In a bold statement, Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has emphasized that providing quality education for Nigerian children is a responsibility that belongs to everyone. Omobayo made this assertion while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Lebarty American Leadership Academy in Benin City, the state capital.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by Mrs. Ganiyat Uwaifo, the Senior Administrative Officer in his office, highlighted the Obaseki administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector since 2016. Despite the economic challenges facing the nation, Omobayo expressed his delight at seeing the management of the Academy invest in creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“Like they say, education is everybody’s business,” Omobayo stated. “While quality education, as being offered by your Academy, can only be provided by well-meaning individuals and organizations whose passion is to positively impact society and humanity.”
The Deputy Governor praised the Lebarty American Leadership Academy as a unique institution where children can learn exemplary leadership skills, sound ethical and moral values, as well as fundamental principles of life. He also commended the management and staff of the Academy for their outstanding achievements and for being formidable partners with the government in advancing the frontiers of quality education.
Omobayo highlighted the Edo-Best program, an initiative of the Obaseki administration, which has become a model for other states in Nigeria and has won several international recognitions, including from the World Bank. This program has been instrumental in transforming the education sector and training teaching staff in the state.
In his remarks, the proprietor of the Lebarty American Leadership Academy, Okenfe Aigbe-Lebarty, urged Nigerians to invest in the lives and future of children by providing a quality and functional educational system that caters to their needs. Aigbe-Lebarty, who is based in the United States, emphasized that children from underprivileged backgrounds also deserve quality education.
“I said to myself, I need to give the children in the village a school of American standard,” Aigbe-Lebarty explained. “We all came from the village and must give back to our people. Giving back to my people in the village is a way of supporting children at the grassroots to have a better future.”
The proprietor’s statement underscores the importance of providing equal opportunities for children, regardless of their socio-economic background. By establishing the school in a village setting, Aigbe-Lebarty aims to give children from grassroots communities access to quality education, which is often concentrated in urban areas.
The Deputy Governor’s message and the Lebarty American Leadership Academy’s initiative highlight the need for a collaborative approach to improving the education system in Nigeria. By involving individuals, organizations, and the government in this endeavor, the quality of education can be enhanced, and more children can be given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As the Obaseki administration continues to prioritize education, it is crucial for other states to follow suit and for all stakeholders to contribute their resources and expertise to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to a quality education. This collective responsibility is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary step towards building a more equitable and prosperous society.
