By Adekola Afolabi
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Christ The Redeemer’s International Secondary School, (CRISSA), Oda Road, Akure, at the weekend rolled out the drums to celebrate 20 years of existence of the citadel of learning.

At the symposium organised to mark 20th anniversary of the school, Pastor Francis Oluwalade,  the Assistant Pastor in-charge of Region 22, explained that CRISSA has been a success story and has now become a force to reckon with in the academic world, nationally and internationally.

“The products of CRISSA are in many places today dominating. You can see them in any aspect of human endeavour. Is it in the engineering, accountancy, medicine, architecture, law, they are there. So, CRISSA is a success story and we thank God for that”, he added.

Pastor Oluwalade who spoke on “CRISSA Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, asserted that without yesterday there can never be today, just as he encouraged the management and staff of the school to continue to aspire for more excellence to further take the school to greater heights in the years to come.

He specifically lauded the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor E. A Adeboye and his wife, Pastor Folu, for actualising their good vision of establishing the citadel of learning which, he stressed, has now become a reference point in the comity of schools, nationally and internationally.

The man of God equally encouraged the management and staff of the school to continue to inculcate godly manners and heart of God in the students and also make them spiritual warriors that will be terrors to the kingdom of darkness. The school which now runs both day and boarding was established in 1998 as boarding, with 19 pupils,  14 boys and 5 girls. The population has since risen to 314.

The guest speaker further challenged the Board of Governors of the institution to urgently work on the staff welfare and make it more attractive with a view to improving their productivities. Pastor Oluwalade also charged the management and the Board of Governors to consider establishing Nursery and Primary arm of the college as well as other business ventures that could bring more money to the school purse.

The Principal of the school, Pastor Arogundade Niyi said the aims and objective of the school, among others, include to bring up youths, who will be future leaders in the fear of the Lord in an atmosphere devoid of cultism, alcoholism, drug abuse,  criminal tendencies, rebellion, examination malpractices among others.

 According to him, the school was established by Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye to provide qualitative education which will cater for the child’s growth intellectually, morally, physically and professionally.

Dr. Oluwadare Bada, former chairman, Board of Governors of the school, said he was extremely happy with the outstanding progress of the citadel of learning, saying that the future of the school is very bright. He commended all members of staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to duties.

He advised members of staff to be more dedicated to duties, praying that God will continue to compensate them. He urged everybody to use his or her talent to work for God who will in turn reward them abundantly.

On his part, the chairman, Parents/Teachers Forum (PTF) of the school, Engr. Adewodun Marcus noted that the forum has started the construction of an N18m clinic as part of its contribution to the development of the school.

The event was rounded off yesterday  with thanksgiving service held at the school auditorium. In his sermon, Pastor Joseph Akinrodoye, the pastor in charge of Province 6, appreciated God for  the tremendous improvement recorded in the school in terms of physical and spiritual development as well as academic excellence.

In separate remarks, the Chairman, Board of Governors, Pastor (Engr)  Justin Fayankin and the school Chaplain Oluwatoye Oladeji who gave glory to God for his protection so far also added that the school will continue to give the best education to students in a conducive learning and teaching environment.

Highlights of the event were cutting of anniversary cake, talks, drama presentation, testimonies, special numbers, Choir ministration, praise and worship, dance and presentation of gift to the retired head of kitchen unit, Mrs Alonge Esther, popularly called Mummy CRISSA.