It was a bright Sunday morning in Patani as songs of thanksgiving, joyful dances and warm embraces filled the air in thanksgiving and celebration of the emergence of Comrade Dickson Poubeni as the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State Wing.
The peaceful riverine town wore a festive look from the early hours of the day with teachers, labour leaders, political associates, education stakeholders and well-wishers converged at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Patani, for what turned out to be a memorable gathering of a show of gratitude, solidarity and renewed hope for the teaching profession in Delta State.
The calm Sunday atmosphere blended with colourful displays, cheerful processions and heartfelt worship, creating a mood of ecstasy as voices rose in thanksgiving songs as teachers danced openly in celebration of what they called “a new dawn” for the union under the leadership of Poubeni and his executive team.
After the thanksgiving mass, the celebration shifted to the reception venue at Opukabo Primary School Field, where the gathering gradually transformed into a grand homecoming for Poubeni.
The atmosphere came alive with cultural displays, goodwill messages and visible excitement as teachers, their spouses and supporters from different parts of the state and beyond reunited in celebration and solidarity in the presence of very many dignified personalities.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Comrade Mike Okeme, a labour chieftain; Comrade Titus Okotie, immediate past chairman of NUT in the state; Chairman of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Lady Roseline Amioku; Professor Eke of Dennis Osadebe University, Asaba; Ojo Newton, Ada Emmanuel, Comrade Victor Uchuno and other members of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC), alongside the NUT State Secretary, Comrade Dan Basime.
At the centre of many speeches was the name of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose administration received widespread commendations for policies considered favourable to teachers and the education sector.
The governor was commended for his commitment to workers’ welfare, educational reforms and renewed motivation within the public school system.
Many teachers openly declared that the present administration had restored confidence among educators and rekindled hope in public education.
The celebration also evolved into a strong show of support for the governor, as union leaders and stakeholders urged teachers across the state to remain united behind Oborevwori’s vision beyond 2027.
They maintained that the governor’s investments in education and workers’ welfare deserved loyalty, solidarity and continued support from teachers across Delta State.
Particular attention was given to the governor’s approval of Grade Level 17 progression for university graduate teachers in primary schools, a decision many described as historic and long overdue.
For several university graduate teachers at the event, the moment carried deep emotional significance. Many recalled years of frustration during which graduate teachers in primary schools remained stagnated despite possessing qualifications comparable to those of their counterparts in secondary schools.
Now, there is rising optimism that the long-awaited implementation circular for the Grade Level 17 approval will soon be released. Teachers expressed confidence that the government would complete the process and fully actualise what many described as a major breakthrough for educators in Delta primary schools.
Stakeholders noted that beyond improving welfare and morale, the implementation of the circular would strengthen the quality of foundational education, considering the critical role primary school teachers play in shaping future generations.
For Poubeni and his executives, the thanksgiving gathering also provided an opportunity to reassure teachers that the union would continue to engage constructively with government while protecting the welfare and dignity of educators across the state.
Goodwill messages also poured in from different quarters, with many describing Poubeni as a grassroots mobiliser, bridge-builder and courageous labour leader whose emergence has energised teachers throughout Delta State.
As the Sunday celebration continued deep into the day with music, merriments and warm embraces, one message stood clearly above every other in Patani: university graduate teachers in Delta primary schools are hopeful once again.
And with growing anticipation surrounding the Grade Level 17 circular, many now believe that what once seemed like endless stagnation may finally be giving way to long-awaited restoration and progress.