Family, teachers and guests relived the memory of the late founder of Albest Academy, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Rev Abidayo Abe, during the school’s 20th anniversary last week. The event also coincided with the school’s valedictory/graduation.
The widow, Mrs Esther Modupe, recalled that the school was their baby, which opened its doors to secondary education in 2006 and the primary arm 10 years later.
Since then, she added, the school has garnered many achievements because of the solid foundation laid by her husband with the support from God. She said their vision was: ”Righteousness exalts a nation” with excellence as their objective.
While thanking those who helped them, she said without their support, it would not have been easy. Specifically, she praised Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, his wife; a retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, Mrs Abosede Adelaja, for her immense contributions to the school’s approval; ”dedicated staff and non-teaching staff” as well as ”friends of the school”.
She announced that the school has made its impact not only in the community but also in the country and abroad with many of its graduates excelling in their chosen careers.
The late founder’s brother Pastor Rotimi Abe said when he wanted to start a business, he had trained his eyes on investing in petrol stations, but that he advised him against it. Rather, he suggested to him to invest in an area that would leave a legacy. He listened. Later, he returned to inform him that he and his wife had decided to invest in schools. Albest was the result, adding the name was drawn from his brother’s name and that of his wife. He commended the wife for keeping the torch of their dream alive.”Modupe, we are proud of you,” he added.
Prof Foluso Okebukola, who represented her husband, described Albesta as a huge success and ”a living testimony of the house” that the Lord built.
Okebukola, who is the grand patron of the school, prayed that Albesta Academy would build a university.
The Principal of the school, Thompson Imahanbor, said the school believes in producing a total child, adding that their Trade and Skills Acquisition (TSA) programme is geared towards that. He listed the lab upgrade, installation of CCTV to check insecurity and infrastructure as some things done in the school during the session.
While congratulating the outgoing pupils, Imahanbor thanked them for donating to the school.
Vice Chancellor/the guest speaker, Crawford University, Prof Solomon Makinde, represented by Dr Olalekan Kesinro, noted that great institutions are born from great partnerships akin to the founding couples of the academy. He said education is not about acquisition of certificates but reformation of character of future leaders.
He urged the graduates to be of good character and excellence, saying only character earns trust and that excellence is a continuous assignment.
There were goodwill messages from Prof Fakeye Johnson, the pioneer vice principal of the school; Segun Ademola, another former VP; Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Crawford University, Prof Comfort Amire; Mr Afolabi A. O. , Director, Quality Assurance, Education District Three, Lagos State Ministry of Education.
The valedictorian, Isaac Fakolujo, thanked the school and their teachers for their assistance during their stay in the institution. He advised his colleagues to be good representatives of the schools as advised by the proprietress and others.
A pupil, Philip Oreleoluwa, got a scholarship for scoring the highest marks in the entrance exam
At the event were Pastor Abrahim Laleye and his wife; Elder Samuel Laleye; Mr. Femi Afolabi, Ayo Babajide, former PTA chairman, among others.