SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR ANTHONY AWUNOR ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2024 GRADUATION CEREMONY OF CHRIST THE KING ROYAL ACADEMY, UBULU-UKU ON THE 20TH JULY, 2024
Chairman, 2024 Graduation Ceremony of Christ The King Royal Academy, Mr Anthony Awunor
Government Officials present
Highly revered Palace Chiefs
PTA Chairman, Mr Mr Charles Azuh
Chief Host, Mr Azuka Ujih
Graduation Planning Ctte Chairman, Hon Onwii Ojie
Distinguished Guests
Parents
Teachers
Pupils
Members of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is indeed with a heart full of joy and praise to the Almighty God that I stand here as the Chairman of this important event, that is the 2024 Graduation ceremony of one of the leading private schools at Ubulu Uku, known as Christ The King Royal Academy.
I therefore, welcome you all to this August ceremony.
Personally, I am very happy identifying with graduands like these shinning little pupils. In fact, graduation in my humble opinion is much more important than matriculation even though both rituals of academic fulfilments make loud and everlasting statements in their lives.
I am also happy to inform you all that, the journey of the cordial relationship between Christ The King Academy and Ubulu Ezemu publishing platform started in 2021 when we conducted a rigorous research to determine the “Who Is Who” in Ubulu-Uku when it comes to development of the education sector.
Ladies and gentlemen, at the end of the long search conducted for several months, we observed that the founder of this great academy, late Mr Charles Okeleke Ujih of blessed Memory gave so much to the development of education in Ubulu-Uku, much more than other contributors listed. He was therefore, awarded the prestigious “Ubulu Ezemu Education Promoter of the Year 2021”.
Based on our findings and one of the core reasons late Ujih was decorated with the coveted award was that he actually positioned himself at the forefront of private school business at Ubulu-Uku. This vantage position has equally placed him as one of the pioneer private school owners in the town, enabling the educationist to assist many indigenes to fulfil their educational career through the establishment of private school for the community.
As if his efforts were not enough, late Ujih in 2022, shortly before his demise
promised to retain the Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) centres for West Africa Senior School Certificate (WASSCE), National Examination Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination centres at Ubulu Uku. No doubt, today, a very huge progress has been made in that direction.
Throughout his lifetime, Mr Ujih’s firm belief was that his primary assignment was to develop this blessed ancient Ubulu-Uku Kingdom through quality education. It was on that basis, I believe made him to establish Christ The King Academy.
My advice therefore, to our little graduands is for them to be good Ambassadors of this great school. It is very important for you all to show good examples wherever you may find yourself. Learn and study very hard as that is the only way to grow. By so doing, the legacy left by the founder of your school will not be in vain.
Strive to become whatever you want to be. It could be a singer, dancer, chef, movie actor/actress, doctor, journalist, teacher, accountant, lawyer, engineer etc. What is important is that, whichever field one chooses, you do it well in conformity with the rules of the profession.
Listen carefully. There is no shortcut to sucess. Yahoo Yahoo is not a career but an evil machination borne out of greed and joblessness. The seccret to sucess is simply hardwork, focus and consistency. When all these life ingredients are in place, there is no way one cannot succeed. Keep your eye on these factors always.
Also do not be distracted by the “Get Rich Quick Syndrome. Any wealth acquired through negative ways cannot stand the test of time. You should therefore, always follow the right path and do things rightly for the interest of your peace and that of the society.
And to the teachers, I urge you all to keep the high standard laid down by the school management. A school is a place to mould, reshape and develop the mind. It becomes even more critical, when it has to do with very young minds like these ones I am seeing. They deserve your best and please give it your best as well.
I will not end this speech without thanking the Graduation Planning Committee Chairman, Hon Onwii Ojie and his team for organising this beautiful event. My commendation also goes to the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman, Mr Mr Charles Azuh for coordinating both the parents and teachers in the most effective way.
In addition, I must recognise the teachers and even the pupils who have made the school what it is today.
Conclusively, I congratulate all the graduands and wish them well in their future academy pursuits.
Thank you all.
Anthony Awunor, a multiple award-winning journalist is the publisher of Ubulu Ezemu