The media is awash with all manners of reports concerning a MOU purportedly entered into with Harvard University by the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole during his recent visit to the United States of America. To state the obvious, the Governor of Edo State did not sign any MOU with the Harvard University and has no intention now or in the future to go on training in Harvard or any other institution outside the country.
There is nothing to celebrate about a MOU with the Harvard University. As President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had had opportunity to undergo a six-week senior executive programme at the Harvard University. As an alumnus of the prestigious National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Jos Nigeria, the Governor is well equipped with the nuances of governance and has acquired the necessary experience and capacity to drive governance in Edo State. Aside from collaboration efforts with other countries towards creating wider opportunities for exploiting the investment potentials of Edo State, there is nothing to learn from foreign countries about moving Edo State forward.
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Comrade Adams Oshiomhole disclosed that he had joined three other Governors to attend informal luncheon with a senior member of the Harvard Faculty. There was a general discussion around the need for executive capacity building aimed at improving the delivery of Governors, their Staff and Staff of the Nigeria Governors Forum. However, this was not preceded by any previous consensus reached by the Governors for a training programme at Harvard. The impression that Governors had reached a consensus on training in Harvard is therefore totally false. Equally false is the insinuation that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole signed a MOU following what was purported to be a full bilateral meeting between Governors and the Harvard University.
Even though we are of the opinion that the idea of capacity building and knowledge transfer in the global village should not be slaughtered on the altar of politics and sheer sentiments, knowledge is generally a priceless value.
Signed: PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE EDO STATE GOVERNOR.
MONDAY, 22 JUNE, 2009.
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