Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, are set to lead the launch of a N500 million education and security trust fund aimed at improving the welfare of Uneme communities in northern Edo State. The event, scheduled for September 14, 2024, at the La VOD Hotel in Benin City, seeks to address the pressing educational and security challenges facing nine Uneme communities and to honor notable individuals who have contributed to the development of their localities.
Babatunde Obabori, President of the Uneme National Development Association (UNDA), highlighted the growing concern among Uneme indigenes, both at home and abroad, regarding the deteriorating state of education and security in their communities. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for swift intervention by the national body.
Governor Obaseki will serve as the Chief Guest of Honour, with the Oba of Benin as the Grand Royal Father of the occasion. The event will also be attended by traditional rulers from Uneme communities, including the Chairman of the Uneme Traditional Rulers Council, the Oliola of Anegbette, and the Clan Head of South Uneme, Alhaji Yakubu Ugbodaga, along with the Ogienoruele of Erhurun and Clan Head of Central Uneme, Oba Moses Braimoh.
The N500 million fund will be directed toward several key initiatives, including the renovation and furnishing of classrooms and teachers’ residences, the provision of classroom furniture, the construction of libraries, and the procurement of library materials. Additionally, the fund will support the recruitment and sponsorship of community teachers, as well as the provision of scholarships, grants, and bursaries for students in tertiary institutions.
In response to ongoing security concerns, the trust fund will also finance the establishment of a comprehensive security architecture across the Uneme communities, including the provision of vehicles and motorcycles for local vigilante groups.
Obabori called on Uneme indigenes worldwide to contribute to the fund, stressing the importance of community involvement in addressing critical issues that may not receive immediate government attention. He noted that while the government has a significant role in providing basic amenities, communities must also take initiative to ensure the well-being and development of their people and the future of their youth.
The benefiting communities include Uneme-Anegbette, Uneme-Akiosu, Uneme-Apama, Uneme-Ekpedo, Uneme-Enekhua, Uneme-Erhurun, Imiava-Oghomeze, Uneme-Udochi, and Uneme-Uzanu.
