Bayelsa govt seeks alumni support over teachers’ welfare

The special adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, has urged various Alumni Associations in Nigeria to prioritize the welfare of their teachers, as many of them have retired without any alternative source of income to meet their financial needs.

Cocodia made this statement on Sunday when he hosted his former secondary school teachers to acknowledge their efforts, time, and resources in imparting knowledge to him and others at the Community Secondary School, Trofani, in Sagbama Council Area of Bayelsa State.

The reunion, which took place at his Yenagoa residence, attracted about nine former teachers and their spouses, including the former principal, as well as some of the old students who are notable personalities and successful in their various professions and careers.

In his remarks, High Chief Cocodia stressed that the idea of hosting his secondary school teachers was to create a bond with them and rally his fellow former students, irrespective of their present locations, to support the welfare of their teachers.

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He described teachers as great pillars of society, emphasising that their teachings and efforts to instill discipline helped mold students into becoming whatever they aspire to be.

Expressing gratitude to his teachers for their various contributions towards ensuring he becomes a respected figure in society, Cocodia added that his community also benefited in various ways through their efforts at the time.

He said, “I am happy to see you all here. The idea is for us to unite again as one family, to know how you all are faring, and to inform you that the young boy you nurtured those days is now a grown man. I’m sure you are all happy that this young man didn’t disappoint you.

Your constant discipline and dedication to your jobs made me what I am today. Even when we were naughty as young boys, you did not spare the rod to spoil the child.”

He assured that the old students of the school would be assembled in the following weeks so they could begin supporting their teachers financially or otherwise, as a way of appreciating their modest efforts in nurturing them.

A lecturer at the Niger Delta University Amassoma, who was also a former student, Professor Presidor Kendabiye, recounted how he was awarded a scholarship to study abroad through the efforts of one of his teachers.

While appreciating High Chief Cocodia for the reunion, he also expressed gratitude to his teachers, as most of what he teaches at the moment was part of the knowledge he gathered during his secondary school days.

“I am glad to be here, and I want to let this gathering know that whatever we are today is because of these men. Money cannot repay them for what they have done for us. We went through life in Trofani where these people were not only teachers but also supported us financially and even provided food. Indeed, we cannot thank you enough.”

Another former student, Barrister Mieghabofa Batowei, was equally full of gratitude to his teachers and thanked the host for reuniting him with his former teachers.

The former Principal of Community Secondary School, Trofani at the time, Chief Egeme Flint, praised the host, High Chief Cocodia, adding that the event was unprecedented and historic. He had never witnessed or heard of a former student gathering his teachers to celebrate them and inquire about their welfare.

Other past teachers who were present included Chief Patrick Weridongha (Agriculture), Mr. Sam Newton Biraye (Commerce and Economics), Mr. Oroupadei Augustine (Geography), Rev. Ernest Emmanuel (Physics), Chief Patrick Ogun (Government), Mr. Monday Gold, and Mr. Yabefa Joseph Tonbie (former Principal).

In their separate remarks, they reminisced about the moments they had together as teachers and students and praised the special adviser on Political Matters, High Chief Cocodia, for reuniting and celebrating them, while praying for his continuous elevation in his chosen career.

The event also witnessed a minute of silence in honour of other teachers who have passed away.