Saturday, August 8, 2026, was a memorable day of celebration, excellence and thanksgiving as Royal Legends Academy, a reputable secondary school in the Owode-Ibeshe axis of Ikorodu, Lagos State, held the 4th edition of its Annual Prize-Giving Service and Valedictory Ceremony.
The colourful ceremony attracted parents, guardians, guests, community leaders, staff and students of the school, all of whom gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduands and outstanding students of the 2025/2026 academic session.
The occasion was graced by the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom, HRM Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, who attended with a delegation of high chiefs. Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom was represented at the event by a high Chief in Igbogbo Kingdom. Also represented at the event was the Chairman of Igbogbo-Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Prince Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA). The Chairman was represented by his Supervisor for Education and Library Services, Pastor Adeyemi Benson. The General Manager of City People Magazine, Alhaji Wahab Bashir, was also among the distinguished guests at the ceremony.
Founded in 2022, Royal Legends Academy has, within its relatively short period of existence, continued to make remarkable strides in its quest to provide quality education and nurture students for academic and personal excellence.
One of the major highlights of the school’s achievements was the impressive performance of its students in the recently released West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The strong performance, according to the school, further demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and its determination to equip its students to compete favourably with their peers.
50 Students Graduate
The 2026 graduation ceremony witnessed the graduation of 50 students comprising students of JSS 3 and SS 3, who were celebrated for completing important stages of their secondary education.
The graduands, accompanied by their parents and well-wishers, processed into the school hall amid excitement and applause, signalling the commencement of a ceremony filled with memorable moments.
Leading the procession was the proprietor of the school, Mr. Shakirudeen Adeniyi Balogun, alongside his wife and members of the school’s management and principal officers.
The school choir opened proceedings with the recitation of the National Anthem and the school anthem. The choir also delivered a number of musical ministrations at different intervals, drawing applause from the audience.
Students of the school also entertained guests with a variety of performances, including poetry recitation, choreography, music presentations, news casting, cultural dance and drama.
‘Honouring Excellence, Launching Greatness’
A major part of the ceremony was the presentation of words of admonition to the graduating students on the theme, “Honouring Excellence; Launching Greatness.”
The resource person, an educational consultant, Chief Ogbu, encouraged the graduands to approach the next stage of their academic journey with discipline, determination, humility and a strong commitment to excellence.
They were also reminded that academic success should be complemented by good character, resilience and the willingness to learn from every experience.
Proprietor Appreciates Stakeholders
In his address, the proprietor, Mr. Balogun, expressed gratitude to God for the achievements recorded by the school within just four years of its establishment.
He particularly appreciated the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom for his royal fatherly support, encouragement and prayers, which he described as instrumental to the growth and development of the institution.
He also thanked the parents, members of staff and the host community for their support and contributions towards making the vision of Royal Legends Academy a reality.
Olubeshe Commends Proprietor
Speaking at the ceremony, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom, HRM Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, commended the proprietor for his doggedness, commitment and expertise in establishing and successfully running a school within the community.
The monarch acknowledged the positive impact of Royal Legends Academy on the people of the community and prayed for the continued growth and prosperity of the institution.
He further expressed the hope that the school would continue to expand and eventually achieve the proprietor’s aspiration of establishing a university.
Prayers For The Graduands
Another significant moment came when the graduands were called out for special prayers and blessings.
Notable Christian and Muslim clerics in the community offered prayers for the students, seeking divine guidance, wisdom and success as they proceeded to the next phase of their academic journey.
Leadership Mantle Handed Over
The ceremony also featured the symbolic transfer of the leadership mantle from the outgoing student leaders to the incoming prefects.
The outgoing Head Boy and Head Girl formally handed over to their successors, led by the new Head Boy and Head Girl, in a symbolic demonstration of continuity, responsibility and leadership.
The outgoing Head Boy subsequently delivered an emotional valedictory speech in which he reflected on his experiences at Royal Legends Academy and charged his fellow graduands to uphold the values, discipline and lessons they had acquired in the school.
Awards And Recognition
As part of the day’s activities, outstanding students across different classes were recognised and rewarded for their impressive academic performances and achievements during the 2025/2026 academic session.
The graduands were also called forward to receive their certificates before the gathering, marking the formal completion of their respective stages of education at the school.
The students thereafter took commemorative photographs with their parents, the proprietor and members of the school management.
The school also recognised three parents with special awards for their exemplary contributions to the growth and success of the institution.
Some members of staff were equally honoured for their dedication, commitment and contributions to the effective running of the school over the years.
A Memorable Celebration
The ceremony eventually came to a colourful close with the cutting of the symbolic graduation cake, marking the successful completion of the 4th Annual Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Royal Legends Academy.
For the graduands, it was a day of pride and a new beginning. For their parents, it was a moment to celebrate the fruits of their investment in education. For the management and staff of Royal Legends Academy, it was another opportunity to reflect on the institution’s journey and celebrate the progress recorded within just four years.
The event will undoubtedly remain fresh in the memories of the organisers, parents, staff, guests and, most importantly, the graduating students and their colleagues who actively participated in making the 2026 edition a colourful and memorable celebration of excellence, learning and greatness.
-Jamiu Abubakar
