The Venerable Joseph Adediji (FIELPN), has counselled the returning students of Igbobi College Yaba, Lagos to embrace a life of purpose, discipline, excellence and true greatness as they resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Adediji, who is the principal of the college, gave the admonition, while receiving the students for the new academic term.

In demonstration of his deep commitment to the welfare and success of every child entrusted to the College, the cleric, who clad in the school uniform, delivered a stirring message on the assembly ground, titled: “I Will Be Great,” drawn from Genesis 12:1–3.

Explaining the importance of greatness, Adediji said that greatness is not measured by wealth, popularity, social status or worldly achievements.

According to him, true greatness begins with God, is sustained by obedience, and is ultimately expressed through service to humanity.

He called on the students to cultivate unwavering faith, discipline and obedience in their daily lives like Abraham whom God called and instructed that he should leave his comfort zone and journey into an unknown future.

He admonished them not to take their admission into the College for granted, stressing that their presence in the institution is neither accidental nor ordinary, but a privilege that carries responsibility.

Adediji said: “You have been brought here for a purpose. God has positioned you in Igbobi College to be trained, moulded and prepared for greatness. The question is whether you will embrace the discipline, hard work, character and obedience required to fulfil that destiny.”

He urged the students to resist distractions, avoid negative influences and remain focused on their academic, moral and spiritual development.

The principal reminded them of the College’s rich heritage and charged the students to see themselves as custodians of a legacy built by generations of distinguished Igbobians who have excelled in leadership, governance, scholarship and public service.

He told the students that notable figures such as former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor YemiOsinbajo; former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. BabatundeFashola; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, now Chief of Staff to the President and several other accomplished Nigerians whose lives continue to impact society, passed through the college.

Adediji said the students should not merely admire the great men mentioned above, but emulate the values of excellence, diligence, discipline and service that distinguished them. He stressed that they were not just called to succeed, rather, they were called to become a blessing to others.

“The world does not simply need successful people; it needs men of character, men of integrity, men who will use their gifts and opportunities to make life better for others,” he said.

Highpoint of the event was the introduction of the school’s shuttle buses, which conveyed students from Angus Hall to their various hostels. Parents who witnessed the development were particularly delighted and commended the school management for making the challenges often associated with resumption so easy.

One of the parents, Mrs. Afolasade, applauded Adediji’s leadership style and the positive transformation witnessed within the College.

The students and staff used the occasion to pray and commit the new academic session, the College and their individual aspirations into God’s hands.