The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idaiye, and the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Education, Hon. Washington Osifo, have pledged to deepen collaboration between the legislature and the ministry to drive development in the state’s education sector.

The duo made the commitment in Benin City when Osifo paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker following his assumption of office as commissioner.

Idaiye urged Osifo to bring his experience and professional pedigree to bear on the task of repositioning education in Edo State, stressing that the sector required concerted efforts from all stakeholders to achieve sustainable progress.

The Speaker assured the Commissioner that the House of Assembly would support initiatives aimed at strengthening the education system and equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to become future leaders.

He said closer cooperation between the Assembly and the Ministry of Education would contribute to the realisation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda, particularly its human capital development objectives.

Idaiye also commended Osifo for the courtesy visit, noting that he was the first public official to pay him a congratulatory visit since his emergence as Speaker of the Assembly.

Earlier, Osifo congratulated Idaiye on his emergence as Speaker, describing him as a leader with the personality and political tact required to steer the affairs of the House.

The Commissioner said meaningful development in Edo could not be achieved without collaboration among critical institutions and stakeholders.

He described the House under Idaiye’s leadership as a strategic partner in advancing the governor’s education agenda, particularly given the Speaker’s interest in the sector.

Osifo assured Idaiye that he would work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in him by the governor and contribute to maintaining Edo’s position as a leading state in education.

“Edo shall always remain ahead in education under our watch,” the commissioner said.