The Chief Executive Officer of Buff-I-Limited and a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Dr. Anthony Adeniji, has called on young learners to adopt passion-driven learning and self-reliance as tools for national development.
Adeniji made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Valedictory and Award Ceremony of St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan, for its graduating students.
The event, themed “Roots and Wings,” marked the school’s first official send-off ceremony.
Speaking on the importance of building strong foundations, Adeniji described “roots” as a learner’s sense of identity, value system, love, support structure, and self-worth. He said these, combined with “wings”, symbolising independence, curiosity, and resilience, equip students to pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose.
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Using metaphors such as the “game of life,” binocular prisms, and mentorship, Adeniji emphasised the need for skill development, networking, and a strong spiritual foundation to guide learners in achieving their goals and fulfilling their destinies.
Dr. Adeniji, younger brother to Professor Grace Oloukoi, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Management and Design at Lead City University, underscored the importance of balancing stability with exploration in a fast-changing world.
The school’s principal, Dr. Yemi Shadare, an alumnus and the first indigenous principal, was also in attendance, alongside parents, staff, and students who celebrated the landmark occasion.