The rains could not stop the celebration. It was all joy and laughter as parents, guardians, friends and loved ones of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls gathered on Friday 14th June, 2019 at Ten Degrees Event Center, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos to witness yet another annual graduation and valedictory service under the chairmanship of Otunba Sore Fasugbudu.
This year’s graduation theme was tagged ‘Set of Shinning Stars’. The theme defines the mindset of the graduands who are young girls with a global outlook who have been nurtured to uphold the dignity of labour and womanhood.
It was a mix of excitement and tears of joy for the graduating students. While some of the graduands expressed great joy of finally leaving secondary school, others could not hold back the tears at the thought of parting ways with the school.
The welcome speech was delivered by Miss Vanessa Akunwo, a graduating student. She said six years at the college has greatly empowered her to greater height that she would never have achieved elsewhere. She therefore thanked the school management for all the pleasant experiences and opportunities she and her friends had been exposed to to find their true self. She therefore charged her fellow graduating students to be bold, courageous and strive to be the best wherever they find themselves. In her words: “Let us be bold and courageous always to stand for what is right. Our College has inculcated in us a balanced education which develops our personal qualities in our quest for academic and moral discipline.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Sore Fasugbudu congratulated the graduands and told them that the graduation was the culmination of a long and challenging but ultimately rewarding journey.
“You have studied in a unique college where talents and creativity are nurtured and you have become empowered with skills and attributes you need to be the next generation of global leaders who can make the impossible possible.”
Otunba Fasugbudu then admonished the graduands not to forget the child of whom they are. He said they should tread carefully as they embark on another phase of academic sojourns.
The Guest Minister, Venerable (Dr.) Olorunfemi Fatile of All Saint Anglican Church, Yaba, Lagos, advised the students to be closer to God and not take the foundation laid by the college for granted.
With laughter, good music accompanied with spunky dances that kept everyone cheering, harmonious song presentations, engaging recitals and brilliant valedictory speeches, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls graduation ceremony was simply a delight to watch.
Presentation of prizes and awards were given to outstanding students in different categories for their exceptional academic and non-academic performance. This was followed with palpable joy by the parents and well wishers.
The Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Sore Fasugbudu conducted the presentation of testimonials, prizes and awards to the graduands. Thereafter, two of the graduands, Miss Olomojobi and Miss Yewande Alatise treated the audience with another round of performances which included skillful ballet recital and soloist presentation.
Special awards were also presented to some special guests of honour.
Distinguished Guest of Honour, Mrs. Nkemdilim Begho was recognized for her invaluable contribution to the development of technology in Nigeria. Mrs. Ifeoma Idigbe was also recognized for her outstanding contribution to the development of education in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands – Ashley Davidson passionately highlighted their life in the college and gave a heartfelt exhortation to her fellow students in tears. This was indeed the meat of the occasion as she left the stage with enthusiastic cheering and thunderous applause by the audience.
In her closing remarks, the college Director, Mrs. Olufunke Fowler-Amba charged the graduands to always maintain impeccable character wherever they find themselves. She therefore extended her appreciation to members of staff for their unflinching support in ensuring that the students are giving adequate attention to excel in their different subjects.
“At Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, we offer the girl-child qualitative and functional secondary school education, inculcate in the girl-child the pursuit of excellence, raise a generation of young women who will respect and uphold the dignity of labour and nurture girls to grow, live and function as unique and respectable wives and mothers of tomorrow, Mrs. Fowler-Amba concluded.”
The curtain for the graduation ceremony was drawn after words of exhortation by the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Dayo Israel.