Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
The Honourable Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo has charged teachers in the state to always celebrate themselves because of the good work that they are doing.
She stated that the vision of the Lagos State Government is to be the model of excellence in education in Africa by producing self – reliance students.
Adefisoye spoke at the Banquet/Dinner of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ikorodu Branch, in commemoration of the 2022 World Teachers Day (WTD), held at the HOMAT Event Centre on Friday, September 30, 2022.
At the dinner, the Chairman, Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), was bestowed with the 2022 Teachers’ Pride Award which is the highest award being issued by the NUT ikorodu.
Excellence and Appreciation awards were also presented to Commissioner of Police, Food Click Support, Lylong International and Rotarian Nurudeen Olayiwola Oduntan and Tribune reporter, Comrade Oluwatoyin Malik.
The Commissioner, who was represented by Dr Christianah Adetola, appreciated the teachers in the state, describing their work as indelible while also charging them to continue with their good jobs to their students and state.
“As teachers, we deserve to celebrate ourselves. Why do we celebrate ourselves? It’s because we are role models, builders, mentors and counselors. Our attributes are endless”.
“In the Ministry of Education (in Lagos State), we have the vision of been the model of excellent in the provision of education in African, not only in Nigeria, but throughout Africa and we also have the vision of providing excellent resources for all learners to make them self – reliance and also to bring about economy development.
“Thank you very much Ikorodu, you have really performed”.
The Chairman of the occasion and recipient of the 2022 Teachers’ Pride award, Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, congratulated the teachers on the occasion of the World Teachers Day celebration.
“As NUT Ikorodu celebrates World Teachers Day, I heartily congratulate all teachers, the pillars of society and custodians of growth and development everywhere in the world”, he said.
“On behalf of Alaiyeluwa, Kabiyesi Oba Engr. Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the entire executives of IKODASS, the over 250 member clubs and association that make up IKODASS, I thank all teachers in lkorodu, those physically present here and those unable to attend”.
Mr Erogbogbo also attributed what he is today to the impact of teachers.
“I can address you today because of you. When I say because of you, it is not because you invited me; rather, it is because I am whatever I am today because I was taught by teachers”.
While stating that the WTD is in recognition of the important roles that teachers are playing in the world, Erogbogbo thanked the Lagos State government for providing good working conditions for teachers in the state.
He also charged teachers in Ikorodu Division to continue to strive for greatness.
“We commend Lagos State Government for providing our teachers with good conditions of service that compare to any in Nigeria, if not outrightly better than what is on offer in other states. Beyond the conditions of service, Ikorodu teachers, have continued to make us proud among your peers from other parts of the state and beyond”, he said.
“I insist that you continue to do so because the one million dollars prize money for the Best Teachers in the world must come to one of you here in lkorodu. That is my vision. If Peter Tabichi, a Kenyan can emerge the World’s Best Teacher this year after only teaching for twelve years, why not you?”, Erogbogbo charged.
“As we wine and dine together today, you must look beyond yourself and extend your gaze to see the great possibilities ahead of you”, the IKODASS Chairman added.
Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade, Chairman, NUT Ikorodu, while welcoming all the teachers and dignitaries to the historic dinner, thanked the royal fathers in the division for their support.
The joyous leader of the teachers in Ikorodu, described the dinner as the largest in the history of the NUT in the country.
“I am very happy and overwhelmed with happiness, joy and with everything that can make every human being in the world to be happy”, Fakolade said.
“This is the first of its kind in the annals of history of NUT in Nigeria. I did not say in Lagos, but in Nigeria. The first and the largest convergence of teachers in the whole of the 36 states of the federation. It can only begin with Ikorodu.
This is the night of entertainment and I want you to enjoy yourselves for during this night of peace, dance and interaction. Thank you all and God bless you all”, he said.
Also at the dinner were His Royal Majesties, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo and Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, Sir (OTunba) Ayodele Elesho, Mrs Tosan Erogbogbo, wife of the IKODASS Chairman and Asiwaju Lateef Oduguwa, the immediate past Chairman, NUT Ikorodu among others.
