" I shall pass through this world but once
Any good therefore that I can do
Or any kindness that I can show to any human being,
Let me do it now
Let me not defer or neglect it,
For I shall not pass through this way again"
Stephen Grellet (1773- 1855)
Good morning my fellow teachers, pupils , Commissioners, the SUPEB chairman, Chiefs , Kabiyesi , the Olowo of Owo, Oba DVF Olateru Olagbegi III , the Oyoyo Community members , Pressmen , ladies and gentlemen .
Mrs. Olajide receiving a gift
This moment is that of sadness and joy which reminds me of an old Magazine SADNESS & JOY in the '70s that used to tell us stories of sad and happy moments and endings .Yes , it is sad that I am leaving you behind as I would no longer be in your midst again but at the same time a day of joy for me for I have laboured and served the government for 35 years and therefore need to retire home to go and rest- this is what everybody prayed for and I thank God that I lived up to that in good health.
Speaking about this occasion I like the quotes above . I have done my best, impacted knowledge into pupils who turned out later to be students in secondary schools and metamorphosed to be graduates from institutions of higher learning where they came out to be bigwigs in the society, politicians , professionals and what have you.
Yes, we teachers have taught kings, chiefs, heads of state , medical directors , engineers among others , and I want to tell you how. Ask me how?
These notable people in all various professions have passed through kindergarten and primary schools in their formative years and their teachers' names will ever remain in their memories .Take for instance our Monarch the Olowo of Owo in his Book " In The Wilderness of Life" , Chapter 4, page 37 , paragraph 2 where he mentioned some of his teachers like Mr Aralepo ( Now Chief (Pa)Aralepo) at Government Primary School, Owo. While the Chief is proud to say he taught our King in school , our King too is proud to say the old man taught him too. What a story!
What of Chief Rotimi Ibidapo - ( Bassey) an Owo- born multi - millionaire who few years ago went to St.Andrew's primary school , and built some Classrooms for the school appreciating his first step into acquiring knowledge in life!
The late President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in his book "Long Walk To Freedom" , on pages 14-15 narrated how his school teacher , Miss Mdingane gave him his name Nelson which eventually became his name he was and is known for. He wrote On my first day in school my teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave each of us English name and said that from henceforth that was the name ....That day Miss Mdingane told me that my new name was Nelson.
For me , it a big honour to retire and joined the senior citizens who have contributed immensely to education in Ondo State .
Before I retired , I have taught in various schools in 14 local government ; Utaja Primary School ( on the top of Idanre Hills), St Theresa , Alade Idanre, AUD primary School , Omuo, Community Primary school , Imorun,( Ondo / Ogun boundary ), St.Saviours Primary School, Odigbo; Emure Ile, St Pius ( Now Mega School , AUD Ago Alao,Ipele( Along Idoani Road) as an Assistant Teacher, AUD I, as an assistant .I have taught in over 25 primary schools until I got to Oyoyo Community primary school as the headmistress where I served and retired .My joy is that I am retiring in good health. I know many who retired with sadness after falsifying their ages by subtracting from it yet not satisfied while retiring. Many unfortunately fell on the way by one way or the other .
Pupils of Oyoyo Community Primary school, Oyoyo-Igbe
I thank my able teachers ,Mr Ibrahim, S.O, Mr. Gani Aliu, Mr Ali Nosiru for their cooperation .The PTA chairman is a fantastic man who all possessed exemplary character and with his Solomonic wisdom was able to lead us through within that short period l spent with them. Baale Nuru is full of wit, sense of humour , cool headed, and cannot hurt a fly.Infact he is a gift to humanity .
I will surely miss you all; your jokes , your charismatic nature, your laughter and the sense of belonging you showed me especially my teachers and townsmen .Life is a stage , according to Shakespeare , one acts his part and leave.I have acted your part , and if I had in anyway stepped on your toes, been rude and crossed you during my job please take it lightly, it is part of life and please forgive me I never meant to hurt anyone.
No one is perfect , and no man is infallible for we are bound to make mistakes.
I am proud to remember the Latin word and say Veni, Vidi, Veci ( I came , I saw , I conquered )
I appeal to you all to please cooperate with the new Headteacher for a tree does not make a forest.
Fare thee well.
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