The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA), 9 Brigade Zone, Mrs. Olubukola Olayinka Oyekola, has urged graduating pupils of NAOWA Crèche, Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja, to embody the values of love, unity, and dedication to humanity as they progress in life.
She gave the advice while speaking at the school’s 11th Graduation Ceremony, held at the T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event attracted dignitaries from the military and educational sectors and was marked by colorful displays of talent and cultural expressions.
According to a statement released by Captain Cornelius Gutus, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Mrs. Oyekola emphasized that the ceremony marked not an end, but the beginning of a greater phase in the lives of the young pupils.
“Your graduation today is a stepping stone to a bright and purposeful future. The moral values and academic knowledge you’ve acquired here will serve as a solid foundation for your success in life,” she stated.
The NAOWA Zonal Coordinator also commended the national leadership of NAOWA under Mrs. Mernan Femi Oluyede, for creating a platform that offers affordable and quality education to children of officers, soldiers, and members of the host community.
She expressed gratitude to the school’s parents and teachers for their resilience and dedication in grooming the children both academically and morally, noting that the pupils had been equipped not just with classroom knowledge, but also with life skills and discipline.
In his goodwill message, the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Director of Education and Special Programmes, Lagos State Ministry of Education, praised the pupils for their creativity and brilliance.
He said the diverse performances, especially the ballet group, reflected the potential for excellence if the children receive continued support and nurturing.
“With what I have seen today, the sky is only their starting point. The pupils are stars in the making, and they deserve all the encouragement to flourish,” Dr. Ogunmuyiwa noted.
On his part, Brigadier General Olawale Oyekola, Commander of the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, expressed his appreciation to the Special Guest and other dignitaries for attending the event.
He lauded the staff of the school for embracing progressive changes introduced under the current NAOWA leadership and pledged continued support to the institution’s development.
He also presented personal awards to the best graduating pupils, in recognition of their outstanding academic and moral performance.
Highlights of the graduation ceremony included a quarter guard parade for the Special Guest, cultural performances, ballet choreography, drama, talk shows, a runway showcase, news broadcast, and the presentation of certificates to the graduating pupils.
The event underscored NAOWA's sustained commitment to nurturing future leaders through quality education and values-based upbringing within the Nigerian Army community.
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