Don recommends recipe for Nigeria’s growth

A University Don and cleric, Prof.Gabriel Yomere says for Nigeriato become a better place, individuals should be rated based on performance andnot where he or she comes from.

Prof. Yomere made the assertion WednesdayDecember 7 at the NNPC Senior Staff Club in Warri during a send-forth partyorganized by the Warri Zonal Office of Post Primary Education Board, PPEB inhonour of its retired permanent secretary, Comrade R.E.O.  Otone and four other staff.

He decried the present situationwhere teachers are treated like scape goat unlike in the 50s and enjoined allstakeholders to strive towards bringing back the glory days of teachers.

In his welcome address, the WarriZonal Director of PPEB, Mr. Bernard Otiri, appealed to the state commissionerfor basic and senior secondary education to look into the plight of teachersposted to rural and riverine communities.

According to him, there are nosuitable accommodations for teachers posted to riverine schools, while the teachersspend exorbitantly on transportation.

He noted that if some of thechallenges being faced by teachers in the rural areas are addressed, it willcheck rural-urban drift.

Mr. Otiri called on the relevantauthorities to ensure that the vacuum created by the retired permanentsecretary of Warri zone be filled in no time to arrest administrative hiccups.

Spiritual father of the day, Rev.Canon O. Arawore in exaltation blamed lack of rest as reason for ailments suchas hypertension and counseled Nigerians not to belabour themselves withunnecessary worries.

In his response, the retiredPermanent Secretary, Comrade R.E.O. Otone described teaching as a very goodjob. He advised teachers and other civil servants to leave the job quietly oncethey are due for retirement, noting that there is plenty of life outsideservice.

Permanent Secretaries from Oleh,Kwale as well as staff of the Warri Zonal office of PPEB who spoke at theceremony commended Comrade Otone for his dedication and service.

Other staffers who were honoured fortheir graceful retirement are Dr. (Mrs.) Toju-Ebisin Margaret, Mr. AkpobomeFelix, a driver with no record of accident for 35 years of service, Mrs. TsekeRuth and Mrs. Enameguonor Patience.

The Permanent Secretary of Oleh zone- Mrs. Ozomaro M.E., Permanent Secretary Kwale Zone - Oshevure E, PermanentSecretary Bomadi zone - Mr. Emmanuel Agiddi, Permanent Secretary Oghara zone - Edafe– Kpako, Mrs. Okotie, Permanent Secretary who just retired from Sapele zone& Mr. Lawyer Oyuwe, Director of Oleh zone were among dignitaries thatgraced the colourful ceremony which was anchored by Mr. Ogboi Clem, Director ofProtocol, headquarters and Evang. (Mrs). P.O. Onorien-Arawore, Head Monitoring,Warri zone.

Fresh Angle can also report that the Chief host,Sir. J.D. Okoh who is the permanent secretary, headquarters, Asaba wasunavoidably absent as a result of pressing official engagement.

Highpoint of the ceremony was thepresentation of gifts to the retirees.

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