On September 18, 2026, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, spokesperson for the Benin government, visited Kétou to explain the government's social measures to the local population. The event took place at the Université nationale d'agriculture (UNA) and was attended by students, economic operators, and dignitaries. Houngbédji discussed the government's actions in the sectors of education, health, and agricultural sovereignty.
In the education sector, Houngbédji highlighted the introduction of university scholarships that can reach up to 48.6% for priority fields. He also announced the provision of new buses for transportation and the abolition of tuition fees for people with disabilities and young girls from primary to high school. These measures aim to improve access to education and reduce financial burdens on students and their families.
The spokesperson also addressed the health sector, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing immediate and unconditional care for vital emergencies in public hospitals. This move is expected to alleviate the financial strain on patients and ensure timely medical attention. Houngbédji's presentation demonstrated the government's focus on enhancing the overall well-being of its citizens.
Agriculture was another key area of discussion, with Houngbédji elaborating on the pilot maize project under the Agricultural Productivity Program. The project aims to increase maize yields from 1.5 to nearly 8 tons per hectare. The government plans to use the surplus production to finance health insurance and retirement for farmers, as well as boost their purchasing power.
During the interactive session, students and economic operators raised concerns specific to the UNA, including the status of teacher training programs and connectivity issues on campus. Houngbédji addressed these concerns, providing reassurance and emphasizing the government's commitment to honoring its obligations to various socio-professional groups.
The spokesperson also engaged with local traders, who expressed grievances regarding the confiscation of their agricultural products, such as soybeans and cashews. Houngbédji defended the government's strategy of prohibiting raw exports, arguing that local processing is essential for creating added value and ensuring sustainable employment for Benin's youth.
In conclusion, Houngbédji's visit to Kétou provided a platform for the government to communicate its social measures and engage with local stakeholders. The event demonstrated the government's efforts to promote education, health, and agricultural development, ultimately improving the lives of Benin's citizens. The government's initiatives aim to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance the overall quality of life.
Key points
- The Benin government has introduced measures to improve education, including university scholarships and abolition of tuition fees for people with disabilities and young girls.
- The government aims to increase agricultural productivity through the pilot maize project under the Agricultural Productivity Program.
- The government's strategy of prohibiting raw exports seeks to promote local processing and create added value.
