An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and 2026 governorship aspirant in Ekiti, Kayode Ojo, has described teachers in the country as “silent heroes” whose contributions often go unnoticed.

In a goodwill message marking the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration, Mr Ojo paid tribute to teachers for their dedication, patience, sacrifices, and commitment to moulding young minds despite the numerous challenges confronting the education sector.

He stressed that virtually every successful professional and leader had at one point or another, benefitted from the guidance, knowledge and mentorship of a teacher.

Mr Ojo said, “Behind every doctor, engineer, lawyer, journalist, administrator, entrepreneur and leader stands a teacher, who imparted knowledge, built confidence and inspired that individual to pursue excellence.”

The APC chieftain said the celebration gave society an opportunity to acknowledge the enormous responsibilities teachers shoulder and renew its commitment to improving the teaching profession.

Mr Ojo noted that teachers do more than teach academic subjects, explaining that they also play a critical role in shaping the character, discipline, values and civic consciousness of younger generations.

The Ikoro-Ekiti-born entrepreneur-turned-politician commended teachers in Ekiti State and Nigeria in general for their resilience and commitment to duty, particularly those working in public schools and communities where inadequate infrastructural facilities and other challenges sometimes make teaching difficult.

He said a society’s development is directly connected to the quality of its education system, adding that no meaningful development can be achieved without properly trained, motivated, and adequately supported teachers.

Consequently, he argued that their welfare, professional development, working environment, and social dignity should remain central to education policies.

He called for continuous investment in teachers through regular training and retraining, improved teaching facilities, access to modern educational resources, and policies that would motivate teachers to give their best.

The politician appealed to members of the public to accord teachers the respect and recognition they deserve, noting that the profession should continue to attract talented, passionate and highly motivated individuals.

He further encouraged teachers not to lose hope in the face of mounting challenges, assuring them that their efforts to educate and mould the younger generation would continue to produce lasting results.

(NAN)