By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, weekend, said his administration is ready to partner professionals, non governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions and entrepreneurs to improve the life chances of children through the application of science, technology and innovation.
He made the assertion on the occasion of NPDC/Seplat Pearls Quiz Competition/Prize Giving Ceremony held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Obaseki said the state is making the right investments in children because it believes that the state has a future only when they (the children) have a future, stressing that, that is why it launched the Edo-BEST initiative.
The governor, represented by the commissioner of Education, Mr. Jimoh Ijegbai, said that the Edo-BEST initiative is yielding results and that the changes are happening within the existing system and are spearheaded by the existing teachers.
He said rather than sacking teachers, the state is ups-skilling them and rather than punishing students, the state is encouraging them to learn adding that the results have been so dramatic.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru, represented by Chima Njoku, General Manager, Western Assets, (Seplat), said NPDC Seplat JV Pearls Quiz is an annual competition open to all secondary schools in Delta and Edo States and the objective is to improve the academic standards in both states which are their hosts.
Avuru said the programme also aims to rekindle the spirit of academic excellency and healthy competition in the youths by motivating, encouraging and rewarding the scholarship spirit in their young minds while also inculcating the benefits of team work in them.
On the part of the General Manager, External Affairs and Communications, Dr. Mrs. Chioma Nwachuku, said a total of 862 schools participated in the exercise (Delta: 523, Edo: 339).
Also, speaking, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by commissioner of Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, said the competition was keenly contested and fairly conducted.
He congratulated the winners and urged them to keep the academic flag flying.
At the end of the competition, Don Bosco Science Academy, Ekpoma, Edo State, came first, Peniel Academy, Agbor, Delta State came second, Deeper Life High School, Opete, Delta State, third while Brano High School, Benin City came fourth.
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