The Boy’s Brigade of Nigeria, Edo Council, on Friday conferred its highest state honour on Gov. Monday Okpebholo, naming him Grand Patron while seeking government support for youth development programmes.
The investiture ceremony, held at the Government House in Benin, was led by the State President of the organisation, Dr Bibowe Braie, who praised the governor’s leadership and described his administration as people-oriented.
Braie said the organisation recognised the positive steps taken by the administration, particularly the enactment of anti-cultism and anti-kidnapping laws aimed at improving security and protecting lives across Edo.
He also commended the governor for restoring salary payments to workers of the state’s College of Education, which had been suspended by the previous administration, describing the action as a boost to staff welfare.
According to him, the measures had contributed to improved public safety and enhanced the wellbeing of residents.
“You have saved many lives through these actions, and they deserve commendation,” Braie said.
The Boy’s Brigade president appealed for government support through the allocation of land for the organisation’s programmes, provision of monthly subvention and donation of a 32-seater bus to strengthen its activities.
He also praised ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, especially the Ramat Park flyover and Sapele Road project, describing them as visible evidence of development under the present administration.
Responding, Okpebholo expressed appreciation for the honour, saying he was delighted to be associated with an organisation committed to discipline, character development and moral values among young people.
The governor said he was inspired by the history of the Boy’s Brigade, noting that its establishment by a schoolteacher demonstrated the important role educators played in shaping society.
“I am honoured by this recognition and impressed by the calibre of people gathered here today,” Okpebholo said.
He praised teachers, particularly Sunday school teachers, for serving as grassroots mentors, who help mould the character and values of young people.
Okpebholo directed the organisation to formally submit its requests to the government for consideration, assuring members that necessary steps would be taken to address their demands.
“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.
