Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday rewarded two female students with the sum of N10 million for their brilliant performance in the recent national quiz competitions organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Governor Monday Okpebholo rewarded the two female students N5 million each for emerging second place nationally in the NDDC award.
Okpebholo made the donation while speaking at the May 27, 2025 Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
“Let me share something inspiring. Two students from Itohan Girl’s Grammar School represented Edo State at the grand finale of the NDDC Quiz Challenge.
“Edo came first in the South-South region and second nationally. We proudly rewarded them with cash prizes.
“We announced an N5 million award each for two exceptional girls from Edo State who excelled in national competitions, achieving second place nationally in the NDDC award.
“In future competitions, the Edo State government will sponsor the winners abroad because excellence deserves to be celebrated beyond our borders”, he said.
The governor also announced the donation of two Hiace buses to Ogbe Secondary School and Idia College School.
He said the school’s football teams won the male and female categories respectively in the Governor’s Cup organized for secondary schools in the state,
Okpebholo said during the football competitions, Idia College, Benin City, emerged as a winner in the female category, while Ogbe Secondary School, Benin City, emerged as the winner in the male category.
He said Idia College defeated St. Angela Grammar School, Jattu, in Etsako West Local Government Area with a lone goal, and Ogbe Secondary School, Benin City, defeated St. Peter’s Grammar, Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area, to win the coveted trophies.
He added that the donations of the buses underscored his government’s dedication to providing resources and recognizing the hard work of Edo’s brightest young talents which he noted are his support for both academic and extracurricular achievements.
The Governor, however, called on the youths in the state against cultism, urging them to “Say No to Cultism”.
While expressing a zero-tolerance” stance on cultism in schools, he implored students to avoid such harmful activities, emphasizing their immense potential and the importance of nurturing their dreams.
He said as part of efforts to further empower students and create safer learning environments, his administration has employed more teachers and the provision of vital digital skill acquisition opportunities.
Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu highlighted the crucial role of government, schools, parents, and communities in safeguarding children.
Iyamu, who stressed the importance of parental engagement, however, encouraged children to report bullying to foster a supportive environment.
