Wholistic Edu-Consult, in conjunction with Ojo Local Government, has empowered 200 head teachers and their assistants, in commemoration to the 2024 World Teachers’ Day.

The theme for the 2024 World Teacher’s Day is “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education”.

It focuses on the importance of listening to teachers and involving them in shaping educational policies and practices.

Mrs Olubunmi Odiaka, Lead Consultant at Wholistic Edu-Consult, said that the training was aimed at motivating and supporting the teachers, building their resilience, and establishing sustainability for life beyond service.

Odiaka said that once head teachers and their assistants were well-equipped, the knowledge and leadership gained, would trickle down to other teachers and ultimately to the students.

She lauded Ojo Local Government, under the leadership of the its Chairman, Hon. Rosulu Idowu,for supporting the course.

“This dream began in 2010, but it was not fully realised until 2023, when we held our first teacher leadership conference, training over 500 teachers here in Ojo.

“As an educator with over 15 years of experience, this is a dream come true for me, seeing teachers step up as leaders in society.

“I implore you, as leaders in the school, to utilising all you are being taught and above all, your sustainability after service, because the preparation for retirement starts from now,”she said.

In his address, Chairman of the Local Government, Idowu, recognised the vital role teachers play in shaping the minds of the youths.

The chairman said that the dedication, passion, and commitment of teachers to education were the cornerstones of society’s progress.

He appreciated the teachers for their dedication, hard work and sacrifices in making a significant difference in the lives of countless pupils and students.

According to him, the training provides a unique platform for educators to share best practices.

He said it would help them learn from each other, and develop the leadership skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“By fostering collaboration and professional growth, we can collectively elevate the teaching profession and ensure that the students receive the highest quality education possible.

“Teacher’s ability to inspire, guide, and nurture young minds is essential for creating a brighter future for our communities and nation.

“Your insights, experiences, and contributions will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the issues facing education today, and help us to develop effective solutions.

“I am confident that this conference will be a valuable experience for all of us, and will inspire us to continue our efforts to empower educators and create a brighter future for generations to come,”he said.

Mrs Comfort Oladipupo, a head teacher, lauded Wholistic Edu-Consult and Ojo Local Government for organising the programme, while urging the beneficiaries to implement all they were taught.

Oladipupo called for the sustainability of the initiative and charged the Lagos State Government to deploy officers to supervise the head teachers and principals, in order to measure the level of implementations.

Another head teachers, Mr Bisi Soji-Oyawoye, also said that the training added value to the beneficiaries by equipping them to strengthen their resilience and build sustainability.

Soji-Oyawoya charged other local governments and the state government to follow suit and invest in training teachers, urging the teachers to continue to develop themselves for personal growth.