… Receives Edo Music Elders Ahead of August Concert
Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Edo State Chapter, in advancing access to quality and affordable education across the state.
Idahosa gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the newly inaugurated executives of the association at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Governor’s Office in Benin City, on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He commended AFED for its contributions to the education sector, particularly its efforts in providing quality education to children from low- and middle-income families, describing the association’s role as critical to human capital development and the promotion of effective public-private partnerships in education.
The deputy governor congratulated the new leadership of the association and expressed confidence in its ability to advance the objectives of the organisation.
“I want to thank and congratulate the new executives. It is obvious that the association has chosen the right people to lead it,” he said.
He also praised members of the association for their commitment to improving educational standards in the state.
“I appreciate the sacrifices you are making to ensure collaboration between the Edo State Government and your association in providing quality education for our students,” Idahosa said.
He assured the delegation of sustained engagement with the state government to address issues affecting the education sector.
“As a government, I assure you that we will continue to meet from time to time to deliberate on how best we can strengthen this partnership. I will also brief the Governor on the issues raised and the requests presented by your association,” he added.
Earlier, the State Controller of AFED, Mr. Oladele Ogundele, said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the newly constituted leadership of the association and reinforcing its existing partnership with the Edo State Government.
He described AFED as an association of low-cost private schools committed to providing accessible, affordable and quality education to children across Edo State.
According to him, the association looks forward to deeper collaboration with the government in promoting educational development and expanding opportunities for school-age children.
In a related development, Idahosa also received members of the Edo Music Elders Forum, led by veteran musician Prince Roland Igbinigie, popularly known as “Akaba Man.”
The delegation visited the deputy governor to intimate the state government about its maiden musical event scheduled for August 28, 2026, which is being organised to celebrate the lives and contributions of late Edo music icons, heroes and legends.
The forum also extended an invitation to the Edo State Government to participate in the event, which is expected to bring together veteran musicians and stakeholders in the entertainment industry.