By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan.

The Special Assistant on Interfaith to Oyo State Governor, Rev. Dr. Femi Ibikunle, has urged young people to remain optimistic in thoughts and deeds to attain greater heights in life.

He stated this during the Catch Them Young Initiative Programme held at Christ Apostolic Church Primary Schools 1 & 5, Monatan, Ibadan, on Friday.

The criminologist and theologian expressed joy at returning to his alma mater after 37 years. “I left this school about 37 years ago, and I believe it is a good thing to be back home. I can still see the classrooms where I sat in this school. I am so happy to be here and sit around with pupils. All these bring me great joy,” he said.

Dr. Ibikunle who is an alumnus of the Global University, USA, and National Open University lauded his parents for ensuring he received formal education beyond his alma mata to the level of a doctor of Philosophy, saying persistence, focus, and resilience aided his rise.

“I really endured life in my younger age. My parents were very poor. I wore tattered uniforms, sold bread, and attended public school. I funded my education through menial jobs. Today, I have over three degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Mediation. I have travelled around the world.”

He charged the pupils to shun brigandage, saying victims of it end up as failures in life.

“Life impact is about what you give, not what you take. Brigandage will never do anyone any good. I trained myself with passion, while my parents monitored and encouraged me. We must embrace passion, empathy, resilience, and focus. If you lack direction at 5, are not smart at 10, not focused at 15, not intelligent at 20, not serving God at 30, not responsible at 35, not wise at 40, not bold at 45, not successful at 50, and not a peacemaker at 55, then you have failed in life,” he said.

Dr. Ibikunle urged the learners to renew their thinking towards greatness through good character, hard work, and focus.
“37 years ago, I never knew I would become who I am today. By the grace of God, I have gone around the world. I never believed it. I never knew I would go this far because my father and mother had nothing. They were so poor. I thank God that grace was sufficient for us and destiny has played out,” he said.

“This school gave me foundational education which I still enjoy today. You must renew your thinking. You will go higher in life than I am,” he added.

While commending Governor Seyi Makinde for education-friendly policies aimed at reducing the out-of-school population, Ibikunle called on parents and teachers to collaborate with the government for a saner society.

In their reactions, the representative of the Education Secretary, Egbeda Local Government Area, Mr. Olusola Olatominrin, and the Head Teacher of CAC Schools 1 & 5, Monatan, Mrs. Rashidat Owoniyi, applauded the alumnus for giving back to the school. They also rallied support for the co-ordinators of the Catch Them Young Initiative for wider impact.

Earlier, the Chief Co-ordinator of Catch Them Young Initiative, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, pledged to continue raising young talents in education and called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative for better performance.

As part of the event, over 12 pupils were presented with new school uniforms, socks, and sandals. Olufemi Funmilayo (Debate), Mukaila Fatia (Health), Adeyemo Rusheed (Security), Adebowale Christianah (Jet), and Adelani Mubarak (Environmental) were inaugurated as club co-ordinators in the primary school.