Oba Ghandi donates 1000 books to Secondary Schools Conference, charges students to dream big

Oba Ghandi donates 1000 books to Secondary Schools Conference, charges students to dream big

Bolaji DAVID

The Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III has told youths that their level of successes will be predicated on how they designed it.

The monarch made this submission at the Ogbomoso Secondary Schools Conference programme organised by Beyond Books Africa in collaboration with Young and Excellent Club (YEC), held at the College of Health Sciences Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH Ogbomoso Oyo state.

The event which had as theme, “Raising leaders, transforming communities,” was attended by students from about twenty secondary schools in the metropolis.

The education liaison officer of Soun Mr. Peter Adekunle (fourth left) with some of the organisers . In the foreground are the books donated by Oba Olaoye

The Soun, who was represented by his liaison officer on education, Mr. Adekunle Peter, asserted that success doesn’t come by chance but through a well-laid out plan, arguing that the only limitation comes from individuals.

“Success is a script, nobody becomes successful by chance. You are the author of your success and there can be no limitations to your dreams except the ones imposed by yourself,” the Oba stated.

Mr. Peter Adekunle

Stressing the importance of books and reading he affirmed everyone becomes what he reads about and charged them to strive to be extraordinary and develop communication skills.

“Be extraordinary in whatever you decide to do, be excellent, build communication skills, read widely. You become what you consume.”

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Announcing a donation of 1, 000 educational books and novels (American and British authors), through the education committee of his 25 year-development plan, he assured he is working with government to expand youths access to education. “I want all youths to have access to quality education,” he said.

In his speech president of YEC, Adedamola Giwa, disclosed the conference was designed for the students “to learn and to take inspiration. We are here to take a step forward in line with the theme, ‘Raising leaders, transforming communities.'”

Also the convener, Olayinka Richard Obaloluwa told the audience, “Growth starts small, from your immediate environment,” emphasizing the group was on a “historical movement to transform communities.”

Olayinka Richard Obaloluwa

One of the he guest speakers, Gen David, urged the students never to quit averring there was no excuse for failure.

“After secondary school you want to stop? Don’t stop! Don’t fail in life; fight for what you want. Even if you came from nothing, you have no excuse for failure. Don’t settle for less, struggle for success.”

David further said, targeting girls, “No guy will marry a lady with no value. And don’t just focus on one thing — diversify,” as he disclosed plan to sponsor 10 students’ JAMB forms for free.

Similarly, Mr. Joy Aboderin, another guest speaker, noted that leadership starts with personal experience. He added, “Learning goes beyond the classroom, prioritise self-discovery and responsibility.”

Melody Francis, president, Nigerian Youths in Diaspora, Benin Republic, stated, “Stop second guessing yourself. Being excellent is not just about passing your exams, it’s also about being consistent in learning and building habits that help you grow. Study consistently — growth requires it. Bring your A-game in everything you do. Move with friends who push you to be your best, learn to ask questions and believe in yourself.”

Dairo Goodness, a poet entertained with the performance of the “Spoken Word,” during which he emphasized the message, “The future belongs to you.”

The conference similarly featured quiz and debate competitions – structured to have quiz (built around English language, mathematics and general knowledge) in the first round and debate in the final round.