Benin City, May 27, 2025 — As part of activities marking the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, the Office of the Edo State First Lady has hosted a special stakeholders’ engagement with pupils from selected public schools to chart a path toward improved educational outcomes across the state.
The event, held at the Government House in Benin City, was convened by the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, and featured interactive sessions with students and key government officials. Mrs. Anani was represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor.
In her address, Mrs. Anani encouraged the pupils to embrace a culture of learning, stressing the vital role of education in building a prosperous society. She urged the students to shun dishonest lifestyles and avoid the temptation of illicit wealth, especially through cultism or internet fraud.
“Money can never surpass education,” she said. “The erosion of values in our society is worrying. Education builds character, reputation, and legacies—things money cannot buy. Choose the path of honour and excellence.”
She further advised the students to be role models among their peers and remain focused on their studies, emphasizing that success comes through hard work, discipline, and integrity.
Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, warned against the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, and exposure to harmful content such as pornography. He shared real-life examples of professionals whose lives were derailed by such vices.
“Cultism is a major issue in Nigeria,” Dr. Oshiomole said. “Drugs are destroying the future of many youths. Education is your gateway to opportunity. With it, you don’t need to cross oceans illegally or join cults to ‘belong.’ If you are smart, scholarships and success will come to you.”
The forum also featured a lecture by Dr. Amen Ogbemudia of the University of Benin, titled “The Importance of Education in Shaping a Brighter Future.” She highlighted education as a lifelong journey, essential for character development and future success.
“Education is about knowledge and values,” she said. “Your future depends on the decisions you make today. School is not a scam—education is the foundation of true success.”
During the interactive session, students from schools including Imaguero College, Western Boys High School, St. Maria Goretti, and Ihogbe College, voiced concerns over various challenges affecting their education. These include poor laboratory facilities, lack of perimeter fencing, inadequate water supply, teacher shortages, limited vocational training, and insufficient computer and recreational equipment.
In a symbolic gesture to promote positive values, Dr. Oshiomole administered an Oath of Non-membership of Cultism to pupils’ representatives, who pledged to abstain from cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening the educational system and instilling moral values in the next generation.
