Follow Us on Google
Graduating students of Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja, have been urged to make responsible decisions as they step into the next phase of their lives, with a reminder that the choices they make today would determine their future, careers and contributions to society.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abayomi Babalola, who gave the charge at the school’s 2026 valedictory service and prize-giving ceremony to mark the end of the 2025/2026 academic session.
The GOC, who was represented at the event by the Commander 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, noted that the decisions the graduating students make from the point of graduation would have a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives.
He said: “The choices you make from this point onwards will shape your future, influence your careers and determine your contributions to society. Therefore, I encourage you to seek guidance from your parents, teachers and other trusted mentors, and never compromise the values you have learned here.”
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of the Senior Secondary School students while recognising outstanding academic performance and excellence among deserving students.
According to the GOC, the event was an opportunity to honour the perseverance, dedication and achievements of the graduating students who had successfully completed an important phase of their educational journey.
He congratulated the prize winners for their exceptional performance, expressing hope that the recognition would inspire them to attain even greater heights in their future pursuits.
To students who did not receive awards, the Army senior officer encouraged them not to be discouraged, stressing that success is not measured solely by prizes but also by perseverance, integrity, discipline and continuous self-improvement.
“As you leave this familiar environment, always remember that you have been equipped not only with sound academic knowledge but also with the values of discipline, integrity, respect, patriotism and responsible leadership, which remain the foundation of the command school system,” the address added.
The GOC commended the management of Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja, for sustaining its tradition of producing disciplined and responsible young leaders despite the challenges encountered over the years.
Other News
He noted that the school had continued to fulfil its mission of nurturing future leaders for Nigeria and described its contributions to education and character development as commendable.
Speaking on the theme of the ceremony, “Making Responsible Choices in a Changing World,” the GOC urged the graduating students to exercise wisdom and sound judgment in all aspects of their lives.
He also praised the commandant, officers, soldiers, civilian staff, national youth service corps members, parents and guardians for their collective commitment to raising disciplined and well-groomed youths capable of making positive contributions to society.
“The collective efforts of all stakeholders have continued to produce disciplined, responsible and well-groomed young men and women, who will positively impact society. I implore you all to rededicate yourselves to consolidating the achievements recorded over the years,” he said.
The GOC equally congratulated the graduating students, prize recipients and the entire Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja community, wishing them safe journeys and continued success while praying for God’s blessings upon the Nigerian Army and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier, the Commandant of the school, Lieutenant Colonel O.A. Akindele, described the ceremony as a moment of celebration, thanksgiving and reflection, marking the successful conclusion of the academic session.
He thanked parents and guests for their unwavering support, noting that their presence reflected confidence in the school’s vision and commitment to raising responsible future leaders.
According to him, the session witnessed remarkable achievements across academics, sports, leadership development and co-curricular activities, with students distinguishing themselves in internal and external examinations, debates and sporting competitions.
The Commandant highlighted the school’s emergence as the overall best school at the 2026 81 Division Inter-Command Secondary Schools Sports Competition, where students demonstrated exceptional talent, discipline and teamwork to secure an impressive medal haul.
