Umahi, Okorocha, Okowa extol teachers’ virtues

Governor David Umahi of Ebionyi State has explained that teachers are catalysts in nation building and social engineering. Umahi gave the commendation through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, while marking the day in the state.

According to him, the resilient spirit of teachers should be commended, adding that they have remained patriotic to their calling despite the various challenges they face on their job.

He explained that teachers all over the world have shown commitment to their calling and have made sacrifices that defined their undying spirits in building good character for the society.

Umahi reminded teachers of the danger ahead, if workers continue to depend on their meager salaries, which he said were inadequate to carry their financial obligations.

He said his administration, despite promptly paying workers and teachers’ salaries on the 15th of every month, has also initiated various empowerment programmes to engage them in other meaningful economic ventures.

In Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha has urged teachers to be committed to their professional vow and selflessness.Okorocha, who made the appeal yesterday, cautioned them against abandoning their primary duties of bringing up students and pupils.He said he would continue to remember the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and other professionals even when he would have been out of office after May 29, 2019.

According to him, the good work of teachers could only be reflected by the outcome of the performances of the students through public examinations.Also, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has identified, poverty and the media as the new challenges facing today’s teachers.

The governor, who spoke to members of the NUT in Asaba said: “Sometimes, the importance of inculcating good values in our students, is daily undermined and challenged by the realities outside the classrooms, which are poverty and the media, especially the internet and another harsh reality, the economy.”

He solicited empowerment for teachers, adding that in his days, he was not only taught well, but the right values were inculcated in him.Okowa added that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers” was apt, because it would help in meeting the challenges in the sector.

Umahi lamented that despite the dwindling allocation from the federation account caused by the decline in oil, teachers have not realised the need to go into agriculture as an alternative to the economy.