Premier Ikorodu-based institution, Oriwu senior model college held its annual prize giving and recognition day on the 21st of September 2022.
Already earning a dominating year, from achieving victory at the state’s spelling bees competition, placing its scholar as a one-day Governor and its principal (Mr Akeem Bello) winning the 2022 Africa outstanding principal award, Oriwu college has become an intellectually formidable name in the education sphere.
The Prize-giving day was a display of compassion, as the school recognised not only outstanding alumni and teachers but also students and security officers were rewarded for their efforts towards the smooth running of the school.
Playing host to luminaries such as Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Hon. SOB Agunbiade, Dr David Sunmoni (Pro chancellor, LASU), Engr. SAC Longe, Mr Hermann Olanrewaju, Mr Mutiu Lemomu, Mr Ayodele Elesho and Chief Labi Ishola amongst other dignitaries, the event also displayed a cultural dance performance by the school, thrilling guests in attendance.
In his brief address, former minister of works and housing, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe took the students and guests through his early days in the school and how he pulled through every barrier he faced to become a key figure in society.
Elucidating that the modern set should feel very lucky, Ogunlewe instructed the students never to forfeit focus because, during his time, there was no light or water, the same water for bathing was used for drinking.
He continued, “Taking you down memory lane it’s because I am happy with how the school has transformed, and with the competitive trajectory the school is presenting to Lagos State, certainly, we’ll always set the pace”.
Urging the school to continuously embrace technology, Ogunlewe surprised the school’s administration, pledging to build a 300-bed girls’ hostel as a personal contribution to the school.
“Also, as chairman of Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), I’ll ensure we synergize with this great school of ours to aid sophisticated educational standards”.
“Am very optimistic that most of you will achieve more than what we have attained in our respective careers as alumni, that’s why am encouraging all students to read their books and live up to expectations because things are changing fast, and only focus pupils emerge great”.
Ogunlewe concluded by exhorting the school teachers to notify areas where they need assistance to get more support.
Majority Leader, Lagos State house of Assembly, representing Ikorodu constituency 1, Hon. SOB Agunbiade took over the mic, relaying his attachment to the college.
“Not only the immediate past principal is a relative of mine, but the present principal was also my college roommate”, He Said.
“In life, there are always going to be challenges and obstacles, whenever you overcome one, there is another waiting at the next door, but it is important that you go through it with a sense of excellence, and a mindset of strength because you will need to overcome these things”.
“If you don’t return to this school after attaining success in your respective careers to give back? it means the essence of this event has been defeated”.
“Also bare it in mind just as our distinguished senator said earlier, every apparatus at your disposal must be put to good use”.
Agunbiade further advised the students to believe in themselves, with a support system that will develop a sense of excellence and a mindset of strength.
Subsequently, both special guests were presented with an Award of Excellence.
Aina Kolapo was awarded for bagging the best WAEC result in the school, Sola Samuel, the best student in the science department, Obi Shedrack & Fakunle Yoyinsola, the best student in the humanity department, Fashola Yomi & Badmus Wahab, the best student in the business department, Abdulrahman Abdulazeez & Adigun Jamaaldeen, the best student in the mathematics department, Yusuf Hannah & Aishat Lawal, Most honest students and Osiefa Nassar & Rosenje Zikroh, Neatest students.
Other recipients were Mrs Nwankwo, Best H.O.D, Mr Ogunlegan, Best Year Tutor, Mr Olaoye, Best class teacher, Mrs Olusanjo, Best teacher, Mrs Olatunji, Best Non-teaching, Mr Tunde, Best ADOCH & Mr Animaya Alex, Best security.
In a brief chat with Ikorodu News Network (INN) post-event, Mr Akeem Bello, Principal, Oriwu Senior Model college, explained that the essence of the program is to recognise those who are instrumental in the development of the college, like the old student association of the school.
He continued, “The idea is also to encourage our students and teachers alike to improve in their performances when they see their fellow mates winning awards and accomplishing different feats”.
“Awards we presented was specially designed by Dr Tajudeen Ogbara, an American-based doctor who was also an alumni of this school”.
“We allotted an official session feeding allowance to indigent students in the school. By bringing old students of the school who has made it in life to talk to the students, we’re simply encouraging them to know that they can do the same or even better” Mr Bello added.
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