By Kelvin Obambon
On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, PhD, the Cross River State Representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has extended warm felicitations to educators across the state, describing them as indispensable nation-builders.
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Monday, Duke celebrated the perseverance, discipline, and devotion of teachers throughout the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, emphasizing that every profession relies fundamentally on their foundational work.
“Teachers are more than instructors in classrooms. They are nation-builders,” Duke stated. “Every doctor, lawyer, engineer, journalist, public servant, entrepreneur and leader passed through the hands of a teacher.”
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Acknowledging the hardship many educators face, the NDDC Rep commended their continued resilience, “In Cross River, our teachers have continued to demonstrate remarkable commitment, often working under challenging circumstances while remaining dedicated to the education and development of our children and young people.”
He urged governments at all levels, alongside communities, parents, and key stakeholders, to move beyond symbolic celebrations and take immediate, concrete action to improve working conditions and educational infrastructure across the state.
“Today, our celebration must go beyond words. We must turn appreciation into action,” he stressed. “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, leaders and professionals tomorrow, we must invest seriously in the teachers who are moulding them today.”
Duke called on relevant authorities to prioritize ongoing professional development, adequate facilities, and improved welfare packages for educators.
He expressed deep gratitude for their sacrifices and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting their vital role in society.
“To every teacher across our 18 Local Government Areas, I say thank you for your sacrifices, patience and unwavering commitment to our children,” Duke said. “Your classroom may be small, but the future you are building is enormous.”
