Obaseki, Oba of Benin to unveil N500m education, security fund

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ObaN’Edo Oku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, are billed to lead the launch of N500 million education and security trust fund for Uneme communities in the northern part of the state, organisers have disclosed.

The event, which will be held on September 14, 2024, at the La VOD Hotel in Benin, is aimed at addressing the deteriorating situation in the areas of education and security in nine Uneme communities, as well as honour illustrious sons and daughters who have contributed to the development of their communities.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the President of the Uneme National Development Association (UNDA), Prince Babatunde Obabori, said that the education and security situations in Uneme-speaking communities have become worrisome to sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora; hence, the need for quick intervention by the national body.

He said that Obaseki will be the Chief Guest of Honour, while the Oba of Benin is the grand royal father of the occasion, as he hosts the traditional rulers of Uneme communities, including the Chairman of Uneme Traditional Rulers Council, the Oliola of Anegbette and Clan Head of South Uneme, Alhaji Yakubu Momodu Ugbodaga, as well as the Ogienoruele of Erhurun and Clan Head of Central Uneme, Oba Moses OmoarelogieBraimoh.

According to him, the N500 million funds will, among other things, be channelled into the renovation and furnishing of classrooms and residential accommodations for teachers, provision of classroom furniture, building of libraries, purchase of library materials and encourage the recruitment and sponsorship of community teachers for schools in the communities.

The funds would also be for the provision of scholarships, grants and bursaries to students in tertiary institutions, the establishment of a pan Uneme security architecture, and the provision of vehicles and motorcycles for vigilante groups in the communities.