Princess Multipurpose Hall, Akute, Igun State was filled to capacity on Thursday the 25th of July, 2019 as graduands, parents and well-wishers gathered to witness the 22nd Valedictory Service and Prize-giving Day ceremony of Hubert Ogunde Memorial School (HUBOG).
In her welcome speech, the school proprietress who doubles as Director of Studies, Mrs Abosede Oloyede, admonished the pupils to always set standard for their success as they move to secondary school investing in their education, and agents of change in the society. Also, she thanked the parents for being a pillar of support to the school throughout 2018/2019 academic session and urged them to continue praying for and giving their children necessary support in their studies because such effort will result in blessing to them both. Mrs Oloyede also praised the dedicated staff for impacting positively on their pupils. She emphasised that all members of staff are obviously agents of change as nothing would have been achieved without them.
The officiating minister, Venerable Adesoye Stephen, advised the pupils to make God the centre of their lives. The clergyman also implored the pupils to be worthy ambassadors of the school as they pursue secondary school education. He further advised them that it is not enough to ain high in life, but it is more important to pursue their goals with focus, determination and strength. Lastly, he said a pray to wit: ‘Though you are leaving HUBOG to pursue further studies, God’s great grace and mercy will never depart from you.”
In her Valedictory speech, the Head Girl expressed her joy at the reality of leaving primary school for secondary school. She also used the occasion to appreciate the effort of the school management and teachers. In her words: “Our hearts are heavy because we are going to miss our agile, devoted hardworking, versatile and kind-hearted teachers. They have been real friends, mentors and guardians to us. On behalf of the graduands, we are sorry for the pains and troubles we might have caused you in the course of moulding us with discipline.”
The Head Girl also used the medium to encourage her fellow graduands to embrace hard work wherever they find themselves. “This is just the beginning of our success and learning. Let us always put on good behaviour like a garment and wear the armour of God’s Word. Let us go out there with determination, patience and obedience; the sky is our starting point” she concluded.
As expected, the event was characterised by various activities such as processional hymn, rhymes, choreography, French presentation, Ogwu dance, drama, Wazobia dance and orchestra display to spice up the occasion. Also, the graduating pupils have sonorous musical rendition to the admiration of everyone.
Furthermore, cash gifts and various awards were presented by designated parents.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as it was a time of reflection that made tears flow like a river. The Director of Studies, Mrs. Oloyede Abosede, sniffled every now and then as she embraced, and danced with, the pupils.
As if in a competition, teachers were not left out in betraying their emotions with tears when the graduating pupils sang the farewell song. In like manner, the graduating pupils also shared in the emotional outburst as they embraced, danced, and took photographs with their friends.
