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There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the sun….” This saying by King Solomon in the Bible played out last Saturday in the lives of the 2023/2024 class of graduating students of Best Legacy International Secondary School, Awe, Oyo State.
The occasion, which was a dual celebration of the 18th Valedictory Service and 22nd Prize-Giving Day, was another time of reward for excellence for both the current and the graduating students, some of who travelled down from various higher institutions of learning to officially pass out of the secondary school.
The guest speaker, Dr. Ifeoluwa Banke Odusanya from X-Service Children’s Hospital, Masha, Lagos, an alumnus of the school who graduated in year 2012, was grateful to the school management for the privilege to give back to her Alma Mata, what was impacted into her from 2006-2012. “I got admitted here back in 2006 and was privileged to have been mentored not just by the great teachers here but also by the proprietress and director of schools as well. BLISS is the foundation for which my study and excellence were laid. The Six years spent here has been one of the great blessings of my life,” she said
Dr. Odusanya charged the graduating students from the book of Genesis 9:7 (ISV) which says, “Increase.” She stated that maintenance of excellence, commitment to their studies, abstinence from moral decadence, good morals, the core values imbibed in them, knowing and remaining who they are, would result in their increase and foster standing out in all aspects of their life’s journey. The students were also advised to hold steadfast to God and aim high. “Put in your all and strive to graduate with good grades. Great grades open doors of scholarships and great opportunities. Do not be discouraged by those saying your degree does not matter and you only need to know someone.” Finally, the speaker admonished each student to maintain separate track, run different races, and avoid comparison, which is the thief of joy while assuring them that their future is bright. “Remember the son of who you are; you are your parents’ hope and pride. Do well and make them proud.”
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Ajisafe, who is the chairman of Dynasty F.M. Radio, Oyo, Oyo State, shared his experience as a Chemical Engineer who now uses his talents to explore other opportunities in various fields and has been excelling. He, therefore, admonished the students to identify their “raw materials,” which are their talents and turn them to finished products. In his effort to encourage hard work among the current students, the chairman donated a huge sum of money for the best-graduating students. He also pledged his continuous support to quality educational system for the institution and Oyo town at large.
In her speech, the proprietress of the school, Dr. Mrs. O.Y. Giwa, said that she did not only bid the graduating students farewell but also celebrate their academic and moral achievement. In light of this, she appreciated the team (teaching and non-teaching staff) for their support in getting to model the young ones and maintaining the school’s brand always at the top, through ceaseless efforts. The proprietress commended the parents’ bravery for making such financial commitment. She exhorted them all to go out and pursue greatness, rise above obstacles and never stop learning, as it is a lifelong process. They were also urged to keep learning, developing and expanding themselves in this developing world because that is the only way to keep them relevant in this present world.
Recounting the great feat achieved so far at various activities of the school in the last academic year, the principal of the school, Mr. A.G. Oyelekan, expressed gratitude to God as well as all stakeholders. He said that the students’ “never give up” stand, exemplary lifestyle, enabled them be above board in their academics, competitions, seminars, excursions, and making them to be a set with a difference. While Oyelekan charged the graduating students to devote their energies to promote unity, integrity and peace everywhere they find themselves, he challenged other students remaining in school to subject themselves to the regulations of the school. He commended parents’ cooperation, trust in the management, and committed the graduands into the hands of God.
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