Government Technical College (GTC), Ikotun, Lagos State Principal Mr Olugbemi Ololade has been urged to toe the path of his predecessor if he must triumph and be celebrated at the end of his career.
Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASVEB) Executive Secretary Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo gave the advice during the retirement and last day in office of the immediate past principal of the school, Mr Adaramola Samuel Oladele.
The open field of the college, venue of the event, was replete with celebrations and eulogies as friends, church and family members as well as colleagues poured encomiums on Adaramola, who, celebrated his 60th birthday on Wednesday last week.
Adaramola during his career twice won the Lagos Best Teacher of the Year in 20012/20013, and 2013/2014 academic sessions.
Mrs Erogbogbo said Adaramola would remain one of the outstanding principals she ever worked with, saying that she never had an issue with him.
The LASTVEB chief described Adaramola as hardworking, resilient, diligent, committed and an individual who loves to bring out the best in others.
“What else can I say about Mr Daramola? Erogbogbo asked rhetorically.
“He is an embodiment of what we call leadership. I never had any problem with him or the school while he was in charge.. Anytime I come to GTC (Ikotun), he was always up and doing. I’ve not heard any bad report about him. I’m sure both students and staff will miss because he is a performer.”
“And this is a moment of reflection for those of you still in service. What will be said about you when you sign off? Daramola has impressed me and paid his dues,” Erogbogbo said.
Presenting to Adaramola the Certificate of Service, Erogbogbo urged him to take a rest for six months, eat healthy and exercise very well to continuously keep fit.
‘’You all heard all the good things that have been said about Daramola, your own story must not change,” Erogbogbo told Ololade.
A former colleague and retired principal of Government Technical College, Adosoba, Mr Joa Akindele, described retirement as ‘diminuendo period’. He urged the celebrator to gird his loins as he would realise who his true friends and pretenders were. Head or tail, Akindele said, Adaramola should take things philosophically.
He said: “When the time comes, which I am sure it will, I admonish you to have a sound mind under control, a disciplined mind that does not panic, a mind that does not lose touch with reality; a mind which neither gives way to imagination, nor loses consciousness or go into depression. Since life is never a bed of roses, there are times we have to face these trying times in life, only then we can be molded into people of character. We have our plans but God always has a better plan in store for us.”
In order not to remain what Akindele tagged ‘once upon a time’ principals, Akindele suggested that all retired principals of technical schools should set up the Association of Retired Principals of Technical Colleges.
“Aside that, it will be a forum for members to share knowledge, challenges and experiences. It will also serve as an avenue to stretch arms of comradeship to our LASTVEB and in extension promote technical and vocational education.”
A teacher in GTC Ikotun Mr Shadare Aremu, said of his former boss. ‘’Mr Adaramola is a father, mentor and role model. During his tenure, he displayed all the attributes of a good leader; his 35 years of meritorious service has come. I celebrate with you because you deserve the best. As you move on to the next phase, God’s presence will be with you.”
Adaramola’s son Ifedayo, described his father as a kind-hearted individual who loves his family.
“Sometimes, I think he is too nice, but he would always say what is more significant about life. He ensures he gave all of us education,” Ifedayo said.
“As a disciplinarian, he would not tolerate any immoral behaviour. He is quite honest and hardworking. We wished he lives longer and continue to make impact even beyond the walls of service.”
In his response, Adaramola thanked the Lagos State government, his workers and family for standing by him. Nonetheless, he pleaded that he be forgiven should he have offended anybody along his career path.
He listed some of his in service as achievements as: “Inauguration of the Parents’ Forum; composition of GCI school anthem; entrenchment of discipline among students, construction of drainage; rehabilitation of the assembly platform; and initiation of the school old students association, among others.
He urged others to cooperate with his successor so as to continue record more successes.