……As Rhapsody Model School Celebrates 10th Anniversary, Outstanding Performance.
Emmanuel Ikpeama.
Ijegun, Lagos–Prominent traditional ruler and philanthropist, Eze Ambassador Chika Nwokedi, has reaffirmed that education remains the bedrock of national development, urging governments at all levels to accord the sector the priority it deserves.
Nwokedi made the call on Tuesday during the 10th Anniversary, Prize-Giving Day and Graduation Ceremony of Rhapsody Model Nursery and Primary School, Ijegun, Lagos, where he commended the institution for its decade-long commitment to academic excellence, moral upbringing and character development.
Speaking at the event, the respected community leader described the school as one of the few institutions genuinely committed to shaping the future of children through quality education and godly values.
According to him, his continued presence at the school’s programmes is a reflection of his confidence in its vision and the positive impact it has made on the lives of young learners.
“If the school was not excellent in its service to humanity, I would not be here. I had important engagements in Surulere and Ikeja today, but I deliberately put them on hold because I believe in what this school is doing for our children,” he said.
He noted that his passion for children, widows, motherless babies and the less privileged has always inspired him to support meaningful causes that uplift society.
Recalling one of his humanitarian interventions, Eze Nwokedi disclosed that he empowered more than 211 widows last year, stressing that he derives joy from giving hope to vulnerable members of society.
Congratulating the graduating pupils, he prayed for divine protection, wisdom and success as they move on to higher levels of learning.
He expressed confidence that the solid academic and moral foundation laid by Rhapsody Model School would position the children for greatness and help them fulfil their God-given destinies.
Eze Nwokedi also encouraged proprietors of other schools to emulate the institution’s culture of excellence, compassion and commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Addressing government authorities, he stressed that no nation can achieve sustainable development without making education a top priority.
“Education remains the foundation of every great nation. Without education, there is no future. Government must continue to invest in education because it is the key to national progress,” he stated.
In fulfilment of a promise he made years earlier, the philanthropist presented a live cow to the school in celebration of its 10th anniversary, describing the gesture as his appreciation for the school’s consistency and remarkable achievements over the years.
Earlier in her address, the Director of Schools, Ambassador Reverend Shola Ijaola, reflected on the institution’s ten-year journey, describing it as one filled with challenges, sacrifices and divine grace.
According to her, raising children from different backgrounds requires more than professional competence—it demands genuine compassion and a divine calling.
“Parenting is a calling. If raising one’s biological children is not easy, imagine raising hundreds of children from different homes and backgrounds. It has been demanding, but it has also been rewarding.”
She recalled how the COVID-19 pandemic almost threatened the survival of the school after many parents withdrew their children because of economic hardship.
Despite the difficult period,she said the school remained steadfast because of God’s faithfulness and the support of loyal parents describing the parents as “premium parents” because many entrusted two, three and sometimes four children to the institution.
“We appreciate every parent who believed in our vision. Their confidence kept us going through some of our most difficult moments.”
The Director rated the school 10 out of 10, citing its serene learning environment, spiritual foundation, dedicated teachers and compassionate management.
“Our school is a place where destinies are moulded, talents are discovered and brilliant futures are built. Beyond academics, we are raising God-fearing leaders who will positively impact society.”
Speaking with newsmen,the Chairman of the School, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Olatunji Ijaola, said the establishment of the school was not part of his personal ambition but a divine instruction from God.
He disclosed that although he already had a successful career and ministry, he obeyed God’s leading to establish the school.
“We started with virtually nothing. There was no elaborate plan to own a school, but when God instructed us, we obeyed.”
He acknowledged the support received from financial institutions, particularly First Bank and Accion Microfinance Bank, which believed in the school’s vision from its early days.
According to him, the greatest reward over the past decade has been seeing children transformed into responsible and disciplined young people.
He prayed for the graduating pupils, declaring that every investment made in their lives would produce lasting results.
“Every child that passes through Rhapsody Model School is raised for excellence and godliness. Those are the pillars upon which this institution stands.”
Looking ahead, Bishop Ijaola announced plans to establish a secondary school as the next phase of the institution’s growth.
He disclosed that the necessary facilities are already available and that the management is awaiting the required regulatory approvals before commencing operations.
One of the parents, Pastor Ambassador Dr. Tessy Chika Nwokedi, described the graduation ceremony as the best in the history of the school.
She expressed appreciation to God for the success of the event and commended the proprietors, teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment to nurturing children academically, spiritually and morally.
According to her, bringing her children to Rhapsody Model School remains one of the best decisions she has ever made.
She revealed that her son had experienced slow academic development and speech challenges before enrolling in the school.
“I was led by the Holy Spirit to bring both my daughter and my son here. Within about one year, I saw a remarkable transformation in my son’s academics and speech.
Today, I can confidently say this school is excellent academically, morally, socially and spiritually. I recommend it without hesitation.”
She prayed that God would continue to reward the teachers and management for positively impacting the lives of children
Investigator news reports that the colourful celebration was a celebration of excellence, gratitude and remarkable achievements as Rhapsody Model Nursery and Primary School, Ijegun, Lagos, marked its 10th Anniversary.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the recognition of excellence across different categories.
Teachers who had served the school for five years and above were honoured with awards and cash gifts in recognition of their dedication, while outstanding pupils and supportive parents also received awards for their exceptional contributions to the growth of the institution, including Eze Ambassador Chika Nwokedi also announced a cash gift of ₦20,000 to each of the pioneer graduates, applauding them for making history as the first graduating class of the institution.
The event brought together parents, education stakeholders, clergy, traditional leaders, community members and invited guests who joined the school in celebrating a decade of excellence, outstanding academic performance and impactful service to humanity.
Outstanding pupils who distinguished themselves academically also received awards and certificates in recognition of their exceptional performances.
The celebration climaxed with the cutting of the anniversary cake amid songs of thanksgiving and joyful celebrations by pupils, parents, teachers and invited guests.
As Rhapsody Model Nursery and Primary School marks a decade of excellence, the institution has not only celebrated ten years of existence but also reaffirmed its commitment to raising a generation of academically sound, morally upright and God-fearing leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.
Investigator news gathered that the event brought together parents, education stakeholders, clergy, traditional leaders, community members and invited guests who joined the school in celebrating a decade of excellence, outstanding academic performance and impactful service to humanity.
