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Patani came alive on Sunday with songs of thanksgiving, colourful dances and emotional celebrations as teachers, labour leaders and education stakeholders gathered to honour the emergence of Comrade Dickson Poubeni as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State Wing.

The riverine community wore a festive atmosphere from the early hours of the day as supporters trooped to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Patani, for a thanksgiving service that quickly transformed into a major gathering of solidarity, political support and renewed hope for teachers across Delta State.

Teachers, union members and well-wishers filled the church with jubilant songs and open celebrations, describing Poubeni’s emergence as the beginning of “a new dawn” for the union and the teaching profession in the state.

Following the church service, the celebration moved to Opukabo Primary School Field, where the event evolved into a grand homecoming reception for the new NUT chairman. Cultural performances, goodwill messages and emotional reunions dominated the gathering as supporters from across Delta State assembled to celebrate Poubeni and his executive team.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including labour leader, Comrade Mike Okeme; immediate past NUT Chairman in the state, Comrade Titus Okotie; 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 members of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC), alongside the NUT State Secretary, Comrade Dan Basime.

Speakers at the event repeatedly praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for policies considered favourable to teachers and the education sector, particularly in the area of workers’ welfare and public school reforms.

Many teachers said the administration had restored confidence among educators and revived hope within the public education system.

The gathering also became a platform for strong political reinforcement as union leaders and stakeholders urged teachers across the state to remain united in support of Governor Oborevwori’s vision beyond 2027.

According to them, the governor’s investments in education and commitment to workers’ welfare deserved loyalty and continued backing from teachers throughout the state.

Particular attention was focused on the governor’s approval of Grade Level 17 progression for university graduate teachers in primary schools — a development many participants described as historic, long overdue and capable of transforming teachers’ morale in Delta State.

Several graduate teachers recalled years of stagnation despite possessing qualifications comparable to those of their counterparts in secondary schools, expressing optimism that the implementation circular for the approval would soon be released.

Teachers at the gathering expressed confidence that the government would complete the process and fully actualise what many described as a major breakthrough for primary school educators.

Stakeholders noted that beyond improved welfare, the implementation of the Grade Level 17 progression would strengthen foundational education by motivating teachers responsible for shaping future generations.

Poubeni and members of his executive team also used the occasion to reassure teachers that the union would continue constructive engagement with government while defending the welfare, dignity and professional interests of educators across Delta State.

Goodwill messages poured in from different quarters, with many describing Poubeni as a grassroots mobiliser, courageous labour leader and bridge-builder whose emergence had energised teachers across the state.

As celebrations continued late into the day with music, dancing and warm embraces, one message echoed strongly throughout Patani — university graduate teachers in Delta primary schools are hopeful once again.

With growing anticipation over the release of the Grade Level 17 implementation circular, many educators now believe that years of stagnation may finally be giving way to long-awaited progress and restoration.