School principal seeks end to killings in Plateau, Benue

The Management of Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja, has condemned the spate of insecurity in the country, describing it as a national tragedy.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, the Principal, Joseph Adediji after it held its second edition of its annual ‘One Day School Principal’ event in Lagos, said “the recent massacre of innocent people by bandits in Plateau and Benue states is a national tragedy that must be allowed to fester.”

Adediji used the occasion of the celebration to plead with the Federal Government and security agencies to stop the incessant killings orchestrated by terrorists and armed bandits across the country.

She, however, stated that the ‘one-day principal event designed to instill and promote leadership ethos and responsibility in students, has become a reference point in the school, saying that this year’s event, as usual, featured students who have emerged victorious in their Cambridge examinations.

It also took into consideration those who have imbibed and displayed educational excellence, moral rectitude, and religious fidelity.

Successful students occupied the positions of ‘Principal, Vice Principal, and H.O.Ds running the school for just one day.

The one-day principal for the 2025 edition was Miss Oloyede Oyefunmilayo Ireoluwa.

Adediji expressed gratitude to the proprietors, the board and management of the school for their support of the programme.

He says, “I am particularly happy today, seeing these young ones being celebrated. Because we cannot be there forever, hence, we need people who, by the grace of God, will step into the position of leadership.

He explained further that the programme was designed to encourage and motivate younger people and inspire the ‘can do’ spirit in them. He expressed satisfaction on this year’s event which was an improvement over the 2024 edition.

Adediji, who is the 13th principal of the school with over three decades of experience in the education sector, expressed confidence that with adequate support, younger people will excel and go places.

He said, “Every day ANCHOS continues to get better and better, making progress in all spheres including academics, sports and other extra-curricular activities.

“Last year, by God’s grace, we celebrated distinctions in the Cambridge examinations, and this year, again, we have a lot of improvements in the performance of our children. So, we are celebrating distinctions again.

It is just not a mere happenstance but a divine ordination that this year’s event coincides with the yearly Synod events of our owner Dioceses (Lagos, Lagos West, Lagos Mainland, Badagry, and Awori) of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. We therefore use this occasion to wish our proprietors successful deliberations in their various Dioceses. We equally thank the Lagos Anglican Schools Management Board for the giant strides in our various Lagos Anglican Mission Schools.

She thanked her parents and teachers, describing her glowing performance in the Cambridge examinations and emergence as a ‘One Day ANCHOS Principal’ by the grace of God.

The honour according to her was also a beautiful reward for the resilience, commitment and determination she had devoted to her studies.

She extolled the virtues and commitment of the school authorities for upholding high moral values and academic excellence in the students of the school.

Ireoluwa, who aspires to become a lawyer in the future, also used the occasion to encourage her fellow students to excel in their future endeavors

Sources: Punch