Bukola Afeni
Visionary Golden Academy, Dutse Baupma, held its 20th Annual Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony on Saturday August 2nd 2025.
The theme of the program is “Actualizing a Brighter Future through Hard Work and Dedication.”
Speaking at the annual prize-giving ceremony, The Director of Visionary Golden Academy, Mr. Emmanuel Gajere, congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to pursue their next level of education with excitement and achievement.
He urged the students not to forget the good principles and values instilled in them by their teachers and to practice the knowledge and skills acquired over the years.
“We want you to be a good example as you embark on the next chapter of your life journey,” he said.
He prayed for the students, saying, “I pray for you from the deepest depth of my heart that you will pursue and overtake, you will desire and have, you will dream and achieve, you will call and God will answer, and you will stand shoulder high above your equals.”
He also encouraged the students to embrace challenges with courage and resilience and to continue learning and adapting to the ever-changing world.
In addition, he expressed gratitude to parents, guardians, and educators for their role in shaping the young minds.
“To our parents, guardians, educators, and all who have contributed to shaping the young minds, I extend my gratitude and prayer,” he said.
Dr. Bitrus Audu, a Lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, called on the students to become good ambassadors of the school, such that wherever they go, they will be good examples in the society.
The Principal of Visionary Golden Academy, Mrs Lilian Amadi, commended the parents for the great support to the students during the course of learning.
“A resounding bravo to our valued parents who were not tired of our disturbances, both in the payment of school fees, and in the purchasing of learning materials for their wards. We appreciate your patronage,” she said.
She added that the 20th graduation and prize-giving day stood out as the best since the school’s inception.
The principal highlighted several achievements in the academic session. “The annual inter-house sports competition was massively attended by parents, friends of the school, and was a memorable day for the students.
The yearly entrance examination was conducted, and the school excelled in various academic awards.”
“The Ambassadorial Award of Excellence in Mathematics by United Support for Science and Mathematics Project. Academic lectures were also held on career selection in the school”, she stated.
The Senior Prefect of Visionary Golden Academy, Ojo Marvelous, urged the fellow graduands not to lose hope and to be resilient in the journey of life.
“To my fellow graduands, the journey has just commenced, and we have been well-equipped to survive with our heads held high in society.
“So, don’t lose hope, even if the journey gets tough. When the journey gets tougher, only the tough gets going, and tough times will not last, but tough people do.”
He challenged the graduands to be good ambassador of the great institution and keep the flag flying.
He also urged the remaining students to be of good behavior at all times.
“To the students that we are leaving behind, never go without the blessings of success. So, work hard to excel and be disciplined, and the sky is your limit.”
Additionally, he encouraged the new prefects stepping into their shoes not to disappoint the mandate entrusted to their hands.
The Head girl, Olayinka Shammah, commended the management of the school for enabling the students to achieve great accomplishments.
“I feel that we must take some time to recognize those who are instrumental in shaping us to get to this point. Behind each graduate, there is a bunch of people who make it possible throughout the years.”
She also commended the parents who supported the students, exhorting and encouraging them to give their best effort in school.
“We appreciate your support and guidance.”
Additionally, she thanked the teachers who selflessly shared their time, talent, and knowledge with the students.
She advised the graduates never to lose track of their primary focus in life. “Always remember that hard work and dedication will take you far.”
