Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday inaugurated the renovated Oredo Girls Secondary School in Benin City, bringing to an end years of neglect and abandonment.

At the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo highlighted improvements in staffing and infrastructure as evidence that his administration’s interventions in education are yielding results. “One thing that gives me joy today is the number of teachers I am seeing in this school,” he said. “Previously, I saw just two or three teachers here, but today I am seeing over 20, showing we are on the right path.”

The governor also pledged to address outstanding challenges, particularly electricity supply. “We will fix the electricity challenge here and do our best to improve this school for our children,” he added.

Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, described the project as a clear example of “practical governance,” recalling that the school had previously become an eyesore and a hotspot for undesirable activities. “The governor declared a state of emergency in schools to ensure every child learns in a safe, conducive environment,” he said.

Students and staff welcomed the governor, expressing gratitude for the revival of the long-abandoned school and the restoration of hope to the learning environment. A student, Osarun Wense, said the formerly dilapidated structure had been transformed, significantly improving both the school’s appearance and learning conditions.