In line with Governor Peter Mbah’s visionary approach to education and rewards for academic excellence, the Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, has celebrated 28 exemplary teachers, head teachers, and school principals with awards of excellence in recognition of their commitment to education. He assured that the government is committed to prioritizing teachers' welfare to elevate the standard of education in the area.
Hon. Obeagu commended Governor Peter Mbah's Smart Schools initiative, which aims to establish modern educational infrastructures in all 260 electoral wards across Enugu State. He described this initiative as a key strategy for ensuring a prosperous and crime-free future for Isi-Uzo and the wider state.
The awards were presented during the 2024 World Teachers' Day celebration, held at the Isi-Uzo Local Government secretariat in Ikem. Teachers from both primary and secondary schools gathered for the occasion, which coincided with the global event recognized by the United Nations to honor the contributions of educators worldwide.
In his address, delivered by former Secretary of Isi-Uzo LGA, Barr. Azubuike Odo, due to Hon. Obeagu’s attendance at a retreat for council chairmen, the Chairman praised the crucial role teachers play in nation-building and emphasized the need to reward their efforts. He highlighted the nobility of the teaching profession, stating, "It is incumbent on us to celebrate our revered teachers and appreciate them for the remarkable roles they play in our society. The teaching profession is the pivot upon which all other professions revolve."
Hon. Obeagu also took the opportunity to praise Governor Mbah’s focus on education, noting that, despite primary education being a local government responsibility, the governor’s administration is constructing 260 Smart Schools—11 of which are in Isi-Uzo’s wards. These Smart Schools are designed to provide free education and world-class learning environments, curbing the number of out-of-school children and reducing the proliferation of substandard private schools.
Additionally, Obeagu acknowledged the governor’s efforts in improving the welfare of teachers. Since December 2023, Governor Mbah has been paying wage awards to teachers, extended the minimum wage to primary school teachers, and approved N1.9 billion for four years of accumulated leave allowances for teachers.
Hon. Obeagu reiterated his administration’s commitment to teachers' welfare, stating, "Gone are the days when teachers’ rewards are only in heaven. We shall reward you here on earth, and God will reward you in heaven. We will work with your leaders to enhance your welfare packages and introduce new incentives to encourage greater performance and competitiveness."
In her remarks, Mrs. Onyinye Obeagu, wife of the council chairman, who presented the awards, expressed that the awards were the first of their kind in Isi-Uzo. She noted that the recognition would inspire teachers to be more dedicated, as they now understand their efforts are being monitored and appreciated.
Education Secretary of Isi-Uzo, Lady Rachael Odo, also commended the council chairman for initiating the awards and urged teachers to stay updated in their knowledge and maintain their health through sports and extracurricular activities.
Some of the award recipients, such as Uzoma Nnachi from Central School, Umuaram, and Casmia Ugwu from Community Secondary School, Mbu, expressed their gratitude, stating they never expected such recognition.
The event was attended by notable figures including guest speaker Mrs. Joy Ogbu, former Assistant General-Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Paul Ugwuagbo, and former executives of Isi-Uzo Council. The high point of the celebration was a march past by the teachers.
