding, the First Lady of Esan Central LGA, Hon. Dr. Harriet Abdullahi Momodu, assured that the concerns raised by the NUT Chairman would be duly conveyed to the Executive Chairman, noting that his administration remains one of swift and decisive action once issues are brought to its attention. She further assured that where a matter falls beyond the council's capacity, it would be escalated to the appropriate higher authority for necessary intervention.
As part of the exercise, pupils were presented with assorted school items, including school bags, writing notebooks, pencils, mathematical sets, and pairs of school sandals, as part of efforts to ease the burden of resumption on parents and encourage full school enrolment across the local government area.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Theophilus Oseigba; the Chairman of CAPSHON, Comr. Eboh Saturday; the APC LGA Leader, Elder Prince Willie Shaka Momodu; and the APC Leader of Ward 7, Hon. Clement Inegbe, all of whom lent their voices in solidarity with the objectives of the Back-to-School Initiative.
The flag-off ceremony stands as a resounding affirmation that no child under the watch of the administration of Hon. Prince Abdullahi Momodu ("Superlee") shall be left behind in the pursuit of quality education, in full alignment with the vision of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for an educationally empowered and future-ready Edo State.
Signed:
Madojemu Ozemebhoya
Special Adviser to the Chairman on Media and Publicity
Office of the Executive Chairman
Esan Central Local Government Area