The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Kogi State Chapter, has felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the entire citizenry on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, while calling on the federal government to urgently introduce people-centred measures to cushion current economic hardships.
In an official press statement released on Thursday and signed by the Kogi State ASUSS Chairman, Comrade Emejeh Ogwu Sunday, the union described Independence Day as a vital moment for national reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to unity, justice, peace, and sustainable development.
While commending the federal government’s drive to reposition the national economy through bold structural reforms, the union observed that rising inflation, soaring food prices, high transportation costs, and the escalating prices of petroleum products have placed severe pressure on salary earners, pensioners, and vulnerable households across the country.
Comrade Sunday emphasized that although the resilience of Nigerians remains commendable, it must be matched by compassionate public policies that safeguard the welfare and human dignity of the populace. The educators urged the Tinubu administration to implement practical economic palliatives to alleviate the operational burdens on working-class citizens.
Turning to state affairs, ASUSS commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for maintaining peace and security across Kogi State. The union encouraged the state government to sustain its commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare, upgrading public educational infrastructure, strengthening healthcare delivery systems, and creating sustainable job opportunities.
Addressing the political landscape, the teachers’ body cautioned politicians and political actors against prioritizing personal ambitions over public interest as activities gather momentum nationwide. The leadership of ASUSS called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles, reject electoral violence, eliminate vote-buying, and ensure that the sanctity of the ballot is respected.
The union reaffirmed the commitment of secondary school educators to national development through quality education, urging teachers nationwide to remain steadfast in moulding the character, intellect, and patriotic values of the youth within the classroom. ASUSS maintained that its leadership would continue to advocate for teachers’ welfare while partnering with relevant stakeholders to build a stronger educational framework for the nation.
