Businesses on Tuesday recorded low patronage as teachers from the 36 states of the federation converge on the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Abuja to mark World Teachers Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that business men and women, who thronged the venue of the event displayed various goods and services, ranging from clothing, food to books.
Mr. Alex iwunna, a dealer in fabrics, told NAN that he had not made much sale as at the time of the interview.
According to him, the few people who visited his stand either priced his goods below cost price or simply admired them and walked away.
“I have been coming for the World Teachers Day to display my goods for some years now, although I was not here in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“All these years, I smile home but I do not think it will be the same this year and I am suspecting the economic hardship has contributed,” he said.
Mr. Okorie Agbafor, who deals in shoes and various accessories, equally decried the low patronage experienced at the 2021 World Teachers Day.
“As you can see, not so many people are patronizing us.
“In fact, I had to leave my sales point at a time to draw customers’ attention to my goods but the effort yielded little or no result.”
Mrs. Funmi Akinlawon, a food vendor said she had made considerable sales.
She, however, said it was nothing compared to previous years.
Akinlawon, who pointed at a steaming sumptuous fish meal, said “I took my time to prepare this fish pepper soup, unfortunately many people are not looking in that direction.
“Some say it is beyond their budget, while others just simply request for staple food that will fill them up without telling much on their budget.”
Meanwhile, some teachers at the event, who spoke in separate interviews commended President Muhammadu for the promise made to reposition the teaching profession in Nigeria.
Mr. Adamu Zakari, Zamfara State Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) said, “this day is unique for us but in terms of welfare, teachers are not being prioritized.
“However, we thank President Muhammadu Buhari for the favourable policy as well as the promises made to us.”
Dr. Williams Ocheme, Kogi State Deputy Chairman of NUT, said “this day is meant to celebrate the fortune and dignity of teachers”.
Mrs. Oladiti Victoria, Osun State Deputy Chairman NUT, said she was elated that teachers in the country were being recognized for award by the president.
NAN reports that World Teachers Day is held annually on Oct. 5, to celebrate teachers around the world.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommendation concerning Status of Teachers.
The theme for the 2021 World Teachers Day is “Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery.”
The theme recognizes teachers for their relentless efforts, particularly at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (NAN)
