'THIS is a bold step by the 2003 year group to ensure that our graduates find the best of university opportunities through scholarships. The future of our boys lies in the hope of these advances and I would definitely be a major contributor to these massive efforts to help Rand's Boys,' Nurudeen declared, and it was followed with a round of applause. His speech was interrupted more than five times by rapturous applauses from the audience. The smiles and nods from the audience indicated the extent to which they were impressed by the words of the icon of the year group. The headmaster and the head of the school board could not hide their impression and joy. To have even gotten Nurudeen to stand before the students was pure pleasure. Their mission to catch his attention and bring him closer to the school had been accomplished. The rest of the 2003 year group in the audience beamed with pride. Definitely, no year group has and would be able to match the kind of celebration they had put together – especially with the appearance of a high profiled guest like Nurudeen. It was the perfect completion to an outstanding 70thanniversary celebration.
'Now before I excuse this podium, I would love to recount memories of my time here in Rand's Boys,' Nurudeenremarked with a smile. 'And I am very glad to see my friends, my bosom friends and squad here today. They are great men in their own right – Gerald, Gyasi and Lancelot. We were in Johnny House together,' and the students in Johnny House rose to their feet in an noisy uproar. For another three minutes, the room was filled with chants from Johnny House. They now had bragging rights, knowing that Nurudeen and his great friends were in that house.
'Hahaha, calm down everyone. I know this is surely the bragging rights my boys as Johnny needed. I am glad I am giving it to them,' the audience broke out in laughter and the Johnny's boys continued to celebrate. Nurudeen continued, 'I had a great bond with these friends and those moments shared with them within the four walls of this great institution are the fondest of life's memories I have in my entire life. Some of my childhood memories are flashes I've had to block out permanently because they were just terrible. So, my time here was even by the benevolence of one kind man who thought of me as one of the most intelligent teenagers ever and wouldn't watch me waste my life away. I couldn't have afforded this school. My parents couldn't have afforded this place. They were worst that the word poorest. It was terrible. But that singular kindness It was terrible. But that singular kindness by my sponsor gave me a better chance at life and more importantly, a better and healthier memory and mind set about life and living. Although there were some tougher hurdlesahead, those few years in this place helped my mental foundation as a man. At least, I had something to hold on to, something to make me forget the painful childhood, and something that gave me so much hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel. I am still not at the end of that tunnel but my time here continues to pressure my passion to keep focus on that glint of light at the end. So, while you are here, while you are still students of this great school, do not forget that your time here truly counts in who you become. Your time here, although it may not seem significant now, would be a major piece of the puzzle of your life. Not just your time here but every stage of your life Not just your time here but every stage of your life and every time you spend within any space will count in your life as a young man. It doesn't matter if it will be sixty seconds or five years – trust me when I say, it will count. The space here at Rand's Boys was absolutely timely for me. It restored hope, a sense of purpose; it gave me a sense of belonging, it brought to me the reality that indeed my life was not over and I was not alone after all. It was my anchor for the future and I am most glad. So, if you can hear me today – with all the effort the alumni are putting in to make this place better for you, to give you bright opportunities for tomorrow – this is your chance to seize the moment, to seize the day, and to take hold of your future! Thank you.'
The standing ovation that followed was deserving. Gerald, Gyasi, and Lancelot were in total awe. They were on their feet, slapping their palms together in honour of their friend. His acknowledgement of their presence and their worth was heart warming. It may have fuelled some amount of guilt in their hearts but they were a little relieved that at least there was no animosity or pain lurking anywhere. Well, based on his reaction to them from where he stood, that is what they could perceive. The headmaster took the podium after Nurudeen and winded with a long speech as to how much it was an honour to have him speak. Other dignitaries also spoke after in brevity and sooner than they had imagined, the programme came to an end. The students, teachers, old boys and dignitaries engaged one another in various groups for tete-a-tetes. Some students were excited to approach many of the prominent old boys, especially Nurudeen. Gyasi, Gerald and Lancelot were standing quite close to the troop of boys who had encamped around Nurudeen, with a thousand questions. The three were engaging one student who had heard Gerald's name on the news sometime back. It was interesting for the three because they were surprised by the boy's smart and intelligent questions. Nurudeen noticed them and hurriedly excused the students.
'All grown up!' Nurudeen said, when he approached them.
'Nuru!' Gerald shouted and embraced him. The hugs went around while the students looked on with desire glinting in their eyes. They really wanted to be like these men and it was not even hidden in any way.
'Where have you been? All we suddenly heard was Nurudeen– a Nurudeen, that Nurudeen!' Gerald asked.
'Well, I have been around. I guess we all lost touch but I am glad to have finally reconnected with you all today!' Nurudeen was so excited.
'I mean it is rather an honour to have met the Nurudeen! Come on!' Lancelot added. They exchanged a few memories of some shenanigans they had been up to in the past.
'Shouldn't we plan something? I am in Ghana for the next two months. We should catch up! What do you all think?' Nurudeen suggested.
The three looked at one another with joy. It was as though the idea had simply warmed its way into their hearts without effort!
'A road trip?' Gyasi asked.
'No, no, an all boys trip!' Gerald corrected. They all laughed.
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