In the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others.” On this day and every day, I celebrate our teachers: the nurturers, builders, mentors and shapers of destiny, who are the lifeline of learning and education. I honour their unsurpassed commitment, passion, expertise, sacrifice and creativity.

Teachers are the keys to dreams, aspirations and new horizons. Without mincing words, no other profession would exist without teachers to impart knowledge and shepherd every fertile mind toward something profitable and worthwhile.

I began my career in public service in the academic environment, where I spent over three decades. I place a premium on teachers because I understand both their importance and the challenges of this noble profession.

That is why, one year into this administration, we have demonstrated our firm commitment to education through deliberate, result-oriented policies and projects at Local Authority Primary School, Yafin; Local Authority Primary Schools I & II, Luda-Ajara; Ansar-u-deen Nursery and Primary School, Badagry; and Muslim Primary School, Badagry. The same attention will be given to other schools.

As we focus on our children’s training and welfare, we must, as a people and a nation extend the same care to teachers through continuous training and the provision of incentives. This is an investment that will position them to deliver the holistic, equitable, fulfilling and meaningful learning we yearn for as a society.

Congratulations, my people, and happy Teachers’ Day!

Yours in service to humanity.

𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐞, 𝐟𝐌𝐇𝐑

𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧,

𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭