History was made at Masterguide College, Orelope-Egbeda, Lagos on Thursday, March 23, as a fast-growing novelist, Anjola Aregbesola emerged pioneer president of the school’s Interact Club.
The teenage author, who is also the school’s assistant head girl and leader of debate, won the election staged by officials from Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa under the leadership of President Tonna Oguzie Ofuasia.
Masterguide College Interact Club was chartered with 31 members and Sponsored by Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa.
Aregbesola is joined in the pioneering executive committee by Tobi Apuabi (Vice-President), Temiloluwa Oluyipe (Secretary), Oluwatise Olalekan (Treasurer), Chidinma Osuagwu (Admin officer) and Ireoluwa Lawal (SAA).
It was another step forward for Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa, as they have in recent years gone the extra mile in opening various branches of Interact Club in secondary schools across Lagos State.
Their latest venture was powered by ‘Imagine Rotary,’ as joint-sponsors of a speech making contest organised by Press/Creative Club of Masterguide College that preceded the launch, swearing in of officials and confirmation of chartered status for the new club.
The event, which was witnessed by four high ranking officials from Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa, Rotarian Jide-Ojo Olajide, Rotarian Olukayode Arike, Rotarian Ogunkunle Oluwabunmi and Rotarian Lovette Iyaji Ochicha was tagged ‘JS3 Jaw-Jaw’ and had students from two invited schools in attendance.
Masterguide College proprietress, Mrs Ngozi Ogbonna expressed profound joy and delight with the day’s activities, which included dancing, singing, drama, miming and news reading performances.
Aregbesola, who was later elected pioneer president of Masterguide College’s Interact Club, also won the invitational debate, ahead of second placed Esther Harbor from Will-B Excellence Secondary School, Ikotun, and a candidate from Jemfas College of Abaranje, Lagos, whose proprietor, Mr. Diyan, was also in attendance.
Darasimi Olalekan won the JS3 students’ speech contest, which was based on the topic ‘Who Is To Blame For Wayward children In Nigeria: School, Family, Society?’
While first, second and third placed in the invitational debate got customised certificates and medals for their efforts, Rotary Club donated lofty prizes for the JS3 contest.
Olalekan got a brand new Scrabble package and certificate for first place, Bukunmi Adeniran received a chess pack and certificate as runner-up, while Success Nwaogu went home with a dictionary and certificate for third position.
Several athematical sets also went as consolation prizes for students in the audience that got correct answers to questions asked in the media quiz.
At the end of the day’s activities, the president of Masterguide College’s Press/Creative Club, Emmanuel Ariyo-David and his assistant, Flourish Uduokhai, who were both MCs for the day, concurred that it was a day well spent in gaining knowledge and savouring entertainment.
“This is awesome,” said Ariyo-David, after the event that held from 10am to 1pm on the school’s assembly ground.
“We thank Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa for making it possible, for the amazing gifts and refreshments that they sponsored. God will bless the more.
“We also thank Daddy and Mummy, Mr and Mrs Ogbonna, for allowing us organise this event and for all our teachers for supporting us to make it happen.
“We are very grateful to everyone, especially how they trusted us, the students, to take charge of every aspect of the programme. Thanks so much.”
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
