AGGS Tasks Graduands on Purity, Integrity, and Hard Work
Graduating students of Anglican Girls Grammar School , Onitsha
By Uzo Ugwunze
Graduating students of Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Onitsha, have been charged to uphold purity, integrity, and hard work as they transition from secondary school into higher institutions and the broader society.
This charge was delivered during the 2024/2025 Valedictory Service and Graduation/Prize-Giving Day ceremony, held at the school auditorium in Onitsha.
In her welcome address, the Principal of AGGS Onitsha, Lady Maureen Anyaenetu, urged the graduating students to remain committed to the values of “Purity, Integrity, and Hard Work” virtues she described as essential for achieving success in all aspects of life.
“My dear graduands, I pray that you will forever be guided by your school motto Purity and Integrity. You are now stepping into the realities of life, where the idealistic theories you embraced as students may not always be practicable.
You must sit up. To succeed in life, hard work and discipline are non-negotiable. You’re entering a world where people may have knowledge without character, wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, business without morality, worship without sacrifice, and action without reason,” said Lady Anyaenetu.
Delivering what was her last major address before retirement, the principal expressed gratitude to God, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, and his wife, Dr. Elsie Nwokolo (Mama Niger), as well as to the vice principals, form teachers, teaching and non-teaching staff including Abuchi Edogu, the only government-appointed male teacher in the school hostel mistresses, education board staff, the Old Girls Association, her husband Rt. Hon. Sir Emeka Anyaenetu, and her children, for their unwavering support throughout her educational career and their contributions to the progress of AGGS.
Lady Anyaenetu, whose tenure was marked by achievements in instilling discipline, respect for teachers, and improved cleanliness across the school, also called on the government to assist in combating the erosion threat facing the school.
She noted that although the state government had previously implemented a palliative measure by constructing a drainage channel, the erosion problem persists and continues to worsen.
Earlier in the event, the Education Secretary of the Diocese on the Niger, Ven. Ndubuisi Izuchukwu, delivered a homily based on 1 Kings 19:8, urging the graduands to equip themselves with strength for the journey ahead,symbolically spanning the next 40 years of life, four years of undergraduate study, one year of National Youth Service (NYSC), and 35 years of civil service.
“Today is a day of separation. The world will swallow some of you, while others will stand out. You may be the best student here, but outside, you could end up working for someone who was your junior. So be at peace with everyone because you never know what tomorrow holds. My prayer is that you will be mountain-top dwellers not pushovers,” he said.
Guest speaker, Lady Dr. Ogochukwu Okpokwasili, spoke on the theme of self-discovery and personal growth, emphasizing introspection and continuous self-improvement.
“No one knows you better than you. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Meditate, think, reflect, plan, seek feedback, and strive to improve. Build synergy with one another, maintain the friendships and memories you’ve made here. Form your alumni body perhaps start a WhatsApp group. Don’t lose hope. Try new skills. If you fail, rise and keep moving.”he stated.
Mrs. Chijioke Njideka, Principal of Community Secondary School Awa and representative of the AGGS Old Girls 1985 Set which awarded several cash prizes to outstanding students and the Best Teacher highlighted the purpose behind the awards:
“The aim is to encourage excellence and motivate others toward healthy competition. When students are hard-working and well-behaved, they position themselves to be rewarded. To the graduands, go out and strive to become achievers so you can support others in the future and not become burdens.”shevdsudc
She also shared a goodwill message for Lady Anyaenetu:“As she retires, I pray she enjoys her well-deserved rest. She has fought a good fight and conquered. May she remain active and engaged, so that retirement doesn’t become stagnation.”
Dignitaries at the event include,Sir Charles Nsofor (Occasion Chairman and AGGS Onitsha Board Member), Lady Nkiru Chiedu, School Chaplain Bertram Igbokwe, they also advised the students to be mindful of how they navigate the wider world. They encouraged them to live as women of substance like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the late Prof. Dora Akunyili.
“They should guard themselves against negative influences, guided by the values they have absorbed over these six years,” said Sir Charles Nsofor.
Reflecting on the outgoing principal’s tenure, Nsofor added:“I’ve been a board member since 2016 and worked with three principals. Lady Anyaenetu has been exceptional. She has made significant strides in uplifting this school. I encourage her to continue with the same tenacity in her post-service endeavors as a respected senior citizen.”
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to outstanding students and teachers, unveiling of the Puritans yearbook, cultural dances, and other performances.
