Teachers' Day: Invest More In Teachers To Build Future Professionals, Orok Duke Tells Govt
The representative of Cross River State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD, has called for greater investment in the welfare and professional development of teachers in the state.
In his message to mark the 2026 World Teachers' Day, Duke said teachers deserve more than mere commendation, noting that they remain the foundation upon which every other profession is built.
"Every doctor, lawyer, engineer, journalist, public servant, entrepreneur and leader passed through the hands of a teacher. They are more than instructors in classrooms; they are nation-builders," Duke stated.
While saluting teachers across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State for their sacrifice and dedication despite challenging working conditions, the NDDC commissioner said appreciation must translate into concrete action.
"We must turn appreciation into action. Government at every level, parents, communities and other stakeholders must work together to improve the welfare of teachers, provide better learning environments and equip schools with necessary facilities," he said.
Duke stressed that the prosperity of Cross River is tied to the quality of investment made in education.
"We cannot build a prosperous Cross River while neglecting the people responsible for preparing the next generation to lead it. If we want better doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and leaders tomorrow, we must invest seriously in the teachers who are moulding them today," he added.
He urged relevant authorities to make teachers' welfare a continuous priority, saying their classroom may be small, but the future they are building is enormous.
