By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
The Head Teacher and Deputy Director of Education, Reservation Primary School, Tolu Complex, Ajegunle, Ajeromi Ifelodun, Lagos, Education District V, Mrs. Helen Chinwe Okafor, has bowed out of the Lagos State Public Service, putting down her pen at a meritorious statutory retirement ceremony held recently in Lagos.
Mrs. Okafor, who started her teaching career with the Lagos State service in 1991 as a classroom teacher at Oluwa Primary School, Ajeromi Ifelodun (Ajegunle), Lagos, has come a long way with unparalleled job experiences and achievements.
The educationist is known for her distinct input in the education sector and was celebrated for a lifetime job well done by colleagues, well wishers, friends and family as they all gathered around her to appreciate her tireless efforts with gifts and accolades.
Addressing newsmen at the event, Okafor said she was highly inspired, elated and joyous despite the fact that the journey had not been easy but was filled with new challenges every day.
“Sometimes, you just want to give up but when you look at the pupils you’ve nurtured and are still looking up to you, then you don’t have any other option than to continue.
“Also, the fulfillment you feel when your pupils credit you outside and appreciate you for making them who they have become, you just get inspired all over again. Sometimes, you get assisted in certain places and circumstances just because you’re a teacher. So, all that is enough fulfillment.
“The fulfillment you get in making the high and mighty of the society as a teacher is unparalleled. Learn from the true nature of helping one another and grooming them,” she said.
Expressing gratitude to God and congratulating her for a safe landing was her son, Prince Okafor, a journalist with Vanguard newspaper. He said his mother was a consummate go-getter, who was religiously committed and dedicated to academic and professional excellence.
“She is a wonderful woman of virtue, who acquired necessary knowledge and resources needed to make the great educator she is today.
“It is a smooth touchdown for a woman of substance, highly disciplined, cerebral, dutiful, beautiful, committed educator and seasoned administrator of the year. It was a long journey of 35 years; the takeoff was smooth and now a safe landing for her.
“My siblings and I feel very blessed to have her, being a widow who stood to see her children become great in life despite the challenges she encountered raising us. Her faith remains unwavering. We, the children, are here today participating in this momentum pen-down and meritorious statutory retirement of our mother with gratitude to God,” he said.
The district education secretary of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Education Authority, Remi Williams-Olanipekun, describe Mrs. Okafor as a God-fearing woman loved by pupils and colleagues in the teaching profession. “She is a prayer warrior, dedicated and very dilligent. The entire LGA will miss her,” Williams-Olanipekun stated.
“I don’t believe teacher’s renumeration is poor. Just like other services rendered by other professionals, who receive reward, teachers equally do.
“Teaching is all about dedication, not just the renumeration. We are nurturing leaders. If you have the love of pupils at heart you will understand that teaching job is a noble profession,” he said, adding that government has been doing its best to ensure it bridges the gap.
“Last year, Lagos State employed 2,000 teachers. This year, education secretaries already met with the board of directors, ministry of education, and definitely we are going to employ because students are increasing.
“In our own locality, we already have plans to employ ad hoc staff, with the support of the parent-teacher forum. Teachers should love kids, it is vital to be among children.”
Olanipekun stated that Lagos State government has been hiring teachers to bridge the gap of teacher shortage: “Today, one of our good hands has taken a bow; it’s a thing of mixed feelings for me cause I am going to miss her personality.”
He encouraged the younger generation to take up the teaching profession because it is a noble profession.
“There are some factors that have prevented youths from taking the profession, which the government is addressing to make it attractive. These include teachers’ pay, working conditions, lack of support, lack of autonomy and the changing curriculum.”
On his part, Rev. Father Chris Echewodo said the celebrant was a brave woman with an enduring grace.
“Despite being a widow, she ensured that her biological children got the best of everything she could afford to ease life’s experiences,” he said.
Fr. Echewodo advised her to use the opportunity to do greater works.