From the humble beginning to glorious and enviable heights. I personally welcome you to the world of possibilities and enduring vision. Firstgate is a childhood dream. It is a product of vision. Its birth has been pre-determined by the Omniscient. The adventurous journey began in September 2005 with just two pupils in an evening lesson class with virtually zero capital. By the power of Providence, it was transformed dramatically into a high school in July 2007 with an initial enrollment of about 18 students and 5 staff in a rented building. Seven years down the line, the story has changed. This change actually began with me. Being a firm believer of Biblical injunction which says; With God all things are possible. I took an advantage of a study trip to Oxford Brookes University Business School, Oxford, England in to acquire a training course in May and October 2009. I repeated a similar trip to the United Kingdom in October 2010. I also embarked on a short management course to the University of Stellenbosh Executive Centre, Cape Town, South Africa in 2011. By the special grace of God, as we approach our 7 years of existence, I took a bolder step forward to acquire another training in Pace University, New York, United States in January 2014. Having studied in most prestigious universities in three continents of the world, Firstgate is on the world map of post-primary institution whose products will be able to compete globally. Interestingly, some of our products have successfully completed their first degrees, while many are currently furthering their education in different universities in Nigeria and beyond. We have competed in various competitions and performed excellently well. We are proud recipients of Obasanjo Presidential Library/UNESCO award (2014 edition). In 2013, we emerged the 2nd runner-up in an essay competition organized by Min. Of Education, Science & Technology, Obafemi Owode Zone. The achievements are not without their corresponding challenges. But we are able to surmount them. The best is still yet to come. We believe, one day, we will move to our permanent site despite financial constraints. Building a bright future for our youths is not a child play. All of us must put efforts together to achieve this. With a view to giving opportunities to the gifted and talented orphans, and the indigent to achieve their dreams, we set up a foundation in honour of late mother because she was actually the person that gave me the initial push and full support to establish a school we called Firstgate today. Juliana Olayinka Foundation has been a blessing to many homes and families across the globe. More than 20 students have benefitted from the tuition free program offered. Not less than 2 million naira have spent to train these beneficiary students since inception. Mothers are great indeed! The future is here in Firstgate and the future is bright! By His Grace, in few years time, we shall celebrate our inventors, professors, world leaders, great ministers of God, and business leaders. It is possible! As we continue to celebrate our successes and achievements, we shall continue to appreciate fore mostly, our Great God who gives and sustains the VISION. I appreciate also my wife for sharpening the Vision daily, and my family for their tremendous contributions. I express my profound gratitude to all past and present FHS parents and guardians especially the past PTA executives for their unalloyed loyalty and unwavering commitment to the well being of their school. Great professionals are not easily come by. Our staff over the years have quite supportive and co-visioners. Their efforts are evident of the characters they produce each year. Kudos to all past and current staff. I thank all the special guests who have honoring our invitations since first founders day till date. Permit me to mention few men and women of honour here: Mrs Ogunyemi, the angel that God used to accommodate us in Mowe in 2005; Dr & Mrs Ayo Ogunsan, vibrant entrepreneurs and chief promoters of Firstgate whose contributions remains invaluable; the royal fathers of this occasion, High Chiefs Obisola and Ojelade for their royal advice and contributions. We appreciate the Ministry Of Education officials for identifying with us at all times especially past ZEOs Mr A. Aikuola, Mrs Mary Okerafor and the current ZEO Mrs O.O Agbaje. We are quite fortunate in this gathering to have a Honorable Justice Mojisola Dada as the Chairperson Emeritus of this event. She is my mother and inspiration. I appreciate her for identifying with the Vision. My gratitude to Mr Wale Ogundairo, Proprietor, Dee New Era Schools, Adesan whose sharp criticism move us forward and also Mr Joseph Alatise of Pacessetter College, Ajuwon for his great support. I also thank all our students who do us proud at all times by their sound moral behaviours and excellent academic performances. Let me challenge the graduands and all other students with these quotes: Remember now your Creator in the days of your youths... Eccl12.1 Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail - Ralph Emerson. celebrating FIRSTGATE @ 7! Thank you all and God bless. Richard Ijalana The Founding Chairman FHS.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 10:57:44 +0000
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