The road to success is often long and complex.

At Emmaus Christian School, situated in the serene hills of Maenza in Italy, that long and complex road is negotiable. Scholars in this school are told from the very starting block they have been made for success. Those sending their wards to Emmaus are in no doubt of the quality of education being inculcated in them. The school prides itself in growing giants to impact their communities and societies. Another bragging right applicable to Emmaus is, it moulds the minds and souls of its pupils and students.

At the annual valedictory service of the School recently, the 17th to be precise, It was all praises to God as the school celebrated its O and A Levels students on the successful completion of their courses. The School Principal, Mrs Hanna Akinyemi was full of praises for each of the students as she extolled their strength and their commitment to their studies during the school year. She reiterated the school’s commitment to “Growing Tomorrow’s Giants.”

Addressing the graduating students on the theme: “Growing Up To Go Up,” the academic scholar, Dr Olusola Akinyemi, who is also the co-ordinator of the Deeper Life Church in Italy and continental Europe, admonished the students to avoid short cuts as it always end in cut short and being caught shot.

Describing growing up as overcoming a lot of things that are detrimental to progress, he highlighted iniquity, indiscipline, impatience, immaturity, ignorance and inconsistency as factors that would hinder progress. Quoting from the Scriptures, he said, “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34), adding that the path to progress and exaltation is the path of purity.  Using Solomon and Samson as examples, he pointed out that these men could not achieve their potentials because of sin.

“Indiscipline is the inability to do the right thing at the right time in the right way, leading to laziness and slothfulness. Also sleeping till 10am is indiscipline.”

He explained that discipline enables one to do the right thing at the right time. Dr Akinyemi enjoined the students to be patience because enjoying success takes time while admonishing them to shun childish behaviour and be matured by being courteous, respectful, polite and not desecrating public space with private stuff. He advised them to denounce ignorance, and inconsistency because “One win does not make a champion.”

The guest speaker at the occasion, Mr Franklin Abiola Temiloluwa, a Minister at the Embassy of Nigeria, Rome, urged the students to be resolute in their faith and encouraged them to put in their best in their future endeavour.

The current and graduating students presented songs, biblical recitations and poems during the service. The graduating students for the year are Kudirat Osinowo, Deborah Odeyemi, Dayo Omotayo and Emmanuel Babatunde for A’Level. Funsho Oladipo, Divine Gift Okuonghae, Emmanuel Ogunyemi, Ibrahim Mustapha for O’Level. The students were presented their diplomas to the admiration of their parents, school mates and well-wishers.    

Bunmi Dan-Ekhator