By Harvester Okpako & Ikpeme Destiny (I.T Students)
UGHELLI – Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Delta State chapter on Monday, August 18, 2025, during its 9th Delegates Quadrennial Conference at Government College, Ughelli, elected new executive members to pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years.
Speaking during the conference, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to prioritize the welfare of teachers and advance the state’s education sector.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, said teachers remain the bedrock of national development and must be adequately motivated to excel.
According to him: “My government values your contributions and is unwavering in its commitment to your welfare and the growth of education in Delta State. We have employed more than 2,000 teachers, improved learning facilities, approved short-term promotions, and enhanced working conditions to ensure teachers remain motivated. A motivated teacher makes a better student, and that is what we are building for our society today.”
He urged teachers to constantly upgrade their skills to keep pace with global changes, noting that the state will continue to support innovation, research, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for the future.
According to the Returning Officer, Samuel Umo Iyang, the election was conducted under water-tight security, adding that only four new officers emerged, namely: Chairman, 2nd Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and 2nd Internal Auditor, who were contested, while candidates for other positions were returned unopposed.
Those elected are: Comrade Dickson Poubeni, Chairman; Arimokwu Isaac, Deputy Chairman; Arusuayine Diana, 1st Vice Chairman; Ovhorokpa Eseoghene, 2nd Vice Chairman; Apene Bright, 3rd Vice Chairman; and Nwanchukwu Chinedu, 4th Vice Chairman.
Others include: Adu Isaac, Treasurer; Moseri Ameach Rose, 1st Internal Auditor; Ufuoma Akpochimara, 2nd Internal Auditor; Ubido Godswill, Publicity Secretary; Ugo Christiana Ejumafume, Social Secretary; Enuma Chibueze, Assistant Social Secretary; Isitua Patrick Ogugua, National Representative; and Okoro David Esemoho, Editor.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing state chairman of NUT, Comrade Titus Okotie, said the theme of the conference, “Motivation of Teachers: A Panacea for Improving Educational Standards,” was carefully chosen to emphasize the critical role of teacher welfare.
Highlighting achievements during his tenure, he listed the implementation of the 65 years/40 years retirement extension for teachers, the renovation of the NUT Secretariat, and consistent training programs for union officials. He also praised the cordial working relationship between the union and the state government, stressing that dialogue had been key to resolving disputes.
On his part, State Secretary of NUT, Comrade Daniel Basimi, lauded the election as a model of credibility, urging both victors and defeated aspirants to put the interest of teachers first.
“For the new leaders to have emerged today shows that teachers reposed a high level of trust in them. My advice is that they provide responsive and responsible leadership. Those who lost should accept the results in good faith, while those who won should be magnanimous and inclusive,” Basimi remarked.
He maintained that NUT elections remain exemplary: “If partisan politics adopted NUT’s style, our electoral system would be free of rancor. Winners know they earned it, and those who lost acknowledge they lost gallantly.”
In his acceptance speech, new Chairman, Comrade Dickson Poubeni, promised to consolidate on his predecessor’s achievements while making teachers’ welfare his administration’s top priority.
“This victory is for all teachers in Delta State. We will not betray the confidence reposed in us. Our administration will be inclusive, transparent, and devoted to strengthening education in the state,” Poubeni said.
Also speaking, the new Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ubido Godswill, pledged to keep members better informed and actively engaged.
“We will ensure regular communication with teachers across Delta. Information is power, and my office will use it to build unity, solidarity, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders,” he noted.
The climax of the event was the administration of the oath of office to the newly elected executives.
