Nigerian Teachers Endorse Maltina as Union’s ‘Official Drink’

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has adopted Nigeria’s No. 1 malt drink, Maltina as the union’s official drink. Chief Wole Oyeniyi, the Acting Deputy General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers stated this at the Press Conference flagging off the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative of Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to reward exceptional teachers in Nigeria in Lagos yesterday.

 (L-R) Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Victor Famuyibo, Human Resources Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc. and Chief Wole Oyeniyi, Acting Deputy General Secretary, Nigerian Union of Teachers at the Press Conference flagging off the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative of Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to reward exceptional teachers in Nigeria in Lagos yesterday

Making the declaration on behalf of the apex body of the teaching profession in Nigeria, Chief Oyeniyi who hailed Maltina, Nigerian Breweries Plc. and the project drivers, the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund stated that “Maltina has taken the lead in bringing back the lost glory of the teaching profession. It is the first time that an organisation is putting up a project of this magnitude for teachers in Nigeria. We really appreciate you and the contribution your organisation is making the improvement of education sector in Nigeria. We want to appreciate and commend your effort. I want you to know that with this gesture of yours, NUT (Nigerian Union of Teachers) has decided to make Maltina our official drink from now. At every ceremony, every event, even in our homes, Maltina will be our official and preferred drink,” he said.

He lightened up the audience with instant slogans that shows the allegiance of Nigerian teachers to Maltina as a brand. “When I say ‘Maltina is the best soft drink in Nigeria!’ you answer me ‘No controversy!’, and when I say ‘Every teacher, student and parent in Nigeria must drink Maltina’ you answer me with ‘Final word!’”

Chief Oyeniyi who changed his remarks to commendation speech explained that the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund who are sponsoring the project on the platform of Nigerian Breweries Plc.’s premium ready-to-drink malt beverage, Maltina will bring smiles to the faces of Nigerian teachers.

“Now we know that there are people out there that still appreciate and are willing to encourage teachers. I will implore other corporate organisation to follow your lead. We need more of initiatives like this to keep inspiring our teachers to do more.”

Earlier, while welcoming guests and journalists to the event, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc., stated that the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative is designed to recognise, celebrate and motivate teachers in Nigeria with a first year focus on public secondary Schools.

“Everywhere in the world, Teachers play a vital role in training, coaching and determining the quality of education and this is critical to sustainable national development. However, these moulders of the society seldom get the recognition they deserve. To kickstart a remedy of this situation, the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative aims to recognise and celebrate our exceptional teachers around the country. As it is widely said, the children are the future of the nation and whatever you do for a child ultimately impacts the nation. Our objective is to create an avenue where exceptional teachers will be showcased and rewarded annually and continuously. ,” he said.

He disclosed that “Collection of applications will open today, 20th May 2015 and last till 30th June 2015. Interested teachers are to download application forms from the Maltina website -www.maltina-nigeria.com. Applications forms should be completed and uploaded to the website or sent by post to P.M.B. 12632, Marina, Lagos.

“All applications will be subjected to an intense selection and judging process. An external and independent panel of judges has been constituted to ensure transparency, credibility and objectivity of the initiative. However, the identity of the panel members will remain withheld till their task is complete. The 5 – step evaluation process of the entries received will result in 37 champions (one per state and the FCT). From amongst these State Champions, the Maltina Teacher of the Year will emerge. All State Champions and National Winners will be celebrated in a grand ceremony on October 5 2015 in commemoration of World Teachers Day.