Edokpolo advocates mandatory quality education for public officials

Edokpolo advocates mandatory quality education for public officials

Joel Oladele, Abuja 

President of the Benin National Congress Worldwide, Amb. Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo has emphasized the necessity of mandatory quality education for public officials.

In his address on Thursday, at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue 2024, in Benin, the capital city of Edo State, Edokpolo highlighted the indispensable role of education and political will in leadership transformation and peace-building in Nigeria and Africa.

He noted  the critical importance of education for those aspiring to leadership roles. “The idea of obtaining a good education before aspiring to a vital leadership position is extremely simple to grasp,” he said. “Entrusting a nation’s justice system to a poorly educated person can lead to catastrophic consequences.”

Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela, Edokpolo quoted, “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.”

He also stressed the significance of political will in sustaining a transformational education culture. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” he remarked. “No meaningful plan can flourish without the right political will.” He called for the implementation of key reports like the Dr. Steven Oronsaye report on public administration reform and the 2014 National Conference report, both aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

Addressing the current state of Nigeria’s education system, Edokpolo lamented the inadequate government funding and limited private sector involvement. He praised the Edo State Governor for recent investments in education and promised a comprehensive appraisal of these interventions.

He therefore warned about the dangers of leadership disasters, comparing them to natural disasters. He noted that while advanced economies can predict and manage natural disasters, leadership failures inflict lasting damage on the economy and the psyche of younger generations. “Leadership disasters are worse than natural disasters,” he asserted.

Edokpolo  also called for a recommitment to the sustainable development of Nigeria. He urged political leaders to address the issues of insecurity, particularly kidnapping and herdsmen, to improve agricultural productivity and stabilize food prices. “Deploy the political will against kidnappers and herdsmen, and farm produce will flood our markets, leading to a decrease in food prices,” he said.