The Proprietress of Femfield Nursery & Primary School, Isolo, Lagos, Mrs. Olubukola Adetoun Aribisala, has urged graduating students of Queen’s College, Yaba, to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and remain guided by integrity and good character as they pursue their future ambitions.

Aribisala gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the Cultural Programme of the Queen’s College 2025/2026 Valedictory and Graduation Ceremony, where she spoke on the theme, “Our Culture, Our Identity.”

Addressing the graduating students, she described identity as the invisible foundation upon which every successful life is built, stressing that it is shaped not by academic achievements or public recognition but by the values and character an individual upholds.

She challenged the graduates to reflect on how they would be remembered beyond their certificates and accomplishments.

According to her, Nigerian culture extends far beyond traditional attire, cuisine and dance, encompassing values such as respect, integrity, resilience, compassion, diligence and honesty.

While acknowledging the opportunities presented by globalisation, she warned that many young people were becoming disconnected from their cultural roots in the pursuit of foreign influences.

“The danger is not learning from other cultures but forgetting your own because a tree without roots cannot survive the storm,” she said, urging the graduates to speak their indigenous languages with pride, honour their parents and teachers, and remain connected to the values that shaped them.

Aribisala reminded the students that, as graduates of Queen’s College, they carry the legacy and reputation of one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools, adding that society would expect them to demonstrate excellence, leadership, confidence and integrity wherever they find themselves.

She also cautioned them against yielding to social media pressure or compromising their values, noting that while technology and careers will continue to evolve, character remains one of humanity’s greatest competitive advantages.

Encouraging the graduates to pursue global opportunities without losing sight of their heritage, she urged them to become leaders who positively impact society through integrity, excellence and compassion.

“The world does not need copies but authentic individuals whose values distinguish them,” she said.

She concluded by reminding the graduating class that while certificates may age and technology may become obsolete, their character and identity would continue to define their legacy, urging them to preserve their culture and build a future that generations after them would be proud to inherit.