The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sought the collaboration of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, in the areas of basic education and protection of the environment.

The governor sought the support of the royal father when he led members of his Executive Council on an introductory visit to the Oba and his chiefs.

After introducing the members of his cabinet and explaining adjustments in some ministries and agencies, Obaseki proceeded to acquaint the Oba of his administration’s accomplishments in the use of concrete technology for road construction, re-branding of the traffic management agency, agricultural initiatives, job creation and restoration of law and order in the city centre, particularly around the palace.

The governor, while appreciating Oba Ewuare II for his help in checking illegal activities of Community Development Association (CDA), sought his assistance in encouraging various communities to take charge of schools located in their communities.

“Schools renovated in the last eight years have been vandalised. Please, Your Majesty, use your good office to reach out to communities and urge them to take ownership of schools in their localities as we will not build schools in any communities until agreements are reached that such property will be protected.”

He said the reason why Nigeria is challenged as a nation is the failure in the areas of basic education which is the foundation and the future of the nation.

He also decried the enormous cost of tackling erosion which is one of the effects of deforestation and urged the palace to help in preventing further exploitation of the environment particularly heritage sites such as the Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park from encroachment.

“Edo State has less than eight per cent of our forest reserve left; the environmental consequences cannot be quantified. Two-third of the land belonging to Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park has been encroached on.”

Obaseki said his administration would continue to work with traditional institutions for the good of the state

In his remarks, Oba Ewuare II commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state within the very short time he assumed leadership, promising to set up a standing committee of top palace chiefs to assist government achieve its objectives especially on environmental issues.

•Photo shows Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State (Extreme Right), addressing HRM, Omo n’Oba nedo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll, the Oba of Benin and his chiefs, during an event to introduce the State Executive Council members to his Royal Majesty.

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