BY DAYO ADESULU

AS part of its commitment to providing nourishment that supports mental and emotional growth to Nigerians, Horlicks,  a beverage drink from the stable of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, has offered training on emotional intelligence to Lagos State Secondary School teachers.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, GSK Mr. Chidi Okoro, noted that teachers are trained only on regular subjects such as Arts, Science, and the Commercial but were  not usually trained on  topics such as Emotional Intelligence, Civics and Corporate Governance.

He added that, “public school students no longer have teachers to look up to as role models in the area of management of self, ethics and responsible leadership. We want our teachers to be accountable, reliable and confident as well as demonstrate high sense of integrity.”

Mr. Okoro further disclosed that,   GSK re-introduced Horlicks into the Nigerian market in April 2010 and has since been well-received by Consumers.  The target is the Family and the drink is called ‘The Family Nourisher’.  The relationship with the programme is that teachers and children make up the family.  Horlicks being a good family nourishment drink, aids mental-alertness, gives energy and general body nourishment because of its superior vitamins and nutrients.

In her own speech, Folusho Ogunlana Tutor General/permanent secretary education district 6 Oshodi represented by Fadeke Lawal, principal Ilupeju Senior Secondary school noted that, “it is a move in the right direction. An innovation, we have had series of training especially under this current administration. Training in terms of our profession, in terms of leadership skills, but this is the first time we are having something to do with emotional aspect of teaching.”

Poor results

“Considering the recent poor results of students in WAEC examination, teachers and all of us in the educational sector should change our approach towards the students, and our attitude towards our job. We need to give our self a lot of high self esteem and let this transfer to the children and hopefully they would improve on their studies. I am going to practice what I have learnt by having a new personal relationship with my staff,” she added.

The facilitator, Mr. Chike Onyia stated that, a critical look at the country shows great emphasis on the academic piece. “Look at where this country is today. Things are not where they are supposed to be. We need emotional intelligence to be successful in every field.

Raphael Agbaje, Senior Brand Manager Horlicks, said the Brand organized the programme to impact on society.