The 2nd Anniversary of the TAPPINA Readers’ Club of Ibadan GRAMMAR School, themed “On the Green Grass,” was held yesterday, Thursday 14th May, 2026 amidst impressive scholarly presentations by students of the school.
The event attracted many eminent personalities, including literary icons, top professionals, librarians, old students, principals, teachers, students, and other distinguished dignitaries from various walks of life.
Several invited guests delivered inspiring speeches and showered encomiums on the initiator of the Club, Professor Simiat Olanike Elias, and other stakeholders for sustaining the laudable initiative.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Zonal Coordinator of the National Library of Nigeria, Mr. Oshunkoya; Past Chairman of the Ibadan & District Society of ICAN, Deacon Samson Ayansina, FCA; Deacon Gbenga Afolabi, FCA; and other notable personalities.
The Guest Author at the event, Prince Oyebade Oyedepo, FCA, JP, counselled the students to embrace discipline, hard work, honesty, diligence, and faith in God as essential ingredients for success in life.
Prince Oyebade Oyedepo advised the students to cultivate the habit of constant reading and learning, stressing that academic excellence comes through understanding and consistent study rather than cramming. He also encouraged them to build healthy relationships with their peers and sustain such relationships beyond their school years.
Furthermore, he urged the students to remain appreciative and supportive of their teachers when they attain greatness in life.
Sharing his personal experience, the Guest Author narrated how his early exposure to public speaking at Igboora High School shaped his career and broadened his horizons.
According to him, the exposure helped him become a respected public affairs analyst, writer, and author.
In his words, “The moment you are proficient in public speaking, you will be good at writing and consequently be able to author books.”
Prince Oyebade Oyedepo further stated:
“I am not only a Chartered Accountant; I am a Chartered Accountant with a difference. I am a Chartered Accountant, a writer, an author, and a public affairs analyst of repute. If I can do it, you can do it as well, but it requires commitment to your studies now more than ever before.”
The Guest Author also read excerpts from one of his books titled “Handbook on Contemporary Issues for Managers, Professionals and Students, Volume One.” The chapter focused on strategies for achieving academic excellence. Students listened attentively and took notes as he passionately shared practical insights to improve their studies.
At the event, the organisers honoured
Prince Oyebade Oyedepo with an Award of Appreciation in recognition of his immense contribution to the success of the programme.
Prince Oyedepo also donated copies of his books titled “Business Methods and Handbook on Contemporary Issues for Managers, Professionals and Students, Volumes One and Two.” He further presented copies of his autobiography, “Finance Professional in Unending Adventures: Autobiography of Dr. Prince Oyebade Oyedepo,” to the Club. In addition, he donated three copies of The Magnet Journal, recently published by MFP Global Services.
The guest author, Prince Oyebade Oyedepo, FCA, JP is the President of MFP Group Nigeria and MFP Global Services.
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including Deacon Victor Oguntade, FCA; Mr. Gboye Adelabu, FCA; Miss Adetunbi Adebimpe Adeola; Miss Azeez Fathia Omolola; Mr. Faleti Adeyemi Victor; Deaconess Tayo Kolade; Engr. Kayode Adepoju; Lanre Otusanya; and the four principals of the school — Messrs. Fatorisa, Asiribo, Ojo, and Olotu.
The memorable event was anchored and coordinated by the Vice President-General II of the Ibadan Grammar School Old Students’ Association, Mr. Femi Adelugba, who represented the President-General, Barrister Adedayo Onakoya, alongside veteran writer and author, Mr. Ayo Opakunbi.
