My dear brother,
Today is obviously Sallah in case you may have forgotten. On this day, I felicitate with you and your family. My earnest prayer for you today is that the blessings of sallah abides with you and your entire family. Once again Happy Sallah Celebrations.
I am aware of the hardship you now face as a Teachers teaching in Dekina Local Government of Kogi State. In your last letter to me, you told me how you and your colleagues in the teaching profession in kogi state have not been paid salaries for months and even when you are paid it is in percentages that cannot pay the debt you owe from buying food to feed your children. Uneku your wife called and told me how your children have stopped schooling even in the school where you teach and now go to farm on a daily basis to survive hunger. From the depth of my heart, I sympathize with you.
I know you may not be able to purchase the usual Ram , Rice and New cloths for your wife and children as usual with big celebrations like this just like other men would do, due to the untold economic hardship you now face as a Teacher in Dekina LGA of Kogi State.
What surprises me is how you still manage to go to the classroom to teach our children at home with pervasive hunger in your stomach. Saika your first son, told me how he now learns from the lesson notes you prepare at mid night for the pupils you teach since he can no longer attend school and goes to farm due to Hunger. My brother I have always known you a man full of endurance and courage. On this day of Sallah I salute your courage and determination. E TEACHERS! E NUT!
Just teasing you anyway.
I know as a Teacher, you may have received felicitations either from your union or the State Government in lokoja as usual. I hope your union continues to fight for your salaries to be paid as it is your right and not a favor granted you.
My dear brother, do not loose hope in the face of hunger and starvation for I know very soon God will answer the prayers of you and your colleagues. Continue to Trust in God for your help and salvation but in all that you do, don’t stop teaching our children at home so that they will be educated to compete favorably with pupils from other climes. See your profession now as a sacrifice and charity to our people. I know someday you will reap the reward here on earth if not from the government you serve but from the children whom who labor night and day to impact knowledge.
Right now I am very rich (I know you understand) but as soon as I get some money I will send to you as usual maybe after the Sallah. If it is “Oje Abacha” you find to eat, today being Sallah eat it proudly and don’t worry.
Remember our Slogan? I am Proud to be a Teacher!
May the peace of God be with you. Greet Your Wife and Children for me. See you soon. I love you.
Your Brother,
Sani Idakwo Philips.
