By Nwafor Okafor
The teacher that taught the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, in Primary 3 , Dr Angela Mebirim, on Friday revealed that the governor was a precocious child when she taught him.
A statement by the press secretary to the governor , Christian Aburime, described the reunion as a wonderful moment for teacher and pupil after many years.
The statement read partly,” It was a wonderful moment this morning when Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, played host to his primary school teacher; Lady Dr. Angela Mebirim who taught him during his Primary three days in Enugu.
“Lady Mebirim hails from Mbaise in Imo state and lived in the same vicinity with the Governor’s family during their days in Nigercem quarters, Enugu. Recall that Professor Soludo’s father was a staff of the company in those early days.
“Lady Mebirim described Governor Soludo as an ‘exceptional’ pupil, while she taught him. “He never failed anything in the class. He was extremely brilliant, almost a genius. I’m happy that I’m here today. It’s an honour. I’m grateful to God for elevating him to this position. Honestly, I didn’t know I would be alive to witness this kind of privilege, not in my wildest imagination.”
She commended Soludo for the on-going teachers’ recruitment exercise in the state, which was done largely online, stating, “We saw it in the news, how you are transparently employing teachers in the state. It’s only God that will bless you”. She further added
According to the statement, “Governor Soludo who was very pleased and proud to receive his primary three teacher was full of praises for her and all teachers for the great jobs teachers are doing.
“To show his deepest respect for the teaching profession and teachers, Governor Soludo didn’t waste time in admonishing anyone who cared to listen that he was taught very well by his teachers, quoting the governor to have said,” I remember all my teachers. Don’t forget your teachers. I’ve heard many people say that teachers’ reward is in heaven. But that shouldn’t be the case. They should enjoy a bit of incentives here on earth as moulders and shapers of destinies. For us, that’s the only joy of being teachers.” So, it’s a big welcome for my own teacher.”
Aburime added, ” Governor Soludo in both private or public engagements has always deeply emphasised that teachers should be accorded high respects and regards at all times, because they remain at the nucleus of almost everything that makes the world go round .
“This accounts largely why the Governor is always fond of teachers, since he assumed office.”
