NB Rewards Nigeria’s Exceptional Teachers amidst Pomp

Uchechukwu Nnaike

The Nigerian Breweries, through the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has again celebrated and rewarded exceptional teachers across the country who through their duties have made positive impact in the lives of the youths.

The initiative- Maltina Teacher of the Year Award, now in its second year, is aimed at restoring the pride and dignity of the teaching profession and recognising the role of teachers in nation building.

This year, a Computer, Basic Sciences and Physical Education teacher at the Special Education Centre for Exceptional Children, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Imoh Essien, was adjudged the overall winner by a panel of judges, headed by the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof, Pat Utomi. He was rewarded with N1 million cash prize in addition to the N500,000 presented to him as the state champion. He is also entitled to N1 million annually for five years, a training programme abroad, which a block of six classrooms will be built at his school.

An English Language teacher from Borno State, Mohammed Binta Lawal, who was the first runner-up last year, repeated the feat this year, while Ogwu Patrick from Government Day Secondary School, Adankolo, Lokoja, Kogi State emerged the second runner-up. Each received N500,000 as state champions and an additional N1 million and N750,000 respectively.

Also, cash awards of N500,000 were presented to each teacher from more than 20 states, who satisfied the jury’s criteria to emerge state champions.

Essien, who could not suppress his emotion, said he got the inspiration to teach from his fun-loving personality through which he is able to help children with special needs. He said a strong emotional and mental stability is necessary to make a positive impact on children with special needs, a job he has been doing for 12 years.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, explained that the company operates with a philosophy of “Winning with Nigeria” and has championed causes that add value to the society since its inception in 1946.

“In 1994, we raised the profile of our support of the education sector when we established the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to enable us contribute to the development of the sector. Everywhere in the world, teachers play a vital role in sustainable national development by training, coaching and modeling which is critical to determining the quality of education.”

He added that the company recently handed over a twin three-bedroom staff residence to the Federal Government Girls College, Onitsha in honour of last year’s winner, Mrs. Roseline Obi.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, who was represented by the Director of Private and Special Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Ajoke Gbeleyi, described teachers as the most critical asset of the nation and thanked the company for the initiative, which she described as a big boost to teachers and the profession.

She reiterated the state government’s commitment to promoting quality education delivery in the state, saying, “our policy direction is focused on ensuring an all-round and holistic education that will enable our children perform better at local, national and international level.”

She urged the awarded to remain dedicated and committed in their quest to offer the best in developing future leaders of the country.