kakalistiq.com reports that the serene school compound of Odo-Obara Junior High School, Epe, came alive on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2025, as the school held its highly anticipated Valedictory Service and Prize-Giving Day. It was a colourful celebration of academic excellence, character, growth, and the resilient spirit of the Nigerian student.
With invited guests, proud parents, excited students, dedicated teachers, and accomplished old students in attendance, the event not only marked the end of a junior school chapter for the graduating students but also reminded everyone of the beauty of public education when done right.
Representing the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Mrs. Adefuye Abiodun lauded the exceptional dedication of the school’s teaching staff.
“Teachers are the quiet architects behind every success story. We commend you for nurturing these children with diligence and love,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s unrelenting commitment to improving the quality of education, adding:
“Across the state, our focus remains clear: better schools, empowered teachers, and equipped students. We will continue to raise the standard.”
She also praised the Old Students Association for giving back generously to the school community:
“Your contributions are shaping lives. Please, don’t stop. Our future depends on these young ones, and you’ve proven that giving back builds nations.”
In his address, the Chairman of the event, Hon. Abiodun Adebayo, a proud old student and former Vice Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, urged the students to draw inspiration from the presence of successful alumni.
“Let no one make you feel inferior for attending a public school. You are part of a legacy. Government has provided facilities: use them, thrive with them”
He, however, warned of the dangers of unchecked social media addiction:
“Social media can make or mar your dreams. Use it wisely to build your knowledge, not to destroy your focus.”
The keynote address was delivered by Engr. Kenny Kadri-Edu, former Vice Chairman of Epe LGA and another proud product of Odo-Obara. She gave a soul-stirring account of her personal journey from secondary school through teacher training, degrees in computer engineering, and current studies at the Police College. “Never stop learning. Today’s knowledge is tomorrow’s weapon for service,” she said.
“I studied education and engineering not just for myself, but to serve humanity. As I study security now, I do so to protect and uplift my people. Parents must also help discover the strength of their children early: it makes a world of difference.”
Earlier in her heartfelt message, the school principal and host, Alhaja Owolabi, emphasized the importance of morals and representation.
“As you move to senior secondary school, let your character speak louder than your words. Be disciplined, focused, and be proud ambassadors of Odo-Obara JHS.”
Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Shittu Idowu (SAICO), delivered a strong message on behavior and life choices: “Your future is bright, but only if you avoid bad company and antisocial behavior. Good character is your greatest passport to success.”
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of six white marker boards to the school by Mr. Mark Cornelius, representative of the 2002 Set Old Students Association.
“Let these boards remind you every day that learning is a continuous fire: keep it burning,” he said.
Adding colour and emotion to the day, National President of the Old Students Association, Mr. Sanusi Rasak, made a stylish declaration of the graduates as Valedictorians, calling on the Senior Boy and Senior Girl to sign his uniform. The spontaneous act drew loud cheers and gave the students a tangible sense of belonging and motivation.
The ceremony featured a variety of impressive cultural and academic presentations, including:
Yoruba, English, and French poems and chants, Islamic musical choreography, cultural dance displays.
To cap the day, deserving teachers and students were honoured in various categories: Overall Best Student, Arolahun Barakat Sesede; Best Teacher, Mr. Issa Sheriff; Best Class Teacher, Miss Ogunbiyi Jumoke; Most Compassionate Educator, Miss Alonge Elizabeth; Best Year Tutor, Mr. Bakare Ismail and Most Responsive Senior Tutor, Miss O. Grace Banke.
The Odo-Obara Junior School Valedictory 2025 was not just an event, it was a testimony to the power of education, community, and hope for a brighter future.
