Funmi Ogundare Chrisland Schools, weekend, graduated 327 students across its five secondary schools in Lagos, celebrating their academic achievements while recognising exceptional students for excellence in academics, sports and creative arts. At the graduation ceremony, the school presented special awards to students who distinguished themselves in various fields. Among the recipients was Dareen Ohiomoba of Chrisland High School, Lekki, who received the Managing Director’s honour award for academic excellence. Also honoured was Doreen Okoduwa of Chrisland High School, VGC, who won the Managing Director’s honour award for sports and physical excellence, while Esther Akinlabi, also of Chrisland High School, VGC, received the Managing Director’s honour award for creative and performing arts in recognition of her outstanding talent and accomplishments. Speaking at the joint valedictory service for the Class of 2026, in Lagos, the chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, advised graduating students to pursue lives of integrity, responsibility and service. He stressed that Nigeria needs young people who are not only talented but also ethical, compassionate and committed to nation-building. He urged the graduates to measure success not by personal achievements alone, but also by the problems they solve and the positive impact they make on society. “Nigeria needs young people who are not only talented but responsible, ethical professionals, compassionate doctors, innovative engineers, principled public servants and transformational leaders,” he said. According to him, true transformation begins when individuals dedicate themselves to causes greater than their personal ambitions, noting that lasting success is never achieved in isolation. He reminded the graduates that their journey was shaped by the support of parents, teachers, friends and mentors, urging them to remain grateful and maintain meaningful relationships. Mamora also paid tribute to parents, describing their sacrifices of time, resources and unwavering support as the foundation of their children’s success. He also commended teachers and staff of the school for their dedication, saying that the impact of educators often becomes evident long after students leave the classroom. The guest speaker and Academic Director of the Institutional Growth Initiative (IGI) at Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Glory Enyinnaya, urged the graduating class to identify their unique gifts, cultivate strong character and remain committed to making meaningful contributions to society. Speaking on the theme: ‘Anchored in Values… Launched for Greatness’, Enyinnaya noted that success is not defined solely by achievements, but by the positive impact individuals make through their talents and service to others. She encouraged the graduates to recognise that their abilities were nurtured through the sacrifices of parents, teachers and guardians, urging them to express gratitude to those who invested in their future.. She stressed that talents should not be used for personal advancement alone, but for the benefit of humanity. “Your gifts are not only for you. Ask yourself, ‘Whose life will be better because I exist?’ Every great life is carried by people and lived for people,” she said. Enyinnaya, who is also an alumna of the school, underscored the importance of character, noting that graduates represent not only themselves but also their alma mater wherever they go. “Your character can open the door for another Chrisland graduate. That is what it means to shine your light and live a life of purpose,” she added. She further challenged the graduates to remain committed to their goals, especially during difficult seasons when success may not come easily. “It is easy to be inspired on graduation day, but life will not always be like today. There will be rejection, pressure and seasons when nobody notices what you are doing. That is when commitment matters,” she said. Drawing from her personal experience, Enyinnaya recounted losing her mother shortly before graduating from university, describing the loss as one of the most difficult periods of her life. She said the values her mother instilled in her, love for learning, resilience and service, continued to inspire her academic and professional journey. Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged the graduating students to remain anchored on integrity, honesty and other core values as they prepare to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world shaped by artificial intelligence, digital innovation and global competition. Dr. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs. Mojisola Agbaje, a member, Committee
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
