As part of their community service, the outgoing pupils of Edgewood College, Lekki, Lagos decided to present a table tennis to a public school, Victoria Island Primary School, VI, Lagos.
The presentation performed by Folakemi Oduwole, outgoing assistant head girl, formed part of Edgewood’s graduation last weekend.
Speaking at the presentation, Folakemi said presentation of gifts to the beneficiary school is an annual ritual. Last year, she said Edgewood gave uniforms, stationery, and text books among other items, a gesture she describes as a bond of love they have always shared with the school.
In his keynote address, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Odein Henry Ajumogobia (SAN), gave the graduands, some of who already had their ‘A’ Level results as well as those that had completed University Foundation Programmes, tips on how to prepare for the next step in life.
Ajumogobia, who was the guest speaker at the event, said their freedom began now, but warned that they must start taking responsibilities for their actions or inactions.
“From here, you students will be free and accountable for your actions to yourself and the law,” he warned.
He further warned that freedom at the tertiary level can be intoxicating, admonishing them not give in to it, because temptation of not attending class might occur.
He urged them to embrace qualities such as good manners, decency, and good sense of humour, remorse, knowledge and sportsmanship.
“Remember that your qualities as a person will be more important than your qualification,” Ajumogobia said.
He also counselled them to prepare for hard times.
“Explore your gifts and talent because they might bring you fame and fortune. Embrace hard work and humility, focus on others around you, challenge yourself and above all fear God.There are setbacks, difficulties and obstacles, embrace them because they are part of life. Keep your eyes on the goal; life is like a marathon; learn something new every day, follow God as you take these confident steps” he said.
In his valedictory speech, the outgoing head boy Maxwell Jack, said his heart goes out to his classmates of Year 2013 for the fortitude they demonstrated all through the year.
He said: “I also commend you for allowing me to lead you and yet teaching me so much. As we leave Edgewood to pursue degrees in various part of the world, i implore that we don’t forget the invaluable lessons we have learned at Edgewood. The sharp edge that we have should not be allowed to go blunt, the same determination we have shown here should be present in all our endeavours in our various universities.”
In her goodwill speech the school’s Executive Director Mrs Kehinde Phillips told her pupils to be the best.
“The difference between extraordinary and ordinary is that extra. Never hesitate to attempt that little extra that can bring change in your life,” she said.
Thirty-two graduates were presented with certificates, plaques, and prizes.