Ibikunle spoke during the Catch-Them-Young Programme held at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Primary Schools 1 and 5, Monatan, where he encouraged pupils to remain focused despite life’s challenges.
Returning to his alma mater 37 years after leaving the school, the governor’s aide described the visit as emotional, recalling the classrooms where he began his educational journey.
“I left this school about 37 years ago, and it is a wonderful feeling to be back. I can still recognise the classrooms where I sat as a pupil. Being here again and interacting with these children gives me great joy,” he said.
Sharing his life story, Ibikunle said poverty did not stop him from pursuing education, revealing that he wore tattered school uniforms, sold bread and engaged in menial jobs to finance his studies.
“My parents were very poor. I attended public school, wore torn uniforms and sold bread to support my education. Through perseverance, focus and God’s grace, I earned more than three degrees, including a PhD in Mediation, and today I have travelled to different parts of the world,” he said.
He urged the pupils not to allow their present circumstances to define their future, stressing that character, resilience and commitment remain the foundation of lasting success.
According to him, life is measured by the positive impact one makes rather than material possessions.
He warned the pupils against criminality and other social vices, saying brigandage only destroys destinies and denies young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
“Life impact is about what you give, not what you take. Brigandage has never benefited anyone. Build your life on passion, discipline, empathy and resilience. Renew your thinking towards greatness because your future is brighter than your present,” he said.
Ibikunle expressed appreciation to his parents for insisting on formal education despite their financial challenges and noted that the values instilled in him during his primary school years had continued to shape his life.
“This school laid the foundation for everything I have achieved today. Thirty-seven years ago, I never imagined I would become who I am today. If God could do it for me, He can do even greater things for you. You will go farther than I have gone,” he told the pupils.
The governor’s aide also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for implementing education-friendly policies aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving access to quality education.
He called on parents and teachers to strengthen their collaboration with government in raising responsible children and building a more peaceful society.
In their separate remarks, the representative of the Education Secretary for Egbeda Local Government Area, Mr. Olusola Olatominrin, and the Head Teacher of CAC Primary Schools 1 and 5, Mrs. Rashidat Owoniyi, lauded Ibikunle for giving back to his alma mater and inspiring the pupils with his personal story.
Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the Catch-Them-Young Initiative, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, reiterated the programme’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents through education and appealed to public-spirited individuals to support the initiative.
As part of the programme, more than 12 pupils received new school uniforms, socks and sandals, while selected pupils were inaugurated as coordinators of the school’s Debate, Health, Security, Jet and Environmental clubs to encourage leadership and academic excellence from an early age.
