Edo Seek Pact With Canadian On Development

Edo State government has solicited the cooperation of the Canadian Government in the development of infrastructure, especially in vocational education in the state.

The appeal was made in Benin City by the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole when the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Chris Cooter paid a courtesy visit to the Government House.

He said the state government has made some progress in the development of infrastructure, in the areas of education, health care delivery and road construction and rehabilitation but noted that there are still challenges.

According to him, even though the government has established a uniform standard in the construction of schools, there are still some schools yet to be renovated in the rural communities.

“We also have few challenges in the provision of potable water to communities, erosion control and even security despite the fact that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government. But we have been able to make some progress in these areas,” he added.

The governor informed the Canadian High Commissioner about the collaboration existing between the Canadian government and Edo state with the running of Benin Technical School in the state and he solicited the support of the Canadian government to re-equip the institution.

Comrade Oshiomhole expressed regret that one of the challenges of the Nigerian educational system is the lack of skill acquisition, noting that the revamping of the technical college will help provide training for middle level manpower and to make the youths self employed.

Earlier, the Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Chris Cooter commended the Edo State governor, for the construction work going on in the state.

While assuring of Canada’s support in developing the relationship with the state, Chris Cooter said he is looking forward to the beginning of an important relationship with the state.

By Yomi Obaditan/Benin