BY OSITA BIOSE
As part of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) ongoing commitment to acknowledging God’s mercies and benevolence throughout 2024, the national body has continued its tradition of spiritual reflection and dedication.
In line with this, the NUT, Delta State Wing, has officially commenced its Solemn Assembly, a significant event aimed at expressing gratitude for the past year’s successes while seeking divine guidance for the Union’s activities in 2025.
The Solemn Assembly, as monitored by The Pointer yesterday, marks the arrival of the State Working Executive Council (SWEC) of the Delta NUT State Wing at the Union’s State Secretariat in Asaba, the State capital.
The event commenced with a remark by the Chairman of the NUT Delta State Wing, Comrade Okotie Titus, who graciously welcomed the invitees to the Union’s Solemn Assembly and prayed that God rewards the SWEC for their selfless service to humanity.
The Delta NUT Boss also appreciated God for the immeasurable success the Union achieved in 2024 and committed the Union’s 2025 activities into God’s hands.
The Secretary of the NUT Delta State Wing, Comrade Dan Basime, led all invitees into the mood of prayers, with the opening prayers at the event said by Rev. Canon Gospel Adibeli.
The Bible reading was done by the Deputy Chairman of the NUT Delta State Wing, Comrade Clement C. Olise, who read from the Book of Ecclesiastes 12:9-14.
The prayer session was anchored by a clergyman, Rev. Canon Gospel Adibeli, and one of the Union’s executive members, Comrade (Mrs) Fatima Ajusah, with ten different prayer points made to thank God for His mercies in 2024 and for ushering them into the year 2025.
Consolidating further on the spiritual exercise, the Union’s prayer points centred on bringing stability and greater achievements to NUT leadership, prayers for the managers of Delta and Nigeria’s economy, prayers for the implementation of the packages approved for Nigerian teachers in general and Delta State in particular, and prayers for greater attention to the welfare of teachers, including the prompt payment of salaries and the promotion of primary and secondary school teachers.
The Union also prayed for the successful tenure of the present State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the NUT Delta State Wing. Additional prayer points included requests for peace to return to Nigeria and for the termination of all forms of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and forces of destabilisation.
Prayers were also made for pupils, students, parents, guardians, and the safety of school communities. The Union prayed against the forces of educational decay, corruption, maladministration, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Finally, the teachers prayed for journey mercies for their various invitees from all 25 LGAs of Delta State who attended the 2025 Solemn Assembly.
The Solemn Assembly ended with a vote of thanks by the NUT Delta State Wing’s Comrade Dan Basime, followed by the closing prayer and benediction, which was said by the cleric of the occasion.
From the foregoing, it is worthy of note to highlight the importance of teachers in nation-building and the qualities that distinguish them as agents of positive change, as demonstrated in the spiritual exercise concluded by the NUT Delta State Wing, aimed at promoting societal development.
The importance of teachers in nation-building is crucial and cannot be relegated to the background. Teachers, through their perseverance, love, and sacrifices, have shown the right path in society.
In the modern era, nation-building refers to the efforts of independent nations to establish trusted institutions of national government, education, military, diplomacy, finance, taxation, law, civil rights, and liberties.
Teachers play a crucial role in nation-building by shaping the minds of young individuals, imparting knowledge to the younger generation, and fostering critical thinking. Through their guidance, students develop the ability to analyze and solve problems, which is essential for progress and innovation.
Additionally, teachers promote civic values, instilling a sense of responsibility, discipline, and patriotism in their students. By equipping learners with the necessary skills and knowledge, they prepare them to become active and productive members of society, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the nation.
Consequently, apart from the crucial roles teachers play in nation-building, the qualities that distinguish them from other professional bodies cannot be overemphasised. These distinguishing characteristics include empathy, good communication and adaptability skills, patience, passion for teaching, mastery of their subject areas, expertise, creativity, and a love for lifelong learning.
Accordingly, society must work towards constantly giving teachers the necessary support in their sincere efforts towards nation-building. This includes recognising their commitment to the spiritual exercise and urging leadership at all levels in Nigeria to ensure socio-economic and sustainable development for the benefit of society at large.
