Praise Seeds Schools, Ogun State, celebrated its 10th anniversary and annual Praise Seeds Praise celebration with special recognition for long-serving members of staff and pioneer pupils who laid the foundation of the institution.
The celebration featured remarks from the school proprietress, Mrs Dupe Oluwagbile; director, Mr Segun Oluwagbile; Proprietress of Champions International Schools, Magboro, Ogun State, Mrs Bosede Adekeye; and Director of Champions International Schools, Mr Fola Adekeye.
In her remarks, Mrs Oluwagbile recalled the school’s humble beginnings, noting that Praise Seeds Schools started its nursery and primary arm in 2015, while the college arm commenced in 2017.
She recognised the contributions of foundational staff and parents, including “Teacher Patience, Teacher Sola, Miss Grace Alawode, Mrs Imafidon, Teacher Aramide, and Teacher Kemi,” whose dedication, she said, helped shape the school’s early success.
She further noted the support of her husband, Mr Segun Oluwagbile, in ensuring that the school remained faithful to its vision, and gave special tribute to the late Prince Wale Adejuyigbe, who provided early financial support and encouragement.
“The nursery and primary arm of the school started in 2015, while the college arm started in 2017.
The wonderful set of destiny helpers that started with us in Praise Seeds are Teacher Patience (Mrs Ekemezie), Teacher Sola (Mrs Salami), Miss Grace Alawode (now married), Mrs Imafidon (Mama Crèche), and Teacher Aramide (Mrs Shittu). Teacher Kemi joined the school in January 2016, and she and Teacher Sola are still very much with us,” she said.
“Most of the teachers present today have been with us between five and eight years, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment.”
Oluwagbile also recalled the school’s very first day, describing the support received from Prince Adejuyigbe as unforgettable.
“I can never forget the love shown to us by Prince Wale Adejuyigbe of blessed memory, who drove into the school compound on the very first day we started the summer holiday lessons with two children who were not even related to him. He gave us a cheque of four thousand naira immediately and blessed the school. May the Lord bless his soul and his dear wife,” she said.
She also remembered the first set of 12 children admitted into the school: Boluwatife Iyanu, Feranmi Adeyinka, Tenifayo Adekola, Femi Jerome, Segun Jerome, Taiwo Ayeni, Kehinde Ayeni, Toluwanimi Shittu, Rahman Olayiwola, Faridah Olayiwola, Daniel Ekemezie and Imisioluwa Abayomi.
“They are amazing and can never be forgotten in the history of Praise Seeds Schools. They were very supportive and always available to cheer us on and encourage us. They were not mindful of our little beginning,” she said.
She also acknowledged the first set of Parents-Teachers Forum executives of the school, naming Mr Paul Odufuwa (Chairman), Mrs Yemisi Raji (Secretary), Mrs Jerome Helen (Treasurer), and Mrs Opara.
“They were amazing and always available to encourage us. I also thank all our past and present parents and staff. They are all wonderful people,” Oluwagbile added.
Giving his remarks, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyeye Joseph, represented by the Editor, The PUNCH, Mr Oyetunji Abioye, highlighted the central role of teachers in shaping the future, describing them as “the heartbeat of any institution.”
He described teachers as unsung heroes of nation-building whose contributions often go under-appreciated.
Joseph said, “As a journalist and media executive, I have had the privilege of observing many institutions. One truth remains constant: no school can rise above the quality of its teachers.
“Praise Seeds Schools is where it is today because of you—the teachers. Your dedication, patience, skill and emotional labour cannot be quantified. You shape destinies, mould character, and inspire possibilities.”
He praised the school founders, Mr and Mrs Olugbile, for their commitment to purpose, investment, discipline and consistency in sustaining the school for a decade.
“It takes courage to plant a seed, but it takes grace, discipline and consistency to nurture that seed until it becomes a thriving tree offering shade and fruit to many. Your journey deserves to be studied, honoured and replicated across our great nation,” he said.
Addressing students and alumni, Joseph encouraged them to uphold the values of discipline, faith, responsibility and purpose.
“As you grow, learn and discover yourselves, always remember that you carry the values of this institution—excellence, discipline, faith, responsibility and purpose. You are the fruits of these ten years, and the ambassadors of the next decade and beyond,” he said.
Joseph also acknowledged the support of parents, guardians and the Parents-Teachers Forum, stressing that their faith and partnership had been vital to the school’s growth and impact.
Looking ahead, he urged the school to deepen academic excellence, strengthen moral and spiritual foundations, embrace innovation and technology, expand infrastructure and build stronger partnerships with families and the community.
“Nigeria needs institutions like Praise Seeds Schools—centres that raise children who will become tomorrow’s innovators, professionals, leaders and changemakers,” he said.
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