Governor Okpebholo Invested as Grand Patron of Boy’s Brigade, Pledges Support for Youth Development

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has been invested as the Grand Patron of the Boy’s Brigade of Nigeria, Edo State Council, with a commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at advancing youth development, discipline, and leadership across the state.

The investiture ceremony, held on Friday at the Government House in Benin City, brought together leaders and members of the organisation, who commended the governor’s commitment to security, education, and infrastructure development.

Leading the delegation, the State President of the Boy’s Brigade, Dr. Bibowe Braie, described Governor Okpebholo’s administration as people-centred, noting that the organisation had witnessed remarkable progress under his leadership.

Braie praised the governor for signing the anti-cultism and anti-kidnapping laws, describing the legislation as bold measures that have enhanced public safety and reinforced confidence among residents.

He also commended the governor for restoring salary payments to staff of the Edo State College of Education, whose remuneration had been suspended under the previous administration, saying the intervention had significantly improved the welfare of workers.

According to him, the administration’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Ramat Park Flyover and the reconstruction of Sapele Road, are visible indicators of sustainable development across Edo State.

Braie appealed to the governor to further support the Boy’s Brigade by allocating land for its activities, providing a monthly subvention, and donating a 32-seater bus to strengthen the organisation’s youth-focused programmes.

Responding, Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him, describing the Boy’s Brigade as an organisation with a proud legacy of nurturing discipline, leadership, and sound moral values among young people.

The governor said he was particularly inspired by the organisation’s history, noting that its establishment by a schoolteacher reflects the vital role educators play in shaping responsible citizens and building a better society.

“I am deeply honoured by this recognition and delighted to associate with an organisation that has continued to build future leaders through discipline and service,” the governor said.

He reaffirmed his admiration for teachers, particularly Sunday school teachers, whom he described as grassroots mentors who play a critical role in moulding the character of children and young people.

Governor Okpebholo directed the leadership of the Boy’s Brigade to formally present its requests to the Edo State Government, assuring members that their proposals would receive careful consideration.

“Write to me officially so the government can process your requests. We will begin looking at the issue of land, and I will also support your organisation personally in whatever way I can,” he said.

The Boy’s Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Edo State Government to expand youth development initiatives and contribute to building a safer, more disciplined, and prosperous Edo State.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, on Friday.