The 17th edition of ‘Annual End of Academic Session/Prize Giving and Graduation Day’ of CARITAS Nursery & Primary School, Ogbere, Ibadan, Oyo – State was held on Thursday, 25th of July 2024 in the school’s premises with Celine Eniola Sanyaolu getting the prize for overall best student in addition to multiple prizes as best student in many other subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

The celebration began with the highest prayer of the Catholic Church, the Holy Mass which had Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ of the Josephite’s Community as the Chief Celebrant, assisted by two Seminarians, Bro. Stephen Alapode and Emmanuel Olagoke.

The Graduation ceremony also coincided with the celebration of the Feast of Saint James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who lived the Christian virtues and got killed in the end.

In his homily, Fr. Adeka drew the attention of all to the fact that it was the mother of James and John, wife of Zebedee who made a request that Christ should grant her two sons to sit; one at the left and the other at the right hand side of Christ in His Kingdom, but Christ did not grant her request; even as the request made the other ten apostles not to be happy.

Christ, however, explained to the apostles that ‘Anyone who wants to be great must be a servant or slave of all’, teaching all something great that ‘Sons of the Kingdom of God are not those who are great in the eyes of the world; who see all their subjects as their slaves who should be at their (Great) service.’

The lesson the priest explained is that when we pray for something, Christ can as well tell us what we are asking for is not what God wants but rather we should pray to God asking God to do what He wills for us. “Dear parents, you’re celebrating your children who are graduating and moving ahead. You too must be interested in the good of your children. In fact, that’s why you’ve brought your children to this school.

The teachers have their own contributions in their lives, do not prevent the teachers from doing their jobs in them. As parents, you must be attentive, if not, your wishes for them may not be good.”

The cleric also requested the pupils to pray one ‘Hail Mary’ for their teachers and parents for wisdom and resources for them to help them (pupils) grow according to the will of God. The primary 5 pupils also had a thanksgiving after the Holy Communion.

At the second part of the celebration which was anchored by Mr Olusola Ajao of ‘Impact Business Radio, 92.5FM, the pupils entertained all with various presentations such as cultural dances, poems and speeches as well as a radio presentation by the Press Club on the topic “Moving Nigeria forward” in which the pupils noted that new National Anthem is not what Nigerians need at the moment, considering the level of hardship in the country.

The occasion, which was chaired by Mr Abifarin Ifamuyiwa also witnessed lighting of candles and special prayer for the Graduands by their parents and Pastor Akinade after which the parents took to the dancing floor with the Graduands to the delight of all.

The Head Mistress of the school, Rev. Sr. Joecletia Umelo, SJS in her address rejoiced with the graduating pupils, whom she urged to continue to make the school proud, either at the secondary section of CARITAS or any other secondary schools of their choice. “We are proud of the graduating pupils of 2024, proud of the success made and congratulate the parents for the trust they have in the school.

We appeal to you to continue to have faith in the best we give them. There are many alternatives, but you chose CARITAS, you made the right choice”, she said.

The Head Mistress also urged the Graduands thus: “Hard work creates change. In making your decision, it is important you make the right decision. No doubt you will continue to make us proud. I see you doing greater things in future, congratulations.”

Rev. Sr. Joecletia did not forget to appreciate other Rev. Srs and the Members of Staff, both teaching and non-teaching saying: “I appreciate the love you always have for the pupils. To all of you, I say ‘thank you’ for stretching yourselves.”

There was a cutting of the cake by both Nursery 2 and Basic 5 pupils as well as presentation of prizes for punctuality and best performance for deserving pupils, including Celine Eniola Sanyaolu, who got the prize for the overall best for Basic 5 pupils in addition to several other prizes she received as best student in many subjects which made all in attendance at the celebration to give her a standing ovation.