… urges students to remain goal Oriented in life
A Chieftain of All Progressive Congress, APC in Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Yusuf Adejojo has presented a brand new laptop to the best graduant of Folayets School, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The former lawmaker who was also the chairman of the occassion made the presentation during the 2023 Graduation Prize Giving And Award Ceremony At The School Premises, Federal Housing Estate , Elega.
The founder of YusufAdejojo Foundation urged the graduating students tp be strategic and goal-oriented in life, as they advance in their academic pursuits.
The former lawmaker told the students to resist every temptation to be influenced wrongly by peers in higher institutions.
He said “I am delighted for the privilege given to me to address this gathering. I appreciate the school management for this and to apologize for not showing up for the past invitation, it was due to busy schedule and other commitments.
“I would like to begin by addressing the first teachers of the graduants. Who are the first teachers of this students?. Parents and carers.
“Parents and carers, for the past 10 or 11 years you have changed pampers, practised phonics, checked homework and raced against the clock to be here or there on time with your child. You have been a key partner in your child’s education. Your positive attitude towards learning has influenced and encouraged your child to achieve his or her best at Folayet School. I thank you on their behalf and pray God continue to bless you with the required resources to enable you give the best care and education.
“Students are not only taught by teachers, but they have to do independent study to learn things for themselves, more so than they have done at the just concluded stage of education. It will be important that your child has the right environment at home to cope with these expectations.
“Now teachers and teaching assistants, your years of planning, teaching, marking, encouraging, modelling and explaining have come to fruition.
“How proud you must be to see your pupils here today! You have touched the lives of these young people forever- and when you think about it, not just their lives but even the lives of their future children. Such is the impact of a teacher’s role. Through difficult, changing times in education, you have adapted, evolved and ensured that every child has developed and achieved to the best of their ability at this stage.
“As teachers you know that a child’s performance at 11 does not determine who or what they will become in life. In this gathering we could have the doctors, engineers, designers of the future as well as workers in careers that have not even been dreamed of yet.
” I appreciate your contribution to the lives of this kids and i pray God continue to increase your knowledge to impact positively to the future leaders. Remember, your kids also will be thought by some other teacher, hence we have to give out best so the best can be given to our kids also wherever they may find themselve.
“At this point, I would like to address the graduating students and other students. Six years of primary education and three years Junior secondary education have whizzed by and now it’s time for you to fly the nest of your education off into a much bigger and higher school.
“Some of you will be leaving behind friends and starting in a school where you know no one at all.
“In a few short weeks, you will be meeting new friends and teachers who will affect your lives for years to come. Wherever you are off to, I have some advice for you so listen carefully. Everyone will tell you that you must work hard and do your best. But I also want you to be aware of something that is every bit as important as academic success – and that is your character and reputation.
” As you know, your character is the type of person you are and your reputation is the opinions that people hold about you—-whether they are true or not! At secondary school, the friends you choose will have a lot of influence on your character and reputation.
“There is a saying that “Birds of a feather flock together”. So you have to choose your new friends carefully. Do not be tempted to join in when you hear of other people texting or saying negative things about another child just so that you fit in.
“Always think for yourself and ask yourself, Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
“You see, words have power. The old adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me” is simply not true. Words and name calling can be extremely damaging. Never accidentally or deliberately find yourself involved in verbal or any other kind of bullying. Words can build up a person or break a person. Develop a positive character and reputation and use words that build, not damage others. If you should find yourself in the company of people who want to tempt you to do things that you are not sure about, always remember these words,
“When in doubt, do the right thing”.
What do you do when you are in doubt? (Response: the right thing)
“How do you know if it’s the right thing? The right thing is the thing that will make you proud of yourself and your parents and teachers proud of you even if they can’t see you.
“But sometimes you will make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, even your parents and teachers. If you do, there are two things to do:
“1. Be of good character and apologise.
2. Secondly, don’t beat yourself up because you made a mistake. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“The lesson that you learn will be very important and will save you from making that mistake again. So remember that words are powerful, and knowing that, strive your best to be a master of English words. Read widely, collect words and develop a love of using them effectively. With bags of good character, care for how you make others feel and sack loads of vocabulary, you will have the foundations to do your best at secondary school and throughout your future lives. I wish you the best in your future endeavors” he concluded