Someone mentioned today’s date – the 7th of April – and I suddenly remembered, with nostalgia! This was WHO Star Prize, Essay Competition for Oyo State, way back !

It was in my Form 4, St. Bernadines’ Grammar School, Oyo. My English teacher, Mr Olatoregun, whom we nicknamed Mr Gerund, had encouraged me to enter the competition with the Form 5 big boys who were to represent the school. Long story, but the rest is history. I didn’t believe in myself, but he did. He is one teacher I will never forget. He was gentle, painstaking and never gave up on any of us. He made me find my strength and gave me self-confidence when I had none. I have not remained the same ever since. (I will tell the full story some day soon). “Teaching is a calling…teachers are holy…angels, leading their flock out of the darkness” – Jeanette Walls. To many he taught, he was just a teacher, but to me he remains my hero.

To all teachers out there, God bless you indeed.

This God has always been faithful, no be today!