By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
The Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University(COOU), Igbariam, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, has called on teachers to see their profession as a divine call to serve God and humanity rather than seeing it as a mere occupation to making ends meet.
He said this while delivering keynote address, at Aguata Best Teachers, Pupils cum Students celebration, at the Council Field, on July 25.
The erudite scholar said, “The popular assertion that says teachers reward is in heaven does not suggest that teachers should remain hungry until they get to heaven.
“It rather establishes that teachers responsibility of capacity building, character shaping and reshaping are unquantifiable as such priceless.
“No amount of money or material benefits could make enough pay for teaching job. It is only heaven that can pay teachers enough. So, keep on the noble work you do.
“We are grateful to God given Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who has stepped up teachers take home.
“We understand that it is not enough considering economic reality of our dear country, yet the man that killed chicken has made it clear that if he comes across goat he will also kill (Onye gburu okuko hu ewu o ga egbukwazi).”
Prof. Omenugha told teachers to take education above multiplication, addition, subtraction and division.
“If you wish to impact positively, then your actions must be positive. You cannot tell a child to tidy up his or her environs, yet drop banana or orange peels after eating, carelessly.
“You cannot drop satchet water waste expecting your pupils or students to take theirs to waste bin. Teachers ought to live exemplarily in order not to lose respect.
“Teacher’s dressing stands out at all times and should be maintained hence action speaks louder than voice. So, dress always to be addressed accordingly.”
She extolled the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike for prioritizing education, describing his action as requisite to building formidable Aguata.
Earlier in a welcome address, Mayor Aguata LGA, Dr Ofobuike enumerated his education intervention which has contributed immensely to the development of education in the area.
The occasion featured award presentation from local government to best teachers, students and pupils from schools across 14 communities of Aguata LGA.
The overall champions in every category were also recognized and awarded.
It also featured lucky dip that gave teachers electric pressing irons, fans, gas cookers. refrigerators and even Daylong Ladies Motorcycle.
Beneficiaries were very happy with Mayor Ofobuike, wishing him better political days ahead.
Dignitaries that graced the event include Chairman, Anambra State Basic Education Board(ASUBEB), Dr Justina Anyadiegwu, Member Representing Aguata 1 Constituency, Mr Anayo Okpaleke, Ndi Igwe led by Igwe Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu, about 100 years of age, and All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) Chieftains in Aguata led by their Chairman, Mr Vitalis Okoroako.
David Okpala and Stella Okpala are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
