Jul 20, 2007 - Valedictory Of Rainbow College
I am delighted to join the management, staff and students of Rainbow College to honour the proud students who have successfully completed their studies and are graduating today. I congratulate all of you, rejoice with your parents, guardians and well wishers who are gathered here today to celebrate with you.
Let me also congratulate most especially the teachers and management of this college for your efforts at not only ensuring that quality education is given to our young men and women who are future leaders but also preparing them to be responsible citizens of our country.
I also share the joy of today with the parents of all graduating students for the great sacrifice they have given to lay a solid foundation for the future of their children.
At this point, I will invite all the graduating students to demonstrate their appreciation to both their teachers and parents by giving them a big rousing applause.
On a day like this, it is a common tradition to give some words of wisdom in form of advice and admonition to those who are moving on to greater challenges in their academic career. Let me however observe that whatever advice you are given today, it is only a reminder because the years you have spent in the school up to this stage are meant to prepare you academically, psychologically and morally for the challenges which will come your way in the very near future.
As you bid your teachers and friends goodbye, it is very important that you always remember the values of hard work, perseverance, integrity, honesty, decency, prayer and the fear of God which you have learnt from your parents and teachers. No doubt, you have done so well and you deserve this celebrations.
It is however the beginning of another crucial journey which will lead to the attainment of your life ambitions and the fulfillment of your dreams, which brings me to a very important issue that will determine the level of success you intend to achieve in life – the need to plan. To plan means knowing where you are, where you are going and how to get there. It is simply the road map to success. You should therefore learn to plan your time, your day and your programme to be able to achieve your maximum potentials.
Today, I am calling on all the graduants to make a pledge to be the best, commit to the best and deliver the best knowing fully well that the true value of your education is not in the certificate you have acquired but in the person you have become.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and pray that God almighty who has been by you will continue to guide and protect you.
Once again, I congratulate you and rejoice with your parents, guardians and well wishers.
I thank you for your kind attention and God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State