Gov. Diri Aide Celebrates Secondary School Teachers In Style

Special Adviser to the Bayelsa governor, a philanthropist and political strategist, High Chief Collins Cocodia on Sunday, took out time to acknowledge the efforts of those who spent time and resources to impact him with knowledge and while schooling at the Community Secondary School, Trofani, in Sagbama Council Area.

Out of the several numbers invited to the parley, no fewer than nine former teachers who taught at the Community Secondary School in Trofani Community, alongside their spouses, were present at the Yenagoa residence of the host, High Chief Collins Cocodia.

In his remarks, the philanthropist and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, stressed that the idea of hosting his Secondary School teachers was to create a bond with them, and rally round his fellow former students irrespective of their present locations, to see to the welfare of their teachers, since most of them were either retired, or have no source of income to fend for themselves.

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

Expressing gratitude to his teachers for their various contributions towards ensuring he turns out to become a personality to reckon with in the society, the Bayelsa State Governor’s Political Adviser added that his community was equally uplifted in various ways through their efforts at the time.

In his words, “I want say that am happy seeing you all here. The idea is for us to unite again as one family, and to know how you all are faring, and also to tell you people that the young boy you nurtured those days, is a full grown man today, and am sure that you all are 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 get naughty as young growing boys, you didn’t spare the rod to spoil the child.”

He however added that the old students of the school will be assembled in the following weeks, so that they can begin to support their teachers either 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 effort 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 were part of the knowledge he gathered during his secondary school days.

“I am so glad to be here, and I want to let this house know that whatever we are today, was as a result of these men. Money cannot pay them for what they have done to us. We went through a life in Trofani where these people were not only teachers but they supportes us financially, and even give us food. Indeed, we cannot thank you enough.”

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

The Principal of Community Secondary School, Trofani at the time, Chief Egeme Flint, eulogized their host, High Chief Collins Cocodia, stressing that the event was unprecedented and historic, as he was yet to witness or hear that a former student gathered his teachers to celebrate them and enquired 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 (Principal).

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In their separate remarks, they reminisced the several moments they had together as teachers and students, and praised the Special Adviser on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, for reuniting, and celebrating them, as they prayed for his continuous elevation both in his chosen career.

Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon. Stanley Braboke, and Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, Emmanuel Appah, among other appointees graced the get-together ceremony.

The event also witnessed a minute silent in honour of other teachers who have gone to the great beyond.