By Gabriel Dike
It was celebration galore as Chrisland Schools send forth 336 students that have completed their secondary education.
At a colourful joint valedictory service for the class of 2024, tagged “The Phenomenal Stars”, the schools management and teachers send forth the 336 students in a grand style.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion include the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori (Dr.) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, pioneer Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Abuja, Prof. Francis Durosinmi-Etti, Firs Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Group Executive Director, Dangote Group, Alhaji Ladan Baki.
Others are Head of National Office, West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Amos Dangut, Chief Executive Officer, Airfirst, Engr. Gbolahan Abatan, Director, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Bennedikter Molokwu, an Alumna, Mrs. Ifeoma Williams, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, Diocesan Bishop of Ife, Anglican Communion, Chief Imam, Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Jamiu Kayode, High Chief Winifred Awosika, chairman, Chrisland Schools Ltd and several parents.
Chairman of the ceremony, Prof. Durosinmi-Etti, recognised the 336 graduating students and congratulated them for their academic success and completion of secondary education.
He said with the completion of their secondary education, the students would start another phase academic pursuit and commended the school management and teachers for guiding them to greatness.
Prof. Durosinmi-Etti urged them to always remember the values of integrity and hard work while challenging the students to stride for excellence and never settle for less.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of Chrisland Schools Ltd, Mrs. Ibironke Adeyemi, said the 336 graduating students are from Lagos and Abuja, which include Chrisland College Idimu, Chrisland High School VGC, Chrisland High School Ikeja, Chrisland High School Lekki and Chrisland High School Festac Area.
Adeyemi told the gathering that the students were exposed to enriching academic programmes, various sporting activities and co-curricular activities.
She added: “At one time or the other, especially in year nine and year 11, you attended training and courses at local and international levels to boost your leadership and capacity-building skills and prepare you to compete favourably with your counterparts anywhere in the World.
“I can boldly say that you have received World-class education, the best and youth can boast of. You have been tutored and mentored to stand for excellence in all its ramifications. I have no doubt in my mind that you are Propelled Greatness, and wherever you go in life, you shall continue to succeed and show forth the light.’’
Adeyemi acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of teachers, who impacted the lives of the students during their sojourn in Chrisland, stating, “you have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to bring out the best in them.’’
The MD showered encomium on the founder and chairman of Chirsland Schools Ltd, High Chief Winifred Awosika. She revealed that the schools remain a beacon of light in the education sector because she paid the price through her hard work and prayers.
She described the 336 students as worthy ambassadors of Chrisland Schools, adding, “we have imbued in you our core values of discipline, integrity, professionalism, love and excellence.’’
In her speech, the Director of Schools, Mrs. Ayoola Akinyeye, said the Chrisland have grown stronger and that education gives students wings and roots to fly and remain strong.
Akinyeye disclosed that the graduating students would be presented with certificates and plaques and charged them to go forth and be light bearers.
The school management presented loyalty awards to 40 parents whose last child graduated from Chrisland Schools.
The Bishop of Ife, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Akinlade and the Chief Imam, Dr. Jamiu prayed for the graduating students, who were also indicted into Chrisland Alumni.