Celebrating excellence at the 11th Honours’ Day and 7th Graduation Ceremony of the City of Knowledge Academy (CKA) recently was a grand event, filled with joy, pride, and a deep sense of accomplishment for the students, staff and parents. The school hall. Venue of the event was adorned with vibrant colors, reflecting the theme of the day: Turning Dreams into Reality. This theme resonated deeply with the audience, as it symbolized the journey each student had embarked upon from the moment they joined the school to this momentous day.

The event commenced with the processional march of the graduating students, their faces lit up with excitement and anticipation. Parents, teachers, and fellow students filled the hall, applauding the graduates as they took their seats at the front. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of nostalgia and hope for the future.
The highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by the esteemed guest speaker, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the Ogun State government, a renowned entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Mr. Talabi, who was accompanied by the top government functionaries, captivated the audience with his insightful speech, which was centered around guiding the graduates on how to navigate the next chapter of their lives.

As the day marks the beginning of their journey into the world, a world full of opportunities and challenges, he advised them, “As you step out of the gates of this academy, you will be granted a new level of freedom. But with freedom comes responsibility. It is imperative that you manage this freedom wisely. Let your choices be guided by your values and principles. Remember, the decisions you make today will shape the course of your life tomorrow.”

He went on to emphasize the importance of building strong associations. “Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who challenge you to be better. Your network is your net worth. The relationships you build will play a crucial role in your success. Be intentional about the company you keep and strive to uplift one another.”

Mr. Talabi also spoke passionately about the importance of aiming to make an impact in whatever field the graduates chose to pursue. “Success is not just about what you achieve for yourself; it’s about the difference you make in the lives of others. As you pursue your dreams, always remember to give back, to contribute to the betterment of your community, your country, and the world.”
One of the key points in his speech was the emphasis on discipline. “Discipline is the cornerstone of success,” he stated. “Without discipline, talent and ambition mean nothing. It is the discipline to keep pushing forward, to keep working hard even when it’s difficult, that will set you apart from the rest. Cultivate discipline in every aspect of your life—be it your work, your relationships, or your personal growth.”

In concluding his speech, he offered a final piece of advice—what he called ‘recalibrating the factory setting.’ “Life will throw challenges your way, and sometimes, you might lose your way. When that happens, take a moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Go back to your core values, your dreams, and your purpose. That is your factory setting, the place where your journey began. Never lose sight of that.”

The ceremony continued with the presentation of awards, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students. Over 70 awards were handed out in various categories, from academic excellence to leadership and community service. The standout of the day was Darasimi Adekunle (Year 11), who walked away with seven awards. Darasimi’s accomplishments were a true embodiment of the day’s theme—turning dreams into reality.

It was a bittersweet moment, as the graduates bid farewell to the school that had nurtured them, but they were also filled with excitement for the future that lay ahead.

As the Class of 2024 tossed their caps into the air, they carried with them the wisdom imparted by the Guest Speaker, ready to face the world with confidence, discipline, and a burning desire to turn their dreams into reality.

The event was well attended by dignitaries including the Commissioner for Community Development, Hon. Ademola Balogun, the Commissioner for Physical and Urban Planning, TPL Tunji Odunlami, the Founder, Dr. Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, the BOT Chair, Prince Bambo Adesanya SAN, distinguished guests, Parents and friends of the school. The Head of school, Ms. Abiola Lamikanra in her remarks commended the class of 2024 for their brilliant performance at the 2024 IGCSE results and charged them to be disciplined in their quest to keep turning dreams into reality.