Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti, has explained why he directed for the recruitment of additional 4,000 teachers after the initial 5000 being currently processed.
Otti said the action was to measure up with the upsurge in the enrollment of pupils and students in the basic public schools in the state.
The Governor made the explanation while hosting former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to a dinner in Government House, Umuahia.
He said he was passionate about child education, especially that of the poor.
“We want to hire another 4,000. Why am I passionate about this? I come from a very poor home and if I didn’t have the opportunity to go to public schools, I won’t be here with you today.
“I want every child in this State to have the same opportunities that I had. The son of a poor man can become someone tomorrow just because of that opportunity.
Governor Otti said he met basic education in deplorable condition when he came on board.
He said he set up a taskforce to enforce the education policy but was surprised that people were willing to embrace education without enforcement.
“You go out in the streets and you see children hawking from 8am and it has become clear to me that these people were not in school not because they didn’t want to be in school but they couldn’t afford the fees.
“But, I was still in doubt, then I said okay, we are going to make this education free and compulsory.
“So, I set up a taskforce and the taskforce was supposed to enforce the policy and I actually made announcement that I was going to be arresting any child seen hawking things during school hours. Not because I wanted to keep them, but my plan was to keep them till their parents come to exchange them with themselves.
“On implementation of the policy, we recorded massive explosion on enrollment. In fact, when I saw the numbers on Monday at the EXCO meeting, I was moved to increase the number of teachers that we will be recruiting.
“The enrollment was mind boggling. Our people want to go to school. What we are now using the Taskforce to do is to move round the schools to ensure that the teachers are committed and dedicated to discharging their duties to make the free and compulsory education policy effective,” Gov. Otti stated.
He said he equally approved and provided N100,000 for principals and head teachers as imprest account to enable them have the basic things required to run their schools.
Governor Otti commended Chief Obasanjo for standing behind him from the inception of his aspiration to join politics till now.
In his speech, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo commended the performance of Governor Otti, describing him as a leader who is living up to the expectations in the delivery of good governance.
The elder statesman noted that the public accolades on the performance of Governor Otti have affirmed to what he has personally witnessed including the Governor’s impact on governance in the state and urged him not to be distracted.
The former President while reflecting on Nigeria’s economic potentials, lamented the ravaging poverty among the people despite the country’s abundant natural and human resources, adding that, Nigeria has what it takes to lift her citizens out of poverty. He urged leaders at all levels to place the welfare of citizens at the heart of their leadership priorities.
Also speaking, former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, appreciated Governor Alex Otti. He advised Abia people to value what they have in Governor Otti and ensure that they return him to power in 2027.
“So, I pray that all of us will go home and protect what we have and ensure that we come back in 2027 to enjoy the same dinner you are having now,” Amaechi stated.
In their separate speeches, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Oke-Nze Ginger Onwusibe and the acting National Secretary of Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, expressed delight in being part of Abia’s success story and thanked former President Obasanjo for his continued support for the Otti-led administration.
The dinner was well attended by members of the political class, senior Government appointees and Mayors of Local Government Areas in Abia State.
