WAEC English Language 2017 Theory — Question 4

Model answer

SPEECH IN HONOUR OF RETIRING PRINCIPAL: MR. OLAWALE GBENGA The Chairman of this occasion, Mr. Olawale Gbenga, the Head of Civil Service Corporation, Principals from various schools, Vice-Principals, Teachers present, the School Counselor, Prefects, Ladies and Gentlemen. For some, it is the earnest plea and prayer of every student that they retire in time but for some we can only wish that they reduce their age so that the fleeting season of age will not overtake them. Principal sir, your shoe is too big for anyone to fill as you have not only excelled as an astute and competent administrator, you are a teacher, a mentor, a role-model, a rare jewel of inestimable worth. Your life is a visible testament of what you preach. You epitomize transparency, honesty, trustworthiness, humility and rare simplicity. Sir, you have been a principal for just six years and it is as if you have stayed for sixty years as the legacies you have brought is matchless and unparalleled. It is during your tenure that we have been experiencing at least 80% success in WASSCE and NECO. Prior to this timing everyone believes our school is cursed as we are renowned for flunking every examination. Sir, you motivated all our teachers you ensured they have the needed resources to impart knowledge into us. You single-handedly organised various trainings for them so that they can impart excellence in us. Sir, you volunteer on countless times to give us extra coaching. You spur us to success and the dividend is excellence in our results. Just last year, the candidate with the national best WASSCE result came from our school. Our school is dreaded by all schools in inter-school competitions, debates, essay writing, quiz because of the legacies and systems you have put in place. No student that has graduated from this school does not proceed for higher studies as you take it as a personal responsibility to see the success of all your students. Should we talk about our enviable library or state-of-art laboratories? You wrote to the State Commissioner for Education and you see to it that your proposals were implemented. Sir, your greatness cannot be quantified. You are a man of legendary successes, an icon of inestimable value, a father and a priceless educationist. Words cannot express your worth, no poem can state your powers. You are indispensable. As you retire, we pray that the almighty God bless you and make all your children find favour near and far and we enjoin the next principal to learn from your ways. We wish you all the very best and we would not want you to forget us. We love you sir. On behalf of all the students of Greater Glory, we celebrate and adore you. Onyewuka Chioma, Head Girl.