John Nwaigwe
Atiku, Akobundu Grace Pacesetters’ Academy’s Graduation Ceremony
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, and the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Austin Akobundu graced the graduation ceremony of Pacesetters Academy, Abuja.
The event which held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel (former Sheraton Hotel), Abuja, amidst pomp and Splendour, attracted the presence of other dignitaries including members of the Federal House of Representatives, Wives of Governors, erudite scholars from the academia, captains of industry, parents/guardians among others, leading to the expansive venue filled well beyond its full capacity.
In his keynote address, Senator Akobundu extolled the Chairman of the School, Bar. Kenneth Imansuangbon and the Director, Mrs Imansuangbon, the Board, Management and staff, “for the excellent job they have been doing over the years,” saying that “Their unwavering commitment to the education and training of our young ones, adequately preparing them for the challenges and prospects ahead, is highly commendable. This has resulted in the enviable academic records of the school over the years which have placed it among the best in the entire nation.”
Akobundu further commended the graduating students for their resilience and excellence in their academics and other areas of life which he advised should be used as pedestals for achieving their dreams. He admonished them to take a cue from his own experience as a child who went through rough patches in pursuit of his education. “Take courage in my own story and know that if I could be here today, with focus on your education, you too can be senators, ministers, governors, president, renowned scientists, literary giants, educators etc.”
In his own address, Chairman of the School, Barr Imansuangbon, said the choice of Senator Austin Akobundu to present the keynote address at the event was a result of a carefully thought-out process and decision reached by the school board and management following the Senator’s direct involvement in the education and empowerment of youths even beyond Abia Central Senatorial District. He further described Senator Akobundu’s scholarships to students of various categories and his free training, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for youths as exemplary and inspiring, saying “he is a model to follow.”
On his part, the former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, hailed the board and management of the school for living up to its name and setting the pace in educational standards in Nigeria, vowing that he would continue to support educators at all levels in pursuit of his vision to provide education for all children of school age in the country irrespective of their social status.
He congratulated the graduands and their parents/guardians for partnering with the school in moulding the children right for the overall benefits of Nigeria describing them as critical stakeholders in the country’s continued search for excellence in character, growth and development.
Highlights of the event included presentation of awards to some of the dignitaries including Atiku and Akobundu for their exceptional achievements in the promotion of education in the country; presentation of certificates and awards to the graduating students, musical and cultural displays, and poetic renditions by the students.
