The Ogun Central Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Alhaji Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has felicitated teachers across the country particularly those in Ogun State, as they commemorate the 2022 World Teachers’ Day describing them as the invaluable cornerstone for national rebirth and development.

In a statement he personally signed in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Alhaji Salisu stressed the importance of teachers as purveyors of knowledge, moulders of character and the barometer for overall societal development.

“The Nation owes a debt of gratitude to teachers for the heroic roles they have always played in all spheres of our national life. They are permanently on duty for the welfare, wellness, and wellbeing of the nation. No nation can hope to develop beyond the level of its teachers, especially in the knowledge era. Therefore, all stakeholders should reciprocate their sacrifice and toils by ensuring not only commensurate material compensation for their efforts, but also accord them the dignity and honour that they deserve”, he continued.

As an individual, he recalls with nostalgia and deep appreciation the roles of his teachers in shaping his life, emphasising that he owes his achievements to the benevolence of Almighty God, the disciplined and caring parenting, and the efforts of the generation of teachers he passed through their tutelage.

He further stated that his active participation in all the Alumni associations of his Alma Maters has been largely inspired by the need to work with others to recognise, appreciate, and honour his teachers. And this he has achieved through a number of interventions. Alhaji Salisu, who is the immediate past Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ogun State, is also proud to be associated with the many achievements of Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration in enhancing the welfare of the teachers in the State.

“When I am elected as a Senator, by the grace of God, I will use my position to further my commitment to the improvement of the welfare of the teachers in the country and restore the glorious days when teachers occupied a prime position in the society”, he pledged.

He enjoined the teachers that whilst much still need to be done for the teaching profession and teachers, they need to continue to demonstrate commitment to nation building by ensuring that the right people with competence, character and commitment to public good are put in positions at various levels of government through the forthcoming elections.

The Nigeria of our dreams cannot be achieved without the teachers and their moderating roles, the statement concluded.