Exotic cars, tribal royalty, academic awards: How Pastor Ajibola Alayande’s Honeyland set Ipaja aglow on April 17, 2026
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The gates of Honeyland College, Ipaja, swung open on April 17, 2026, and Nigeria walked in.
From the swirl of Aso Oke to the grace of Isi Agu, the elegance of Babban Riga to the rhythm of talking drums, the school compound was set ablaze with color, culture, and class for the 2026 Cultural Day themed “Our Culture, Our Pride.”
It was more than an event. It was a festival. Exotic cars lined the premises as proud parents, royal fathers, and community leaders arrived to witness a tradition that has defined Honeyland for over three decades. Students beamed in heritage attire, security was water-tight, and joy hung in the air like confetti — a living proof that at Honeyland, excellence is not taught in silence; it is celebrated in sound, style, and substance.
For Chairman Pastor James Alayande, a man whose wisdom and commitment to education have become legend in Ipaja, the massive turnout was no surprise. “I am glad that students and their parents are happy with what is going on,” he told The Unique Model, flanked by Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa leaders who unanimously hailed the school’s standard. “This programme will continue with other school activities.”
THE HONEYLAND DIFFERENCE: WHY AWARDS FOLLOW EXCELLENCE
Honeyland College isn’t just celebrating culture — it’s creating future leaders. The school’s DNA is built on three pillars:
Comprehensive Curriculum: From Science and ICT to Home Economics and Basic Technology, Honeyland equips students for a global future without losing local roots.- Standard Boarding: Parents sleep easy knowing their children live in safe, secure facilities where hygiene is non-negotiable.
- Sound Moral & Academic Excellence: Character and competence walk hand in hand here.
The results speak loud. Honeyland’s trophy cabinet tells the story:
- Best Junior Secondary School in Lagos State, Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education — October 16, 2025.
- Winner, Ilera Eko Standard Health Plan at Lagos State Ekosha Event.
- Triumph at the 9th National International Music and Academic Awards.
- “Future Leaders Speak Out” honors at the Encounter 2025 Debate Competition.
As one parent put it: “Because Honeyland is up to standard, that is why we left our children here. They have what it takes to groom children.”
HIGHLIGHTS: GIFTS, COOKING, AND UNITY
The 2026 Cultural Day wasn’t just pageantry. It was purposeful.
Chairman Pastor Alayande presented special gifts to all tribal leaders — Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa — a gesture that drew applause and cemented Honeyland’s role as a unifying force in Ipaja. Students thrilled guests with cooking evaluations, turning indigenous recipes into lessons in heritage and home management.
Leaders across ethnic lines were unanimous: “Good things are happening in this school.”
CONCLUSION –
When the drums faded and the last photo was taken on April 17, one truth remained: Honeyland College is not just a school. It is a statement. A statement that you can raise children who code in Python and cook ofe nsala; who win national debates and recite oriki; who top JSS rankings in Lagos and still bow to greet an elder.
For over 30 years, Pastor James Alayande has watered this vision, and on Cultural Day 2026, Ipaja saw it blossom. Exotic cars may have left the premises, but the pride drove home with every parent.
Honeyland College, Ipaja — where Our Culture is Our Pride, and Excellence is Our Standard.
Admissions ongoing. Visit Honeyland College, Ipaja, and see why leaders trust us to groom the future.