By joshua “TEACHERS BUILD NATIONS BEFORE NATIONS ARE BUILT” — KOGI LAWMAKER HON. UMAR LAUNCHES SERAH YUSUF’S BOOK, UNVEILS SEED FOUNDATION NGO
Hon. Umar, Member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, has described teachers as the foundation of national development as he served as Chief Launcher at the book launch and unveiling of SEED Foundation NGO in honour of Serah Yusuf, Maltina Teacher of the Year 2023.
The event, held on 13th June 2026, drew dignitaries, education stakeholders, and constituents of Omala to celebrate the Omala-born teacher whose work has earned her national recognition.
“Today, Omala is proud. Nigeria is proud. We are gathered not just to celebrate an award and recognition, but to celebrate a life dedicated to shaping minds,” Hon. Umar said.
“Serah Yusuf is not only the Maltina Teacher of the Year, she is our own daughter from Omala State Constituency. And nothing makes a representative prouder than seeing his constituent lift the name of our people to national recognition.”
Speaking on the significance of the dual event, the lawmaker stressed that the book and the NGO represent a lasting legacy. “This program — her book launch and the unveiling of her NGO — is therefore well deserved. The NGO she is unveiling today is even more important, because it means her impact will not end with her. It means more children will learn, more teachers will be supported, and more classrooms in Kogi and beyond will feel her touch.”
As Chief Launcher, Hon. Umar emphasized the critical role of reading in nation-building. “As Chief Launcher of this book today, the place of books to education cannot be overemphasized. Books build minds, not just careers. Education gives you skills for a job. Books give you imagination, empathy, and the ability to think for yourself. A child who reads learns to solve problems, ask better questions, and see the world beyond their street. Nations are built in classrooms first, then in offices and factories. The book for launch today, I believe, will help in building a total child.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to education in Omala Constituency, noting that supporting students has remained a priority of his representation.
“As a lawmaker, I have prioritized equipping and supporting our students with educational and instructional materials. I have annually paid school fees and bought JAMB forms for students in our constituency. I have also made supporting the best Omala State Constituency student in JAMB a cardinal responsibility. The number of students under my scholarship is countless, and my support for infrastructure remains unprecedented in the history of representation in Omala State Constituency.”
Concluding, Hon. Umar congratulated Serah Yusuf on behalf of Omala Constituency and the Kogi State House of Assembly, pledging legislative and community support for the SEED Foundation NGO.
“To Serah Yusuf, Omala stands with you. We will support this noble cause. May your light continue to shine, and may many more teachers rise like you,” he said. “Once again, congratulations. God bless you, God bless Omala, God bless Kogi State, God bless Nigeria.”
Serah Yusuf, who won the Maltina Teacher of the Year award, has been recognized nationally for innovative teaching methods and commitment to student development. The newly launched SEED Foundation NGO is expected to expand access to quality education and teacher support across Kogi State and beyond.