Today, with immense joy and gratitude to God, we celebrate an extraordinary personality, our own Osanyinlusi Benjamin Olaitanâthe Head Boy (Senior Prefect) of the Ijurin Comprehensive High School (ICHS) Class of 2001.
Olaitan came to Ijurin around 1993 and joined us in Primary Four. From the very beginning, he stood outânot because of wealth or privilege, but because of his unique Ikole dialect, which was so sweet and captivating that it earned him popular nicknames like Emo and Mejapa. Little did we know that behind those innocent moments was a young boy destined for greatness.
His leadership journey began in JSS1 when he was elected Class Captain in the second term of our very first year at Compro. Even then, he displayed uncommon courage, intelligence, humility, and integrity. Like every great story, his own began with humble beginnings.
I can never forget the day our late Principal, Mr. Osamiluyi, invited him to the Assembly Corridor, where the entire school discovered that the JSS1 Class Captain had no school sandals. It was a touching moment that revealed the harsh realities of his background. Yet, rather than becoming a limitation, those challenges became the foundation upon which he built an inspiring future.
Today, to God be the glory, that story has changed completely. The young boy who once had no shoes can now, by the grace of God, buy not only shoes but vehicles of his choice. He is happily married, fulfilled in his career, and remains a shining example that greatness is not determined by where you start but by your determination to keep moving forward.
You were not born with a silver spoon, nor was greatness handed to you. You earned it through resilience, perseverance, discipline, sacrifice, focus, consistency, and unwavering faith in God. Your life is a powerful testimony that hard work, character, and determination will always speak louder than circumstances.
You were one of the five beneficiaries of the Fadjo League Club one-year scholarship while we were in JSS2, alongside Seun Adewale (now Mrs. Oladunjoye), Funke Omotoso, and two other classmates whose names I hope members of our great set will help us remember.
Your brilliance in academics was second to none. There was hardly any debate, quiz, or academic competition without you leading from the front. You represented our school with distinction and inspired many of us to believe that excellence was attainable. Your passion for learning even led us to enroll for extra lessons under another respected former Head Boy, Wale Olakehinde.
From Class Captain to Head Boy, your journey has always reflected service before self. Leadership was never just a title for youâit was your identity.
Today, your closest alliesâ Ajayi Oye Deji (Baba Kojo) and Wole Williams Falade (Jogbolonjo)âjoin me in celebrating a dependable friend, a brother, and a worthy ambassador of our great alma mater.
On behalf of our Senior Prefect Girl, Ajayi Funke, and every member of the noble ICHS 2001 Set, we celebrate you today with hearts full of pride and thanksgiving.
As you mark another beautiful year, may God Almighty continue to crown your efforts with success, bless you with excellent health, grant you greater wisdom, enlarge your coast, preserve your beautiful family, and keep lifting you from glory to glory. May your best days always be ahead of you.
Thank you for making us proud. Thank you for proving that humble beginnings can produce extraordinary destinies. Thank you for remaining a source of inspiration to everyone privileged to know you.
Happy Birthday once again, our Leader of Men! Continue to soar higher. The sky is not your limitâit is only your starting point.
KĂĄre o, á»má» áșžláșčÌkĂČlĂ©, á»balĂĄyĂ aáčŁá». Iká»ÌlĂ© rĂ un maso se,han tale bose
Happy Birthday, Olaitan! ICHS 2001 celebrates you today and always. May your light never grow dim.
🎂🎉🥂🍾
Benjamin Olaitan
Wale Emmanuel
