Embrace hard work for greatness, Great Eminent Proprietress charges graduating pupils
The Proprietress of The Great Eminent Nursery and Primary School, Obilubi, in Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo State, Associate Prof. Mrs. Gertrude Kanayo Ezekoka has charged the outgoing Basic-5 pupils of the institute to always embrace hard work in their academic endeavour.
Dr. Ezekoka gave this charge last Thursday, during the graduation/award ceremony of Basic 5 pupils of ‘The Great Eminent’ pupils, numbering 19, reiterating that their Motor is ‘Attaining great heights’ while insisting that the imperativeness of hard work cannot be overemphasized.
Speaking, she said, “one thing I encourage children to do is to embrace hard work. If they are able to do the little little assignments, tasks, etc, given to them at each level, they’re working towards becoming great men and women. So, I advise them to always work hard, to be dedicated and focused, and before you know it, they’ll get to the height we want them to be.”
She expressed utter confidence in the excellent performance of Basic-5 graduands in their academics, pointing out that they have completed Basic-6 curriculum within a time space of five years, hence their qualification for the secondary school education.
“I feel great to see our children graduate today from this institution of learning. These are pupils who joined us since five years ago and they’ve gone through the normal basic one, two, three, four and five. We actually graduate them from basic five because we give them a step ahead, this is to say that they have completed basic six curriculum.”
Dr. Ezekoka who could not hide her joy disclosed that among the pupils being celebrated were Nursery-3 pupils, otherwise known as Step Up Class, as she evidently, prided in the uninterrupted attainment of what could best be described as a glorified height in the academic world, by the pupils in Nursery 3.
She said; “Also, we’re doing graduation for Nursery-3 pupils who are stepping up to Basic one and we call that ‘a Step Up Class’. So, I am really very happy seeing these children over these years get to this height academically. And I believe that this is just the beginning of their academic journey. 19 pupils in Basic-5 and 15 pupils in Nursery-3.”
Asked about her fears in sending the pupils off for enrollment into the high school, she said:
“I wouldn’t want to express any fears because I present them always to God and I believe that the godly lifestyle we inculcate in them, will help them wherever they go. So, I expect to hear only good news from them. My prayers for them at all times is that they’ll do well.
“I’m proud of them because everyone of them who passed through this school is doing very well wherever they are. The stories and reports we get of them are good. Some of them are in Federal girls and Govt Sec school and when I see them, I am always happy. “For instance, one of them came this morning to greet me, she’s in Senior Secondary School one (SSS1) at Federal Govt Girls College, Owerri. She was looking good and decent and doing very well. So, I join the parents to celebrate them.”
Earlier in her welcome message, the Associate Professor described the year’s graduation as unique, hence it marked the 10years anniversary of the institution.
However, she regretted the hurdles as incurred by the school, adding, “but we are grateful that God kept us afloat.
“As the Bible says, “for everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecl. 3:1). For us today, it is a season of graduation- a time when we reward hard work and bid farewell to our graduating Pupils.
To the graduating Pupils and the Step-up Pupils, she exclaimed amidst ecstasy that;
“You have come a long way in this journey: a journey that started 5-years ago for some and 3-years ago for others. As I stand here before you, looking back to there years of hard work and dedication, I can’t help but congratulate you.”
Meanwhile, she used the medium to express her profound gratitude to the Director, National Open University of Nigeria, Owerri Study Centre, Dr. Theresa, who among other dignitaries attended the event.
Moreso, she commended teachers of The Great Eminent’ whom he said strove tirelessly in impacting knowledge on the pupils, saying that, “they are hard working.
“They don’t give up in ensuring that these children become the best. And one thing I tell my teachers is this, that thing you want to see in these children 45-years to come, instill it in them. And so, it’s their motivator; you don’t go to the public and say that 45-years old man is irresponsible. Think out those things that made that man irresponsible and ensure that the children in your class don’t have it. So, I’m proud that they’re working hard and I pray that God will bless them.
“To the Headmistress, Mrs. Edith Alinno, teachers and other staff of the school, I thank you for your hard work and resilience in raising these children. May our God reward you abundantly”, she prayed, while also applauding parents and guardians for their immense contributions evident in the lives of the children, saying, “I pray you keep it up and do even more as they climb the ladder to greatness.”
Highlights of the occasion were different presentations by the various classes, ranging from the kindergarten grade to Basic- 5, such as song, cultural displays and drama were performed by the Pupils, as well as presentation of gifts by the Director of NOUN to the best performing teachers.
