Pathfinder Scholarship: Full Speech by Club President – Prince Tosin Adeluyi
Executive chairman of imeko-afon local government Hon Theophilus Aremu Olorode, Distinguished guests, esteemed members of the to Pathfinder Club of Nigeria, respected principals and head of schools, and most importantly, our bright and deserving bursary recipients, I am honored to stand before you today as the President of the Pathfinder Club of Nigeria to celebrate the 8th edition of our annual scholarship and bursary program.
As we gather in this conference room, I am reminded of the power of collective effort and the impact that can be achieved when like-minded individuals come together to drive positive change. Fifteen years ago, our organization was born out of a shared desire to contribute to the development of Imeko-Afon Local Government, and since then, we have worked tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in our community.
Our scholarship program, which began eight years ago, is a testament to our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. We have not only provided financial support to deserving students but have also donated textbooks, dictionaries, and exercise books to secondary schools across Imeko-Afon. Two of our secondary schools, Community High School Ilara and Community Comprehensive High School Idofa, have won complete sets of computers in two of our competitions in the past, and two years ago, we paid the WAEC fees of 20 students.
However, our work goes beyond just providing financial assistance. We are also committed to promoting good character and behavior among our students. As individuals who have experienced life’s challenges and overcome them, we understand the importance of instilling values such as hard work, discipline, and respect in our young people. We believe that these values are essential for achieving success and making a positive impact in society.
To our students, I want to emphasize that we are not just providing financial support; we are also investing in your future. We will monitor your academic performance and progression, and we are committed to providing further support after your WAEC and JAMB exams. We believe in you and your potential, and we are confident that you will make us proud.
But I must take a moment to address a pressing issue that has been weighing heavily on our minds. The recent beat-up of one of our school principals is a disturbing incident that we condemn in its entirety. This act of hooliganism is not what our society is known for, and we will not stand idly by while our educators are subjected to such violence. We will work together with various government agencies to ensure that our schools are safe and secure environments for learning, and we will not tolerate any form of hooliganism that threatens the well-being of our students and teachers.
To our indefatigable Executive Chairman, we extend our warmest congratulations on your election and subsequent swearing-in and wish you a prosperous tenure. We are committed to working with you and the local government to drive progress and development in Imeko-Afon.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the Pathfinder Club of Nigeria. Our organization is comprised of individuals from various professional backgrounds, including engineers, builders, chartered accountants, bankers, seasoned administrators, top-notch journalists, teachers, and businessmen. We are proud to have among us the former Executive Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government, the current Ogun NUJ Chairman, the Secretary of the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club, the State Vice President of NULGE, the Secretary of State IPMAN, The state President of NUT Cooperative and the present Local Government Party Chairman of PDP, to mention a few. We are resilient, hardworking, and goal-oriented, and we are committed to making a positive impact in our community.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a quote from Nelson Mandela, who said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” As we celebrate our achievements today, let us not forget the challenges that lie ahead. Let us continue to work together, to support one another, and to strive for excellence in all that we do.
