The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education in the state and urged all stakeholders to support the teachers and encourage students to create the environment for the sector to thrive.
The state government made the appeal over the weekend at the 7th edition of the of the Edo State Teacher’s Awards Gala organised by the Okonofua Foundation in Benin City, where it called on all stakeholders to make the goal a reality for every child in the state.
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Osa Oviawe, who was represented at the occasion by Mrs. Ero Ugiagbe, former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, stressed that education remained the bedrock of any society and that in Edo State, the government had made it its mission to build a robust educational system that equips students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The commissioner noted that the mission could not be achieved without the commitment, passion and professionalism of the teachers
Oviawe added that the journey to educational excellence was a continuous one and urged every teacher in Edo State to keep striving for improvement, just as she counselled that the world was evolving, hence the methods of teaching and preparing the students must also change not just for the challenges of today but for the opportunities of tomorrow
The commissioner then expressed profound gratitude to the Okonofua Foundation for its unwavering commitment to education in Edo State, and the efforts it put in organising the events.
The Okonfua Foundation, Oviawe commended, had supported teachers in the state in more commendable ways which reflected the Foundation’s deep understanding of the crucial role education played in societal development.
Welcoming the awardees and other dignitaries to the occasion, the Executive Director of the Okonofua Foundation, Dr Benjamin Okonofua noted that education had been regarded as the cornerstone of societal progress, a belief which he said was held dearly by the late High Chief Salu Oniha Okonofua JP.
Benjamin Okonfua, who was represented by Mrs Tega Ogbewe, said that the life of the late Chief Salu Okonfua revolved around the conviction that education “is more than just a fundamental right, it is a transformative tool that can uplift individuals and communities.”
He noted also that the late Salu Oniha Okonofua envisioned a world where illiteracy would be eradicated and where every child and adult could confidently read and write
He further disclosed that the Salu Oniha Okonofua Foundation in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Education, embarked on a mission in 2018 to celebrate excellence within the teaching profession thereby bringing Chief Okonofua ‘s dream closer to reality.
He added that what started modestly with four categories designed to recognise outstanding educators had evolved, over the years, “into a robust platform that honours the unsung heroes of our education system”
The Junior Okonfua reiterated that the award which began with four categories had now been expanded to recognise excellence in 21 distinct areas within the education sector and with each category winner receiving N200,000, a testament to their commitment to valuing and elevating educators vital in the society.
“The most distinguished of these educators will be honoured with the title of of Best Teacher with cash award of N2 million in recognition of their exceptional dedication,talent and impact”, he announced.
Okonofua added that in addition to celebrating educators in 2024, the award was also extended “to those who have supported education from outside the classroom.”
“These community leaders and advocates have been instrumental in promoting and supporting education, helping to keep Chief Okonofua’s vision alive and also a way of inspiring more people to become active supporters of education and contributing to the betterment of the society,” he said.
The highpoint of the event was the awards to the teachers across Edo State in their various areas of teaching profession.
CAPTION
Mr. Asunogie Nurudeen Danesi receiving an award of excellence for his dedication to the success of Okonofua Foundation from Executive Director, Okonofua Foundation,Dr Benjamin Okonofua
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