Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said teachers play a very significant role in the molding of their students to become leaders.

He said leaders and professionals could not have been successful in their careers without the discipline and tenacity of teachers.

The governor said this at the gala/awards night of the alumni of his alma mater, Government Secondary School, Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

The event held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, was to raise funds for the building and equipping of the school’s science laboratories as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary celebration.

Diri urged the alumni members to remain united and committed to sustaining the association and to continue to give back to their alma mater, saying the school laid the foundation of who they have become in society.

He appreciated King Alfred Diette-Spiff, who as former military governor of old Rivers State, initiated the policies that gave children in rural areas access to education.

The governor also thanked the principals and teachers of the school, who he said molded the students of the school to become responsible and productive members of society.

Earlier, chairman of the GSS alumni association, Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, stated that the golden anniversary celebration provided an opportunity for members to reunite and reminisce on their days in the school.

Professor Etebu said the school formed in the students the capacity to withstand difficult situations, noted that the association is aimed at motivating members to give back to the institution and urged them to work together to further develop the school.

Awards were presented to former staff and students including Governor Diri, former Speaker of the House of Assembly and member representing Kolokuma-Opokuma Constituency one, Dr. Tonye Isenah, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, Retired Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga, Brigadier General Eric Angaye as well as former principal and teachers of the school amongst others.

Over than thirty million naira was raised in pledges to support the school’s science laboratories project.

meanwhile, yesterday, the governor was joined by past and current students of the school for a march past and novelty football match in Odi community by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Rear Admiral Yanga (rtd), Professor Etebu, General Angaye among other dignitaries.

The football game was between former students of the school and the All Stars International Football Club of Yenagoa, which ended in a two all draw.

Governor Diri scored the second equalizer for his alma mater from the penalty spot and was voted most valuable player of the match.