An International Non-Governmental and Charity Organisation, THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION (TSF) has given an award of recognition to six Nigerian teachers who have distinguished themselves in the profession in public schools across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Award presentation ceremony to the winners of the 2022 edition of the TSF-NZE SIR RAPHAEL O. IRO MEMORIAL TEACHERS MERIT AWARD held in Owerri on 28th. October 2023, the Director, Programs Development in THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION Dr. Sir Toby Nwokocha said the annual award was instituted to encourage and motivate serving or retired teachers in public schools.
The annual award which is being sponsored by a Nigerian - German Entrepreneur/Philanthropist & Founder/President of THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION (TSF) HRtn. Amb High Chief Dr. Uche Iro is to commemorate his late father who died a seasoned and hardworking teacher and school administrator.
THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION (TSF) is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation rendering humanitarian services especially in the rural areas such as community development, educational scholarship, women and youth empowerment through education or business entrepreneurship, provision and rehabilitation of basic amenities in the rural areas.
The Foundation has over the years continued to bring succor especially to the downtrodden and has gone further to institute the annual teacher's merit award to encourage hard work and dedication to the teaching profession as well as promote learning in Nigeria.
The maiden edition has six recipients who were carefully selected after their nomination by the public with cash back of One hundred thousand naira each.
The Director, Programs Development in THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION (TSF) Dr. Tobias Nwokocha explained that only qualified serving and retired teachers with proven records of integrity and commitment to teaching were eligible to receive the award and called on the public to nominate anyone that meets the criteria for the next edition of the award which kicks off on 28th October 2023.
Dr. Nwokocha also gave an insight into the activities of THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION which he said had continued to put smiles on the faces of the neglected and indigent persons living in the rural communities.
A principal lecturer and Keynote Speaker at the event Dr. Chioma Ike-Amadi commended THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION for recognizing the vital roles played by teachers noting that the honour would go a long way in encouraging those still in service.
One of the recipients of the award Lady Joyce Akah who teaches at Boys Modern Secondary School New Owerri said she was overwhelmed with joy describing the award as the first of its kind.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Hon. Justice Ngozi Ukoha (Rtd.), Imo State State Coordinator, National Teachers Institute (NTI) Mr. John Nwodu, a lecturer from the University of Port Harcourt Dr. Remigius Anyanwu and President General of Eziudo community in Ezinihitte Mbaise local government area of Imo state Chief Sir Nnamdi Obilam.
