Testimonies – 2018 Session

Okonkwo Emmanuel Ekene (A’Level Sciences)

I would like to start off by referring to the Bible because it’s my major source of inspiration. It is written in Psalm 25:9, “The Humble He guides in justice, And the humble he teaches his way”. Good day, ladies and gentlemen, my fellow students, our responsible parents and noteworthy teachers, the Heads of School and Curriculum, and the Director of this great institution.

I thank you all for coming to this wonderful ceremony. My name is Okonkwo Emmanuel Ekene and I am the Valedictorian for The16 Plus School’s graduating class of 2018.

I feel privileged to get to speak to everyone and there is so much to say; but first, as we go to the outside world, I’d like us to leave with this quote from Steve Jobs: “Sometimes life’s going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did.”

I would like to recognize a few teachers who are extremely committed to their jobs as educators, and have worked to make me and many others better students in our fields: Mr. Ajani, Mr. Kehinde, Mr. Onu, and Mr. Uche. In addition to these four, there are a number of other very good teachers here as well.

Life is a journey and the accomplishments we achieve during its course would be taken as starting points for further achievements. But before we reach for the stars, there is one more personal milestone we all need to reach. The road that lies ahead won’t be easy. There will be obstacles, potholes, and roadblocks. There will be times when each of us would think he or she is alone but know this: we are all in this journey together. We’ve made it this far, why should we back out now? Nothing in life is easy and that includes making the most out of our future. We will keep pushing because we all know we can achieve our dreams because we are worth it.

From this day forward, let us believe in ourselves so that we may reach our goals and fulfill our dreams. Let us be the best we can be so that we may fill our lives and the lives of those closest to us with happiness and pride. We’ve already taken the first step by making it to this ceremony today. Now it’s time to take the next steps in our journeys and begin to build our future. Thank you.

Balogun Tabitha (A’Level Sciences)

 My father once told me that in the river of life, there are two options: either you swim or you sink; and in this lap of our lives’ race, we –the class of 2018– swam. I am highly honored to be here today, in front of you all; for that, I am grateful. The members of staff have worked tirelessly because of us, sacrificing their weekends to see us here today. I remember all the back-to-back classes with my teachers and Mr. Ajani always buying food and snacks for us. A very big ‘thank you’ to our mother, Mrs. Bessong for being there, for caring and for just being you; you are an amazing woman. To the Director of the school, Mrs. Okpanachi, the family you have here is a beautiful one and thank you for always keeping your door open to us.

I am here today, not only to thank these wonderful people, but to also give a word of advice to my friends. With you guys, I have found a home; we have worked tirelessly to be here today and for that, congratulations – you made it! Beyond my expectations, we have formed a very strong bond I did in just nine months and I pray our friendship becomes even strong. We have all played a part in building this relationship and I will miss each of you dearly. We have grown academically, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

We have been given tools that will guide us for the rest of our lives. As we carry on with our journeys in life, let us live each day like it is our last; have fun, be adventurous, don’t let fear keep you from anything. The heart scares easily; so no matter the situation, assure your heart that all is well because God turns every setback in our lives into a stepping stone to greatness. We all need to realize that even when life does not go as planned, God is still there every step of the way. We are not going to be young for long so strive to do everything and anything you need to do with the time you have.Be the best you can be so that instead of chasing success, success will chase you. Class of 2018, we have great potential which we must maximize.

A very big ‘thank you’ to our parents. You have been with us every step of the way, working to pay our fees, driving all the way whenever we need you, advising and guiding us. We love you dearly and we pray God continually blesses you.

On behalf of the Class of 2018, I would like to once again say a big ‘thank you’ to every single person here today. We remain eternally grateful to you all. My friends, we were once together in this place but now we are going to places we do not know; I know we will be the best because trees planted by God never wither. I also know that wherever you go, you will always be in my heart and prayers and I hope I will be in yours too.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Ndulue Chinenyenwa (IGCSE)

Good morning Mr Okpanachi, our Chairman; Mrs Okpanachi, our Director; Mrs Bessong, our Head of school; Mr Ajani, Head of curriculum; members of staff, parents, friends and my fellow grandaunds.

My name is Chinenyenwa Ndulue. I want to, first of all, thank the Almighty God for seeing me through this journey; I also would like to thank my mum for always being there to encourage me.

Walking into The 16 Plus School was a completely different experience. Unlike my other school, I wasn’t forced to study here; everyone was independent, and we were allowed to express ourselves. Here at The 16 Plus School, they tried to make a difference (MAD) to make us comfortable. I appreciate that a lot.

I remember the first day I came to The 16 Plus School; I was so excited that I didn’t know the journey would be long and bumpy journey until my first test; that’s when the reality dawned on me.

I was in The 16 Plus School for exactly only six months, yet it seemed like forever. There were ups and downs, different experiences, some of which I’m glad happened and some others, I regret. I’ve made many wonderful friends I and I hope to keep them for life.

I would like to thank my Sociology teacher and mentor, Mr Abednego, for being a good mentor; he was always willing to listen and help me even at his busy moments. I would also like to thank Mr Onipede, my English Language teacher. At the beginning, you told my mum and I that I had not yet entered the gates of The 16 Plus School and my mother was appreciative. This I later understood to mean the work load ahead of me. I appreciate your devotion and commitment and passion to see me move my grades up from 11/25 to 18/25 within the short period I was at the school. You kept pushing and motivating me till the very end, even in the exam hall you smiled at me and gave me thumbs up; you told me that I could get an A if I pushed and believed in myself. At last you told my mum I had entered the gates of The 16 Plus School and now ready to leave. Once again, thank you, Mr Onipede.

I would also like to thank the friends that knew the exact words to say and when to say them. So, Chioma, Ayomide, McAusten, Ojulari, Mayadenu, Blessing, Alfred, David Ibitayo, Tabitha, Vanessa ,Jumoke, Ifeanyi, Uchechi, Samuel and Genevieve, thank you so much. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Mrs Bessong for being a mother to me; Mr Ajani, for being at my doorstep to always correct so I could be the best in what I did; and our dear Matron, for taking care of us and making the hostel a fun place to be. I would also like to say thank you to all the teachers as a whole and The 16 Plus School for bringing out the best in me.

Today, I know that I am standing on the brink of my future – the first day of the rest of my life; in fact, we all are. As a student, I am inspired by the words of one of the greatest American computer scientists, Alan Kay. He said “The greatest way to predict the future is to invent it.”

Some of us here today, including our parents, are wondering how our lives are going to turn out. It is okay to wonder but I also think it is important to realize that our future is not just something that happens to us. It is up to us to create.

So, fellow grandaunds, I urge you today to embrace the opportunity before you. Take what you have learned throughout the last few months and put it to good use.

Leave behind what isn’t helpful and bring forward the lessons that will be useful tools in your greatest invention ever: YOUR LIFE!!

Congratulations!! And, GOD BLESS.