Channel your energies toward promoting unity, integrity, peace- King’s College Principal, Zachariah, charges graduating students
Graduation
The Principal, King’s College Lagos, Mr Magaji Zachariah, has charged the graduating class of 2025 to channel their energies toward promoting unity, integrity and peace as they go into the larger space.
He gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of students of SS3 of the 113-year-old all boys institutions on Saturday in Lagos.
According to him, these values are of utmost importance, especially at a time, when the entire world is troubled and in need of calm and peace.
He stated that there was no greater joy than for the students to see themselves making a difference in the lives of others, to uphold the dignity of humanity and in turn advance the social order around them.
“I am proud of you and hope that these years have been productive and now, better prepared to accept the challenges that come with life.
“You have taught resilience, faith and courage. You have been empowered to face challenges head on; it is a necessary ingredient to your growth.
“You will need to identify what you need from life and strive to get it. Do not quit when life challenges you. Do not quit if you fail anything, keep trying until you get what you want.
“You will meet people as you grow. Learn to align with those whose purpose aligns with your vision. Keep them close and just as you’ve built relationships here, continue to build good relationships
“Let me not forget to remind you to make a difference in whatever you do, in the wider work space, that you will fit yourselves in, the families you will raise and in the lives of people you will encounter “ he said.
He further tasked the students not to hesitate to reach back to their alma mata to share their achievements as they rose up the ladder of success, particularly with their teachers, who had shown keen interest on their growth and well being.
According to the principal, there can be nothing more fulfilling for the institution, than witness the success of the students in all their life’s endeavors.
“Do not forget that this institution is a family is a family. You can always come back home when circumstances beyond your control rears its head.
“We shall stand by you and support you toward fulfilling your purpose,” he assured.
He then commended all the prefects, club heads and class representatives whom, according to him, added meaning to the lives of their fellow students and the college in general.
The principal also lauded the parents who entrusted the college with their wards and have them the much needed support to see them through the course of their stay in the school.
On his part, Mr Chidi Ilogu SAN, said achievements were not just about applause and prizes, rather, about it was about planting the seeds for the future.
Mr Ilogu, who was the guest speaker at the event, delivered a paper with the theme: Honouring Today’s Achievers; Building Tomorrow’s Leaders.
According to him, the theme speaks volumes as it goes to remind everyone that honouring achievements is about nurturing confidence, affirming potentials and laying the foundation for leadership in whatever path one may choose.
He explained that achievement in today’s world took more than intellect, noting that it took courage to remain focused in a world full of distractions.
“Today, I will jit just speak to your achievements as students. I will speak to your potentials and more importantly, your purpose.
“It takes residence and strength to keep going when others have stopped. It also takes values, honesty, respect, discipline and empathy.
“On the other hand, leadership as stated in the theme, is not a position nor a title, nor about being the loudest in the room, nor the most popular.
“Leadership is a mindset; it is the ability to influence your environment for good. It is choosing to be responsible, even when no one is watching. It is using your voice not to dominate, but to uplift,” he said.
He noted that leaders of tomorrow were not simply those with best grades, but rather, should be those with clearest vision, deepest compassion, strong values and the boldest of dreams.
According to him, they will be people who know how to serve, before they lead; people who understand that to lead is to hear the burdens of others, who did not also wait to be given power, but use what they already have to make a difference.
Mr Ilogu then urged the graduating students never to give, irrespective of the circumstance, except to convictions of honour or good sense.
Engr. Jani Ibrahim, ex Chairman, SBMC of the institution and an Old Boy, lauded the graduating students, noting that King’s college had long stood as a beacon of academic brilliance, leadership and character formation.
“As you step into the next phase of your journey, remember that you carry with you, not just knowledge, but the values of integrity, discipline and service instilled in you by this great college.
“The world awaits your unique contributions and I have no doubts that you will rise to the occasion as exemplary ambassadors of your alma mata.
“As you bid farewell to the great halls of King’s College, May you embrace the future with courage, curiosity and compassion, continue to strive for greatness, uplift others and uphold the noble legacy of this prestigious institution,”he admonished.
He lauded the parents and teachers for nurturing and guiding the minds of the students.
“We celebrate your sacrifices and steadfast support. Your efforts have laid a strong foundation for their future success,” Ibrahim said.
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