Makinde’s Aide Encourages Pupils to Dream Big, Shares Journey from Poor Background to Academic Success -

The Special Assistant on Interfaith to Oyo State Governor, Reverend Dr. Femi Ibikunle, has urged pupils to remain focused, resilient and committed to their education, stressing that determination and hard work are essential for achieving success in life.

Dr. Ibikunle gave the advice on Friday during the Catch Them Young Initiative programme held at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Primary Schools 1 and 5, Monatan, Ibadan, where he returned to his alma mater for the first time in 37 years.

Speaking emotionally during the visit, the criminologist and theologian recalled his days as a pupil in the school, describing the occasion as a homecoming filled with gratitude.

“I left this school about 37 years ago, and it is a great privilege to be back. Seeing the classrooms where I once sat and interacting with the pupils brings me immense joy,” he said.

Sharing his life story, Dr. Ibikunle said he rose from a humble background through perseverance, discipline and faith. He revealed that his parents struggled financially, forcing him to wear worn-out uniforms, sell bread and engage in menial jobs to support his education.

According to him, those experiences shaped his determination, enabling him to earn multiple academic qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mediation, while also travelling to several countries around the world.

He cautioned the pupils against violence, indiscipline and other social vices, urging them instead to embrace good character, diligence and a sense of purpose.

“Your future depends on the choices you make today. Build your life on passion, empathy, resilience and focus. Success comes to those who remain committed to their dreams despite challenges,” he said.

Dr. Ibikunle encouraged the learners to believe in their potential, noting that he never imagined he would attain his present position when he was a pupil in the school.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for implementing education-friendly policies aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children, while calling on parents and teachers to complement government’s efforts in nurturing responsible citizens.

Representing the Education Secretary of Egbeda Local Government, Mr. Olusola Olatominrin, alongside the Head Teacher of CAC Primary Schools 1 and 5, Mrs. Rashidat Owoniyi, commended Dr. Ibikunle for giving back to his former school and praised the organisers of the Catch Them Young Initiative for inspiring the younger generation.

Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the initiative, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to identifying and developing young talents through education, while appealing to individuals and organisations to support its activities.

The event also featured the presentation of new school uniforms, socks and sandals to more than 12 pupils, as well as the inauguration of club coordinators, including Olufemi Funmilayo (Debate), Mukaila Fatia (Health), Adeyemo Rusheed (Security), Adebowale Christianah (JET Club) and Adelani Mubarak (Environmental Club).