The Sokeye family has honoured 12 teachers from four schools in Ogun State with cash awards of N20,000 each in recognition of their dedication and contributions to education.
The awards were presented on Monday to commemorate the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and the 83rd posthumous birthday of the late Elder Dr Edward Olunowo Sokeye, a teacher and educationist whose family said he dedicated much of his life to teaching and mentoring others.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the 2026 Teachers’ Recognition Award, Sokeye Olusegun, said the initiative was established to preserve his father’s legacy by celebrating teachers who were continuing the work he believed in.
Olusegun said his father was not only a teacher in the classroom but also a teacher at home who instilled discipline, faith, entrepreneurship and self-reliance in his children.
He said, “Today is not just another programme. It is a day of remembrance, appreciation, recognition and legacy.
“Rather than simply remembering him with words, we have chosen to celebrate people who are continuing the work he believed in, the teachers.”
According to him, the awardees were selected based on their dedication, commitment, effectiveness and positive impact on learners.
He added that the initiative went beyond financial recognition, as selected beneficiaries were also supported towards obtaining certification from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
“To all our award recipients, I say congratulations. Your recognition today is not merely about receiving an award. It is a reminder that your work matters,” he stated.
The 12 beneficiaries were drawn from The Chief Cornerstone High School, Abeokuta; Bond College, Olambe; Breakthrough Group of Schools, Akute; and Adedokun International School.
The beneficiaries from The Chief Cornerstone High School were Rasheed Ganiyu Olaonipekun, Okikiola Samuel Ayinde and Awosanya Toyin Abosede.
Those recognised from Bond College were Adesegun Esther Idowu, Omondiale Felicia and Asebioge Oluwabukola Beloved, while Adesuyi Muyiwa Philip, Oshilesi Opeyemi Bosede and Pelemo Folayemi Rashidat represented Breakthrough Group of Schools.
The beneficiaries from Adedokun International School were Olaoluwa Rosemary Zuma, Clement Moses Olalekan and Bankole Bukola Elizabeth.
Reacting to the recognition, one of the beneficiaries, Okikiola Samuel Ayinde of The Chief Cornerstone High School, Abeokuta, described the award as an honour and encouragement to educators committed to shaping the future.
Ayinde said, “This recognition is a reminder that the work we do as teachers goes beyond the classroom. Every lesson taught, every learner encouraged, every difficult concept simplified, and every young person inspired can leave a lasting impact.”
He expressed appreciation to the organisers and his school for supporting his contribution to the education of learners.
Another beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues from Bond Private School, said the recognition made the 2026 Teachers’ Day memorable for them.
She said, “Beyond the gifts, we appreciate the message behind the gesture, that our dedication, sacrifices and contributions are seen and valued.”
Also speaking, the Academic Director of Bond Schools, Lambe, Ibrahim Oloyede, described the initiative as a contribution to educational advancement and a long-term investment in human capital.
Oloyede said, “It goes beyond financial support, it is life-long investment.”
He prayed that God would reward the Sokeye family for honouring the late Dr Edward Sokeye through the initiative and supporting teachers in their professional development.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the Sokeye family, Gbeminiyi Sokeye said the late educationist was “not only a teacher by profession, but a teacher by character, sacrifice and example.”
She congratulated the teachers and said their efforts, though sometimes unnoticed, contributed significantly to the development of children and society.
She said the family was pleased that the occasion was being used to recognise teachers who continued to demonstrate dedication and positive impact in their schools and communities.
The family also expressed appreciation to the participating schools, guests, friends and supporters who contributed to the success of the programme and to keeping the memory of the late Dr Sokeye alive.
The event was attended by representatives of the participating schools, teachers, members of the Sokeye family, friends and well-wishers.
