FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Government has launched the inaugural Senator Monday Okpebholo Education Talent Hunt Competition. The event, held on Friday, March 6th, 2026, marks the beginning of a nationwide initiative aimed at inspiring students across Edo State to excel academically and develop their potential in various disciplines.
The Initiative was unveiled by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Dr. Rita Otebwele who emphasized that the competition is designed to identify outstanding Students in Science, Social Science, and Arts, with the ultimate goal of rewarding their efforts and encouraging a Culture of Academic Excellence. According to Dr. Rita, the top 54 students from the competition will be awarded fully funded scholarships to prestigious institutions such as Ambrose Alli University, Edo State University in Iyamho, Edo State Polytechnic in Usen, and the Edo State College of Education in Igueben, Afuze, and Abudu.
Representing the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Edith Ebomwonyi, emphasized the importance of nurturing students’ potentials through positive engagement. She noted that such initiatives serve to steer young learners towards Academic success and holistic personal growth, thereby strengthening the educational landscape of Edo State.
Senator Monday Okpebholo, a leading figure in the State’s Educational landscape and the Governor of Edo State, expressed his enthusiasm for the program. He highlighted that the competition aligns with his vision to motivate SS3 students to attain academic heights and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development. The senator’s support underscores the government’s commitment to investing in youth education and development.
The event was graced by several distinguished Officials and Stakeholders in the Education Sector. The Chairman of the Talent Hunt Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Umumetu Momoh, lauded the Governor’s support for Education, describing the initiative as comparable to Federal Educational Schemes that aim to uplift the Youth. She also praised the Governor’s ’s Leadership in fostering educational opportunities for young Edo Citizens.
Key Attendees included Honourable Kassim Afegbua, Commissioner for Media and Communication; Prof. Roland Ituoya Otaru, SAN, PhD, Attorney General of Edo State; Barr. Akhere, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education; and other notable figures such as Barr. Onome Briggs, Chairman of the Board for Technical and Vocational Education; Miss Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Dr. Amen Ogbemudia, Director-General of the Directorate of Education Quality Assurance (DEQA); and Dr. Victor Okojie, Provost of the College of Education, Igueben. Representatives from various Local Government Areas and other Stakeholders also attended, demonstrating broad support for the program.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Alhaji Yusuf Bako, a member of the Edo North Senatorial District Board, who commended the Government’s efforts in fostering educational development.
This landmark competition aims not only to reward academic excellence but also to inspire a new generation of Edo students to aim higher and achieve their full potential. As the State continues to prioritize Education as a pillar of development, initiatives like the Senator Monday Okpebholo Education Talent Hunt are expected to have a lasting impact on the academic and personal growth of Edo’s Youth.
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO, FIC Benin
March 9th, 2026
