Uduaghan Bags Thisday Award, Pledges Enhanced Teachers’ Welfare In Delta

Mr. Nduka Obaigbena Publisher, Thisday Newspaper(L),Barr. Chike Ogeah Commissioner for Information, Delta State(2nd L), Bill Clinton, Former President, United State of America (R) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor, Ogun State pose as Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan recieves award of excellence for encouraging Teachers.

Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has bagged the prestigious Thisday Award for his feat in improving school teachers’ welfare and exposing them to professional stardom.

Receiving the award from former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton who was Special Guest at the occasion of the 18th annual Thisday Awards in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Governor Uduaghan expressed gratitude for the award, assuring that his administration would continue motivate teachers.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that teachers are in good state of mind to teach their students while also providing conducive environment for work.

“We will continue to pay our teachers well and provide them standard working environment.”

Meanwhile, a Delta State-born educationist, Chief D.B.E. Ossai also bagged an award at the occasion.

Chief Ossai was among 15 teachers who got cash award of N2 million each for their contributions towards the growth of education. Ossai, a 1968 English graduate from the University of Lagos, has taught English at Essi College, Warri, St. Thomas’ College, Ibusa, and St. George’s Grammar School Obinomba.

He also taught English literature and was the Principal of Ibru College, Ughelli, Delta State and University Secondary School Ekpoma, Delta State. He was nominated for his oratory skills and for being “a teacher par-excellence, charismatic, unforgettable and an accomplished gentleman”.

Barr. Mrs Orezi Esievo, Commissioner (special infrastructure) and Barr. Chike Ogeah, Commissioner for Information, Delta State

Speaking on the development, Delta state Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah stated that more than one Deltan deserved to be honored going by the track records of teachers in the state, emphasizing that, “I am happy that Deltans are being rewarded for their inputs to the nation’s development.”

“These people that are being honored are of different era, we are a very educated people and Chief Ossai belongs to the generations that have produced grand children; and the award for our Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan is well deserved”.

“The Governor is doing a lot to revamp our schools, he is training and retraining teachers to enable them do their job as well as giving out scholarships across the board which is part of the Human Capital Development agenda.”

Prof. Patrick Muoboraghe, Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education, Delta State and Prof. Hope Eghagha, Commissioner, Higher EdUcation, Delta State.

Also, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare stated: “Delta is an education-loving state, so, I am not surprised that a teacher from the state was selected for the award and my Governor, Dr Uduaghan has done a lot for the education sector in the state.”

He emphasized that, “if there is any Governor that should be given award for his passion for the education sector and welfare of teachers, that person is Dr Uduaghan.”

To the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, the award would encourage the Governor to do more, adding that “when you excel and you are recognized, it encourages you to work harder.

“We are also, very proud of Chief Ossai who has been a teacher for many years and has taught in Edo and Delta States, that he was honoured was also, an honour for the state.”

Chief Ossai who attended the event in company of his wife and relatives acknowledged that rewarding teachers would spur them to do more since they mould the lives of future leaders.

He commended Governor Uduaghan for his commitment to the education sector which was one of the reasons he bagged the prestigious Thisday award.

From L-R: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor, Ogun State and His Wife at the 18th annual Thisday awards

Fifteen teachers; Mrs. Victoria Jolayemi, Mrs. Dorothy Ugwu, Mrs. Christie Ade-Ajayi, Rev. Father Angus Fraser, Chief D.B.E. Ossai, Mr. Yakubu S. Dimka, Chief Reuben Majekodunmi, Chief Dotun Oyewole, Mr. John O.B. Adeaga, Bawa Mohammed Faskari, Hadiza Thani Mohammed; Prof. Iya Abubakar, Prof. Frank Ugiomoh, Prof. Michael Obadan, Prof. Eunice Nkiruka Uzodike bagged award, just as Mr Oba Otudeko, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, HRH Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, Chief Eazak Okoya among others bagged ‘Life Achievers Award’.

The occasion which attracted dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria was also attended by former Nigerian President, Chied Olusegun Obasanjo and the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.