By Daniel Kanu
With their future ahead of them and a call to be good role models, responsible citizens and ambassadors of their institution, expectations are high for the class of 2024 graduating students of Corona Secondary School (CSS), Agbara. The words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “the task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us” are indeed apt, as the 2024 graduands took their hats off recently.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, the former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, among other dignitaries at the Class of 2024 graduation and valedictory ceremony held for the students, charged them to be good ambassadors and role models as they leave the institution for further education and wherever they find themselves.
Duke, who was the guest speaker and special guest of honour at the event themed: ‘Beyond the Horizon, leaving a legacy’, also underlined the pivotal role investment in education play in molding and shaping the society and nation as a whole. He, therefore, called on the government and other stakeholders to assist in reducing the number of out-of-school children in the country.
In her keynote address, Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown harped on the need to be a responsible and contributing member of the society. An alumna of the school and first head girl, who recounted her experience as a student of the school, also advised the outgoing students to apply the lessons learnt from their stay as students of CSS as they further their education and take other endeavours in life.
She said: “For those going abroad in furtherance of their education, you must keep your contacts from this institution; you will need it because you may never be accepted into the social circle in those foreign lands
“Corona Secondary School is a great legacy that has lasted over 60 years, with so many stars, you’re all part of a great family, you must guard it energetically. Wherever you are, remember that Africa is the next frontier, think of Nigeria as your playground to resolve, to create and fix.”
She appealed to the graduands to always remember that they are Nigerians and the country will always need them. “It is important to note that education is not a scam but a tool that enables your growth,” she reiterated.
The principal of the school, Mr. Innocent Oaikhena, extolled the value, beliefs, norms and traditions of the institution and its contributions to nation building.
Donald Banigo, the acting head boy, and the head girl, Neri Okolo, evoked nostalgia in their farewell speeches as they shared some memorable experiences. They said: “We all worked hard to get to this level, overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities and forging lasting friendship along the way. Today isn’t about just receiving certificates, it’s about recognising our resilience and dedication to learning.”
They showered encomium on the teachers, support staff and the school management for their love, care and support throughout their stay in the school.
The valedictorian of the class of 2024, Oluwamurewa Fadare, expressed her gratitude to CSS Agbara, while reflecting on her journey through the school. Tiwalolaoluwa Abiru and Oyintariere Akika were also announced as salutatorian and third best graduating students respectively.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards and endowments, recognition of notable achievements to deserving students as well as the appointment and swearing in of new school prefects for the 2024/2025 session, exemplifying the school’s diligence in raising generations of leaders with credibility and distinction.
The Class of 2024 had 73 graduands and a total of $2,675,000 (two million, six hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars) university admission scholarships.