Akeem Lasisi
Students of Iroko Community Grammar School, Ibadan, had an unusual morning assembly recently when the Senior Director in charge of Department of Economic, Trade & Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, joined them.
Bolaji, who is the President of the school’s Old Students Association, sought to inspire them as he addressed them on how to secure a successful future.
The encounter was part of a health talk the old students association later held at the school, a programme that attracted many of the alumni.
Two health professionals — US-based Dr Adeniyi Akande and UNILAG don, Professor Abidemi Tella — spoke on healthy living and how to prevent diseases at the event held in the school hall.
The Ambassador had joined the students on the Assembly Ground, alongside some other members of the Iroko Community Grammar School Old Students Association.
In an emotional speech he delivered, he stressed the importance of reading, setting goals, planning one’s future and diligently working towards achieving one’s dream.
He cited the examples of globally successful people like Ellon Musk, Serena Williams and Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie, who have distinguished themselves in their various fields.
In the speech titled ‘The Future Starts Now’, Bolaji said, “ I am honoured to stand before you today as this great institution’s President of the Old Students Association. I bring you warm greetings from those who stood on this Assembly ground, and walked these same halls before you — those who once sat in these very classrooms, dreamt big dreams, and have gone on to make meaningful impacts in society, at home, and abroad.
“As students, you may sometimes feel that success is something far ahead in the distant future — something to think about only after graduation. But let me tell you the truth: your future is not waiting for you somewhere down the road. Your future is being shaped right now, in the choices you make daily, in your habits, in your commitment to learning, and in your mindset toward growth and success.”
He reminded them about the school’s ageless motto, ‘Act well your part’, which, he noted, indicated that whatever role they found themselves in, whether as students, leaders, or members of a community, they must give their very best.
Bolaji added, “Act well your part’ means being diligent in your studies, disciplined, honest, and striving for excellence in all that you do. Elon Musk, today, is one of the world’s richest men and a pioneer in technology. But, as a student, he spent countless hours reading, learning, and preparing himself for greatness.
“Serena Williams, before she became a world tennis champion, trained relentlessly from a young age, dedicating herself to daily practice. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated authors, started writing as a young girl, reading extensively and improving her skills daily. These individuals didn’t wait for success to find them. They prepared for it, just as you must do now.”
Later in the day, the alumni association held the health talk in the school hall, where two medical experts addressed the students and other stakeholders that included many old students who rallied round Bolaji. While Akande, also a product of the school and Global Vice President of the old students association practises medicine in the United States, Tella is Professor of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos
Also in the spirit of giving back, seasoned journalist and performance poet, Akeem Lasisi, who is also an alumnus of Iroko Community Grammar School, donated some of his books to the institution. Among the works received by the Principal, Mrs Funmilola Olu Daniels, who thanked Bolaji and his team for the great strides they are taking in their alma mater, are Right Option English (a lexis and structure textbook for WASSCE, NECO and UTME candidates), African Citations (a collection of Lasisi’s poetic tributes), Child of May (children poetry) and Ekun Iyawo (a modernised version of Yoruba’s bridal poetry).
General Secretary of the old students association, Mr Oluremi Bello, read out other programmes the alumni will be holding every month in the school. Among such are Exploring Investment Opportunities and Business Networking holding this month, Financial Management and Budgeting (March), Skills Acquisition for Survival in Today’s World (April) as well as Personal Branding and Online Presence (July).
Admonishing the students on issues of health care and discipline, Bello said, “You are very lucky. Information is power. Don’t endanger your health in any way. Don’t overeat. Don’t smoke. Don’t take drugs. They may bring temporary pleasure but those who engage in the acts may pay for it throughout their lives. As you are going into the world, you will see many things that will tempt you but you must always be firm on safety and health.”
At the programme with Bolaji were other alumni such as Sulaiman T. O. (1985 set), Abiodun Ayinla (1982), Akinyode Femi (1983), Abayomi Akande (1999), Sunday Oyewole (1984), Bunmi Bamiduro (1982), Iyabo Adeleke (1982), Adeniyi Akande (1982), Oladele Musbau (1982), Engr. Lawal Sulaiman Olalekan, (1983), Ganiyat Anifowose (1982), Kunle Adejare, Funke A. Akanke (1982), Adumadeyin I. (1982), Joseph Akintayo (1982), Kunle Ayorinde, Salau Funmilola (1982, Olabode Idayat (1982), Kunle Ayorinde (1982), Gbenga Oke (1982), Wahab Ganiyat (1983), Oladiran Ismaila (1983), Lady Evang. M. O. Adeyemo (1985), Olatunde Peter Ayobami and Akeem Lasisi (1984).
