As the students at The Royals College School sat for their final examination paper in Yoruba, there was a palpable sense of ease and confidence in the air. The familiar stories and topics they had studied in class seemed to come alive on the exam paper, prompting excited murmurs and exclamations of recognition from the students, filling the air with words like "yeah" "wow" "yes.. yes" "beautiful". With each question they encountered, there were nods of agreement and quiet whispers of reassurance as they recalled the lessons and discussions from their Yoruba classes. It was as if they were navigating through familiar territory, guided by the knowledge and understanding they had cultivated over the course of their studies.
As they worked through the exam paper, the atmosphere in the hall was surprisingly relaxed, with smiles and even a few quiet cheers of celebration breaking out among the students. It was clear that their hard work and preparation had paid off, and they were eager to demonstrate their proficiency in the subject. However, their moment of jubilation was short-lived, as the invigilator sternly reminded them of the need for silence and focus during the examination. With a firm warning, he cautioned them against any further disruptions, making it clear that any noise would result in immediate expulsion from the examination hall
The students quickly heeded the invigilator's warning, returning to their tasks with renewed concentration and determination. They knew that the stakes were high, and that even the slightest distraction could jeopardize their chances of success. Despite the momentary setback, the students continued to tackle the exam with confidence and composure, drawing on their knowledge and skills to navigate through the remaining questions. And as they completed their final paper, there was a collective sense of accomplishment and relief among the students, knowing that they had given it their all and conquered yet another challenge together
As the students emerged from the examination hall, the excitement and relief on their faces were unmistakable. It was evident to everyone around them that the exams had gone well, and the sense of accomplishment was obviously in the air. Their teachers, who had watched over them with pride and anticipation throughout the examination period, couldn't help but share in their joy. They exchanged smiles and words of encouragement with their students, congratulating them on a job well done and praising their hard work and dedication
But it was their Yoruba teacher who seemed to be the most elated of all. With a beaming smile and tears of joy in her eyes, she embraced each of her students warmly, expressing her pride and admiration for their stellar performance in her subject. For her, seeing her students excel in Yoruba was a source of immense happiness and fulfillment, a testament to their dedication and her own passion for teaching. As the students celebrated their completion of the Junior Secondary classes, their cheers and laughter echoed through the school grounds. They jumped and danced with exuberance, reveling in the sense of accomplishment and looking forward to the next chapter of their academic journey
As the students celebrated the end of their Junior Secondary classes, a tradition as old as time unfolded before their eyes. With pens in hand and smiles on their faces, they began to sign each other's uniforms, leaving behind a colorful mosaic of memories and well-wishes. Richard, usually reserved but caught up in the excitement of the moment, eagerly joined in the tradition. He signed Susan's uniform with a flourish, expressing his gratitude for her partnership and friendship throughout the school year. Then, turning to Bolu, his closest friend, he added his signature with a sense of pride and affection
But Richard didn't stop there. As his classmates approached him, asking for his signature on their uniforms, he obliged with a smile, happy to be a part of this cherished ritual. Despite his quiet demeanor, Richard found himself surrounded by classmates, both girls and boys, eager to leave their mark on his uniform. For Richard and his classmates, this simple act of signing each other's uniforms was more than just a tradition—it was a symbol of camaraderie, friendship, and shared experiences. As they posed for pictures together, capturing the moment for posterity, they knew that they were not just classmates, but a community bound together by the bonds of friendship and the shared journey of their academic endeavor
And as they lingered in the schoolyard, reluctant to part ways and eager to savor the last moments of their Junior Secondary classes, they knew that this day would be etched in their memories forever, a testament to the joy of friendship and the triumph of perseverance. As the sun began to set on the school grounds, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene, the school principal emerged to address the students one last time before they departed for the day. "Hello, students," he called out, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "That's enough for today. It's time to gather your belongings and head home. Tomorrow, you'll have plenty of time to catch up and have fun together.
His words were met with a mixture of disappointment and anticipation from the students, who had been enjoying the camaraderie and excitement of the end-of-exams celebrations. But they knew that their parents were waiting for them at home, and that they needed to heed the principal's words and prepare to depart. With a sense of reluctant acceptance, the students began to pack up their belongings, exchanging last-minute hugs and farewells with their classmates. As they made their way towards the school gates, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air, as they looked forward to the promise of tomorrow's festivities
The principal watched them go, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. He was proud of his students and the hard work they had put in throughout the examination period. And as he turned to head home himself, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had played a part in shaping the lives of these young individuals, guiding them towards a brighter future filled with endless possibilities
As the students bid farewell and dispersed to their respective homes, the excitement of the day still lingered in the air. Among them, those who owned smartphones eagerly exchanged contact information, eager to stay connected even outside of school hours. Bolu, Richard's closest friend, handed him a piece of paper with her phone number scribbled on it. With a mischievous grin, she reminded him that her birthday was coming up on the 7th of July, urging him to make sure he reached out to her. Richard couldn't help but smile at Bolu's playful reminder. Promising to be the first to text and call her on her special day, he tucked the piece of paper into his pocket, making a mental note to mark the date on his calendar. As they went their separate ways, Richard felt a sense of warmth and connection with his friends, knowing that no matter where life took them, they would always be there for each other. And as he walked home, he couldn't help but look forward to the next chapter of their journey together, filled with new adventures, challenges, and unforgettable moments.
As the students of Junior Secondary Class 3 arrived at school the following day, there was a palpable sense of relaxation and anticipation in the air. With their examinations behind them and only the results left to wait for, they had decided to dress casually for the day, enjoying a break from the usual school uniform
Gathered in their classroom, the students engaged in lively conversation with their class teacher, sharing their thoughts and experiences from the recent examinations. There were smiles and laughter as they reminisced about the challenges they had faced and the triumphs they had achieved. But amidst the light-hearted banter, there was also a sense of excitement for the upcoming valedictory service celebration. As they discussed possible colors for their suit and gown attire, the students' enthusiasm grew. The boys quickly reached a unanimous decision, opting for royal purple suits paired with white shirts and purple bow ties. Their choice exuded confidence and elegance, reflecting their pride in their achievements and their anticipation for the future
Meanwhile, the girls engaged in a spirited debate over their preferred color scheme. After considering various options and exchanging opinions, they finally settled on royal onion color a rich and vibrant shade that symbolized their unity and camaraderie as they prepared to bid farewell to their Junior Secondary years
With the colors chosen and plans for the valedictory service taking shape, the students felt a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation for the celebrations ahead. As they continued to bond and make memories together, they knew that their valedictory service would be a fitting conclusion to their time at The Royals College School, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their academic journey. As the class teacher prepared to depart, she left the students with an important task to complete. Each student was asked to provide a copy of their passport photo and write down their biography data, along with a word of advice for their junior classmates. These contributions would be included in the school magazine, which would be distributed to all students on the day of the valedictory service
The students listened attentively, understanding the significance of leaving behind a lasting legacy for their junior peers. They were eager to share their experiences and wisdom, knowing that their words could inspire and guide the next generation of students at The Royals College School. Meanwhile, the senior students in Senior Secondary Class 3 were busy preparing for their West Africa Examination Council exams. With the culmination of their secondary education fast approaching, they were focused on studying diligently and ensuring that they were well-prepared for the challenges ahead
At the same time, the other students in Junior Secondary Classes 1 and 2, as well as Senior Secondary Classes 1 and 2, were sitting for their third term examinations. Despite the busy atmosphere and the pressure of exams, there was a sense of unity and purpose among the students as they worked towards their academic goals. As the school buzzed with activity and anticipation for the upcoming events, the students embraced the opportunity to excel academically and leave behind a legacy that would inspire generations to come. As the junior students completed their exams, they wasted no time in coming together to rehearse for the upcoming celebration honoring their outgoing seniors. The cultural dancers and choir band worked tirelessly, practicing their routines and harmonizing their voices to perfection
Meanwhile, Richard's mother, eager to ensure her son looked his best for the occasion, set out to find him a suit. However, she soon discovered that the royal purple suits she had envisioned were far beyond her budget, with prices reaching as high as 85,000 naira. Undeterred, she scoured every shop and corner in search of a more affordable option, but to no avail. Returning home empty-handed, she broke the news to Richard, her heart heavy with disappointment. However, she reassured him that they would find a solution, promising to take him to Jankara
market the next day to purchase high-quality material for a tailor to sew a custom suit
Though disappointed by the setback, Richard understood his mother's efforts and appreciated her determination to make the celebration special for him. With renewed hope and anticipation, he looked forward to the next day's trip to the market, knowing that together they would find a solution to their dilemma and ensure he looked his best for the occasion. Accompanied by his mother, Richard ventured into Jankara market with hopeful anticipation. To their delight, they quickly found the royal purple material they were seeking, and Mrs. Oladapo purchased two lengths of fabric for the complete suit, at the affordable price of four thousand naira
With the material secured, they moved on to the next shop, where they found a stylish white t-shirt and royal purple tie to complement the suit. Richard carefully selected his preferred design, envisioning how it would complement the vibrant purple fabric. Next, they made their way to a shoe store, where Richard had the opportunity to choose a pair of shoes to complete his ensemble. With so many options to choose from, he took his time examining each pair before finally settling on the perfect design. Finally, their shopping trip culminated at Mr. Victor's workshop, where the skilled fashion designer would bring Richard's vision to life. Taking meticulous measurements, Mr. Victor ensured that the suit would fit Richard perfectly, promising to deliver a masterpiece that would make him stand out at the celebration in two days to come
Before they left, Mrs. Oladapo paid Mr. Victor the agreed-upon price, confident that Richard would soon be the proud owner of a custom-tailored suit that would make him shine on the special day. As they made their way home, Richard couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, eager to see the final result of their shopping adventure and looking forward to showcasing his new attire at the upcoming celebration. Excitement filled the air as the celebration day drew near, and Richard eagerly awaited the completion of his custom-tailored suit from Mr. Victor's workshop. True to his word, Mr. Victor assured Richard that the suit would be ready for collection in just two days, adding to the anticipation building within him
As the day of the celebration approached, Richard and a few of his classmates decided to visit the school to observe the preparations and enjoy some lively conversation. Upon arriving at the school's big hall, they were greeted by a banner hanging at the entrance, proudly displaying pictures of the outgoing students. With anticipation building, Richard and his friends couldn't help but marvel at the stunning quality of their suits and gowns, each piece meticulously crafted to perfection. The girls present had taken the time to adorn themselves with elegant hairstyles and accessories, while the boys sported fresh new haircuts, adding to the overall sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming celebration
Amidst laughter and chatter, Richard and his classmates exchanged stories and shared their excitement for the festivities ahead. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation, as they looked forward to celebrating their achievements and bidding farewell to their junior secondary years in style. With their meticulously planned outfits and anticipation for the celebration building, Richard and his friends were ready to make memories that would last a lifetime
As Richard and his classmates wandered through the hall, admiring the decorations and soaking in the festive atmosphere, Richard couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his new suit. He boasted to his friends about the high quality and standard of his attire, emphasizing the effort his mother had gone to in order to ensure he looked his best for the occasion. The amount his mother had paid for his suit and all the accompanying accessories seemed significant to Richard, serving as a tangible reminder of the importance of the upcoming celebration. With each step he took, Richard felt a sense of gratitude towards his mother for her sacrifices and dedication to ensuring his happiness and success
The hall itself was a sight to behold, adorned with colorful globes and draped in vibrant decoration materials. The stage stood proudly at one end, meticulously organized and ready to host the evening's festivities. Tables were arranged neatly throughout the hall, each adorned with six chairs and set with care to accommodate the expected guests. Near the stage, a special section had been reserved for the outgoing students, with chairs arranged in precise order to ensure their comfort and prominence during the event. As Richard took in the scene before him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation for the celebration that lay ahead. As Richard arrived home, his cheerful demeanor radiated throughout the house, filling the space with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Eager to share his excitement with his younger sisters, he greeted them with a wide smile and animated gestures, unable to contain his enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration
Like a coffee drinker on a caffeine high, Richard's eyes remained wide open, refusing to succumb to sleep as the excitement of the day's events played over and over in his mind. Despite the late hour, he found himself unable to nod off, his mind buzzing with thoughts of his new suit and the festivities that awaited him. At the stroke of 2:00 am, Richard finally roused himself from his bed, unable to resist the urge to check on his prized possession. With a smile of satisfaction, he admired the suit hanging in his wardrobe, the vibrant purple fabric shimmering in the faint light of the room. Satisfied with his inspection, Richard returned to bed, but sleep eluded him as the anticipation of the day ahead continued to bubble within him. Finally, at 5:00 am, he decided to seize the day and jumped out of bed, ready to begin his morning routine. Making his way to the bathroom, Richard greeted his mother, who had been roused by the sound of his movements. With soap on his face and a smile on his lips, he exchanged pleasantries with her before returning to his task
In a matter of minutes, Richard emerged from the bathroom, his body refreshed and invigorated from the shower. With a quick towel he dried his body, he wasted no time in donning his party clothes, eager to start the day and embrace the celebrations that lay ahead. As Richard finished dressing up, anticipation coursing through his veins, he decided to forgo breakfast and make his way to his parents' room to greet them. With a gentle knock on the door, he entered, his excitement palpable in the air. However, before he could even extend his greetings by prostrating, his father intercepted him with a gentle reprimand. Concerned about Richard dirtying his freshly dressed attire, his father reminded him to be mindful of his appearance. Richard, undeterred, explained that he was eager to attend the party, only to be met with his father's disapproval
"Why are you in such a hurry to leave home at this hour?" his father questioned, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're not the school gatekeeper, you know." With a slight frown, Richard turned to leave to his room until 7:30am clocks as his father instructed, but his father called him back, his tone softening. In a surprising gesture, his father handed him a crisp 1000 naira note, acknowledging that the decision to wait for breakfast or not was ultimately Richard's to make. With a grateful smile, Richard accepted the money, appreciative of his father's understanding and support. Leaving his parents' room with a renewed sense of excitement and gratitude, Richard knew that today would be a day to remember. With his pocket money in hand and his spirits soaring, he set off to embrace the festivities that awaited him, eager to make the most of every moment of the special day ahead
As Richard left home at the designated time of 7:30 am, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement pulsing through him. With his freshly pressed suit adorning his frame, he made his way to catch a bus to school, each passerby casting admiring glances in his direction. Arriving at the school, Richard could feel the anticipation building as the party preparations kicked into high gear. The outgoing students were bustling about, donning their graduating gowns over their carefully chosen attire, ready to mark the culmination of their junior secondary years. Inside the hall, the atmosphere was electric, with parents and relatives filling the seats in eager anticipation of the festivities to come. Among them sat Mr. and Mrs. Oladapo, accompanied by Richard's two younger sisters and a handful of relatives who had come to support him on this momentous occasion
As the outgoing students took their seats at the front of the hall, they were reminded to remain seated so as not to distract from the proceedings. With all eyes now focused on the stage, the ceremony was set to begin. A staff teacher took on the role of Master of Ceremony for the day, setting the tone for the event with grace and poise. He called upon two volunteers from the congregation to offer prayers in both the Islamic and Christian traditions, symbolizing the diversity and unity of the school community. Following the prayers, the Master of Ceremony proceeded to invite special dignitaries to the front table, where they would be honored guests for the duration of the celebration. Among them were prominent members of the community, as well as representatives from the school administration and faculty
With each dignitary taking their place at the table, the atmosphere in the hall was one of anticipation and reverence. The principal and school proprietor were also invited to join the high table, their presence serving as a symbol of the school's commitment to excellence and achievement. As the ceremony continued to unfold, Richard watched with a sense of pride and gratitude, knowing that he was part of a community that valued tradition, diversity, and the pursuit of knowledge. With the stage set and the guests of honor assembled, the celebration was ready to begin in earnest, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the outgoing students
As the scheduled program for the day commenced, the atmosphere in the hall buzzed with anticipation and excitement. The school choir band took to the stage, their voices harmonizing beautifully as they filled the air with melodies that stirred the hearts of all in attendance. Following their performance, the principal stepped up to the podium, his presence commanding the attention of the congregation. With eloquence and passion, he spoke about the school's vision, mission, and objectives, highlighting the commitment to academic excellence, character development, and sound education. Urging the congregation to spread the word and encourage others to enroll their children at The Royals College, the principal emphasized the school's dedication to nurturing young minds and shaping future leaders
As the principal concluded his address, the stage came alive with the vibrant energy of the cultural dancers, their movements telling stories of tradition and heritage. The rhythmic beats of the drums echoed throughout the hall, captivating the audience and transporting them to another world
Following the cultural performance, it was the turn of the musical demonstrators to take center stage. With instruments in hand, they showcased their talent and skill, filling the hall with music that resonated with joy and celebration
As the outgoing students watched from their seat, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their school and community. With each performance, they were reminded of the vibrant mosaic of talent and diversity that made The Royals College truly special. As the festivities continued to unfold, Richard knew that this would be a day to remember for years to come. Some of the songs render are listed below.
Cultural Song (Yoruba Language)
Dide lade ooo 4xce
Dide Lade Omo Olowo
Dide Lade ooo
Dide Lade Omo Royals College
Dide Lade ooo
Repeated thrice as they match to the stage with their legs moving forward and backward
Cultural Song (Yoruba Language)
Kiti kiti Alakiti Ti 2xc
Ewure Se Ore Ewur
Aguntan Se Ore Aguntan Tolo Tolo Se Ore Adiye Eniyan Lore Tem
Eni Ba Da Aran Bori Aso Ole Lo Da Bora
Da Bora Da Bora
Da Bora Bi Aso
The song is repeated twice, as they sing the congregation spray money on them and return to their sit, they round up their son and steadily leave the stage as they sing this song.
Cultural Song (Yoruba Language)
O Da Bi Kama ilo, Amilo Apeyinda
As the musical demonstrators organized themselves on stage, anticipation filled the air. With eager eyes fixed on the performers, the audience awaited the start of the next act. Suddenly, the familiar strains of a powerful anthem filled the hall, signaling the beginning of a stirring performance
Solo
(Stand Up
I was built to be the best
Number one and nothing less leave me to my destiny
I have waited patiently
I have visions, Ohh I believe
I know I can count on me
Chorus
So stand up, for the champions for the champions, stand u
Stand up; stand up, for the champions for the Champions Stand up, for the champion
For the champions, Stand up Stand up, stand u
For the Champions, for the Champion
Stand u
Solo
Here we go, it's getting clos
Now it's just who wants it most It's just like that's how it i
Cause we have our strengths and weaknesses Oh I have visions, oh can't you see I'm on the move, make way for me
Chorus repeated
And when I fall dow
I have to pick myself back u
(Background song
Stand up, for the champions for the champions stand up Stand up (stand up
Stand up (stand up
For the champions, for the Champions
As the performers poured their heart and soul into each note, the audience was swept away by the stirring lyrics and powerful melody. With each word ringing out clear and strong, the message of resilience and determination echoed throughout the hall. And as the chorus swelled to its triumphant crescendo, there was no denying the spirit of champions that burned bright in the hearts of all present. For in that moment, they were reminded of their own inner strength and the boundless potential that lay within. As the song came to an end, applause erupted from the audience, filling the hall with a thunderous roar of approval. And in that moment, they knew that they were indeed champions – not just on this day, but in every day that lay ahead.