Nigerian youths must be optimistic –Jedras

[Mirror]

"Children and youths in Nigeria must be optimistic. The world is in transformation, but they must also know that nothing is achieved without sacrifice. They must believe in their values; they must believe in God and they must believe in the future of their country".

These were the strong words of the CEO and Principal of Atlantic Hall, Poka -Epe, Lagos, Mr. Andre Jedras, to Nigerian youths, at the 21st Valedictory and graduation ceremony for class of 2013, which held at the school compound last week.

Addressing the students and the guests, Jedras said: "Whilst we recognise the tremendous natural wealth and potential of the nation, the entrepreneurial talents which abound, the tremendous pride of the Nigerians towards their country, there is a lot to put right before a more equal and balanced society emerges, and a country where ordinary Nigerians enjoy those things taken for granted in so called more developed nations.

"But, it is people who bring about change and, today, we are looking to the next generation to provide the ambition; drive, commitment and, no doubt, sacrifice to bring about those changes."

Some of the graduating students of the Atlantic Hall making a presentation.

He further advised them to desist from all forms of violence but engaged themselves in values that will transform their society and the country.

Jedras pointed that such positive values are being translated to the students at Atlantic Hall at early possible age, "And I certainly hope that the class of 2013 will reflect those leaders who will be instrumental in the ongoing transformation process in Nigeria."

Turning to the 56 graduating students, the principal remarked: "Remember your time at Atlantic Hall, thank your parents for their support to this point and into the future and ensure that every night when you lie in your bed and are alone with your thoughts, you are able to look back on the day passed with no grievance or bitterness in your heart and that nobody is unhappy because of anything you have done, or anything that you have failed to do."

Similarly, the Chairman of the Atlantic Hall Educational Trust Council, Mrs. Olaotan Towry-Coker, congratulated the graduating students on the successful completion of their studies, saying that their graduation is a celebration of an ending and a new beginning.

Towry-Coker, who was represented by the vice –chairman of the council, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, told them that as young people, they should exercise enough determination to stand out in the crowd.

"No matter the circumstance or situation, you should work for your honour and protect it all times. As you march in faith and confidence into the future, you should make all the training and experiences acquired in Atlantic Hall your compass. Your thoughts and deeds should be motivated by love," she counselled.

In a gathering that had eminent Nigerians including Rtd. Chief Justice of the Federation Justice Mohammed Uwais, former group managing director of Champion Newspapers, Mr. Emma Agu, and many others, Miss Valerie Aborowa shone like a million stars as she was lauded for her leadership qualities and academic excellence. The hall erupted as the valedictorian's citation was being read. She was also honoured with special award as the Best Behaved.

The school presented a plague and a certificate to her as the Class of 2013 valedictorian, while the American University of Nigeria gave her a certificate and ipad in recognition of her academic excellence.

Aborowa in her valedictory speech on behalf of the class thanked the staff and management for believing as well as imparting so much in them.

"I can honestly say that I have been who I wanted to be all within six years. It's six years of challenges and achievements. As much as we would love to stay together, we would want to move on. We thank God for keeping us together till date; we didn't miss anyone," she said.

And to turning to her mates, Aborowa advised thus: "Life is not as bed of roses. If opportunity doesn't knock, go out and search for it. Don't even run away from hard work. As we are leaving this great school, let's know that it is just the beginning. It is a beautiful beginning for all of us."

Equally, Francis Maduagwu, Precious Akingbade, Toluwani Folurunsho and Omobolanale Asuni were honoured with outstanding leadership qualities award. Adam Uwais and Angel Okwuosa received the Head Boy and Head Girl awards respectively.

Other special awardees were Chukwuebuka Nwokemdo-Ihejirirka (Deputy Head Boy Award), Adeola Ogunnoiki (Deputy Head Girl Award) and Tokunbo Owolabi (Pastora Care).

Interestingly, the students entertained their guests with a musical presentation entitled: 'Today My Life Begins' at the colourful ceremony.

National Mirror