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Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: The Assembly Grant

🎤✨

The next morning arrived with a new kind of brightness. 🌅

Not like the lazy Monday kind — this one carried anticipation.

Word had already spread through the hostels, dining hall, and even the kitchen. The Founder, Dr. Chuka Laurent Obiakor would be addressing the whole school during assembly.

For the first time in weeks, everyone polished their shoes properly, ironed their uniforms to crisp perfection, and even brushed their teeth twice. 😁🪥

The school assembly ground shimmered under the morning sun. The flags fluttered gently, and prefects marched smartly in front.

The microphone stand had been cleaned three times already because no one wanted to be caught slacking when Le Fondateur was present.

Then, a hush fell.

A convoy rolled into the compound 🚗💨 sleek black SUVs with tinted glass. The entire student body gasped as the Founder stepped out, flanked by his two aides and Principal Lawrence.

He looked majestic in a cream-colored agbada, embroidered with gold patterns. His glasses glinted, and his confident stride carried the same Parisian elegance as yesterday.

The MC stammered into the mic, "L-ladies and gentlemen… I mean… s-students and staffs… please welcome the Founder of AllStars Foundation College — Dr. Chuka Laurent Obiakor!"

Thunderous applause erupted. 👏👏👏

He raised his hand gently, signaling for calm.

"Merci, merci… calm down, mes étoiles."

Students blinked.

He smiled. "It means thank you, my stars. You see, even the sun is jealous of you today." ☀️✨

A wave of laughter rippled through the crowd.

He nodded approvingly, scanning the sea of faces. "You all look beautiful this morning. The boys are shining, the girls are glowing… and some of you brushed your hair for the first time this term, oui?" 😄

The students laughed harder. Even the teachers chuckled behind him.

He continued, voice smooth and confident. "Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting your senior classes— fine young leaders, though they gave me a minor heart attack last month."

The crowd burst out laughing again.

Principal Lawrence tried to keep a straight face, but even he failed.

Dr. Obiakor turned to the microphone with a sparkle in his eyes. "But today, I bring good news."

He paused dramatically.

Even the birds seemed to stop chirping.

"This year, AllStars Foundation will participate in the Global Youth Connect Festival in Abuja! 🇳🇬✨"

Gasps. Cheers. Screams.

The students went wild.

"Yes, yes, calm down before the microphone explodes," he laughed. "It's an international youth festival where bright students from around the world gather to learn, compete, and shine. There will be innovation expos, scholarship opportunities, talent showcases, celebrity performances… and of course, food!" 🍕🎶📚

He winked. The laughter returned like a wave.

"But…" he raised a finger, "only the senior students will attend the Abuja tour."

The seniors cheered.

The juniors booed softly playfully.

"Ah, mes petits, don't worry," he chuckled. "You'll have your own fun here. I have approved a Talent Hunt, a Game Night, a Cultural Day, and even a Parent's Art Fair! Everyone from JSS1 to SS3 will have something to enjoy." 🎨🎤🎮

The field exploded in excitement again.

He continued, "And to make sure these events run smoothly, I'll be trusting your prefects and senior reps to take charge. They'll lead, coordinate, and prove that leadership isn't about shouting, it's about shining."

Then, he added in French, "Montrez-moi vos compétences, mes étoiles."

He smiled at their blank faces.

"It means — Show me your skills, my stars." 🌟

The students laughed again, though half of them still didn't understand.

He ended with a grin. "Let's make this term one to remember. Not with punishment but with purpose!"

Thunderous applause followed as the national anthem began.

For once, everyone sang with full voice. Even those who usually mumbled hummed proudly.

Later That Day in the Founder's Office 🏛️

The Founder's office gleamed like a private palace. The walls were lined with books, glass trophies, and framed photographs of international awards. The scent of imported coffee filled the air. ☕

A large marble desk sat near the window, overlooking the school courtyard. Plush chairs and velvet sofas surrounded the space.

Inside were the senior prefects, class reps, and student leaders all standing, waiting nervously.

Dr. Obiakor entered, still glowing with calm confidence. "Please, sit down. Don't act like I'm going to expel anyone."

They laughed softly and obeyed.

He poured himself some coffee and smiled. "So… my generals. I trust you enjoyed the announcement?"

"Yes, sir!" they chorused.

"Good." He sipped. "Now, you are the heart of this operation. Every successful event must begin with organization. So let's see…"

He opened a sleek black notebook.

"Aramide a.k.a Arabaddie,Lead Female Labor Prefect, you'll be in charge of the Parent's Art Fair. You have that calm, responsible aura. I trust you can manage adults without fainting." 🎨👩🏽‍🏫

Everyone laughed as Arabadi nodded proudly.

"Lolade a.k.a Loladripz,the senior Head Girl, you'll lead the Talent Hunt. You have creativity in your blood. I expect music, dance, drama… even magic tricks if possible." 🎤💃

Lolade grinned. "Yes, sir! I'll make it unforgettable."

"Good. Olamide a.k.a MideFlex...," he turned, smiling knowingly, "you'll handle Game Night,Sport Prefect. I've heard of your competitive spirit. Channel it properly, yes? No console fights." 🎮😆

The room erupted in laughter again.

"David a.k.a BigDave, Senior Head Boy, you'll coordinate the Cultural Day. Bring in costumes, food, and heritage. Make me see Nigeria in colors I've never seen." 🇳🇬🎭

Dave saluted jokingly. "Oui, monsieur!"

Dr. Obiakor raised a brow. "Oh, you speak French?"

Dave grinned and cracked a joke. "Only when I'm happy, sir."

Laughter filled the room again.

"KayPrime,class captain," he said, "you'll be overall head of Tour Logistics. You and the prefects will work with Principal Lawrence and the bursar. No missing buses or forgotten passports." 🚌📋

KayPrime nodded sharply, "Yes, sir!"

"Excellent. As for the Abuja tour, I'll personally review your conduct list. Only students with clean records go, and those who truly represent AllStars' excellence."

A quiet hum settled in the room. Everyone understood the weight of that statement.

He smiled again. "Now, my stars, remember — leadership is light. When you shine, others see the path." ✨

Then, switching to French, he said warmly, "Le succès ne vient pas par la force, mais par la lumière."

Seeing their puzzled looks, he chuckled. "It means — Success doesn't come by force, but by light." 🌟

The laughter returned.

He set his cup down. "I'll expect reports by Friday especially the budget. Oh, and one more thing, whoever organizes the best event gets an all-expense-paid dinner with me in Lagos." 😏🍽️

The students gasped and cheered.

"Now that's motivation sir," MideFlex muttered, earning a playful glare from Lolade.

Dr. Obiakor stood, brushing imaginary dust from his agbada. "Alright, my shining stars, go make history. Don't wait for opportunity — create it."

They all stood, chorusing, "Yes, sir!"

As they exited the office, the air buzzed with excitement and laughter.

Oscar whispered to Lalladi, "If he cracks one more French joke, I'm enrolling in Alliance Française."

ZaraBliss giggled. "Better start now, bro. He's here all week."

From inside, Dr. Obiakor called out playfully, "J'ai entendu ça!"

The whole room froze.

He stepped out, smiling. "That means — I heard that." 😄

The students burst out laughing, scattering down the hallway like startled birds.

For the first time in months, AllStars Foundation College didn't feel like a school recovering from scandal.

It felt alive again full of promise, laughter, and the kind of hope that only a true leader could spark. 💫

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