1964-1968 Olivetians Oyo hold groovy 55th graduation anniversary party in Ibadan
Femi OGUNLANA
55 years post graduation get -to-together of the 1964 – 1968 class of Olivet Baptist High School Oyo, Oyo state, between December 1 and 3, will remain sweet memory. The three-day event held in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, was an avenue for giving thanks to God, was a period of reminiscences; it was a good time, and was worth it, very rewarding event.
It was an unusual reunion programme as the celebrants those residents in Nigeria and those who flew in from abroad notably from UK and the US lodged at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts, Ona-Ara local government, where they engaged in various activities including indoor games, light outdoor games, exercises, health talk, class meeting, interactive sessions among their wives anchored by Chief Mrs Iyabo Ogunmola wife of the chairman of the class, Dr Kunle Ogunmola.
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The grand finale on Sunday, December 3, which featured thanksgiving and reception, held at the Old Bodija residence of one of the members Engr Remi Osiberu, was indeed special, aside the radiant members and their wives decked in sparkling white materials, there were also friends of the set and other guests including the patron of the group, Chief Tunji Amole, the Asiwaju Balogun Bobajiro of Ibadanland and MD Oluyole Chemists Ibadan (also an old student, a friend of the set, and who was their mathematics teacher); Engr Biodun Afolabi, who was their senior in the school belonging to the 64 set and has always been close to them; and the Oyo state Commissioner for Culture, Hon Wasiu Olatunbosun (also an alumnus) and other alumni members like Pharmacist Toni Omofuna and Pastor Bolatito Adekunle.
The school is also represented, a vice principal, Mrs. Oladejo, who stood in for the current two principals, Olubukola Dosumu (senior school) and O.O Ogunleke (junior school) just as teachers and current students attended the occasion.
In his exhortation, Evangelist Omololu Wright, a member of the class, urged them to always thank God, adding, “Each of us should always recognize what God does for him. We should recognize the favour of God, always seek forgiveness of God and recognize His grace over us which some say is an unmerited favour and because we enjoy His grace we should always thank Him. Also we should thank Him for His protection. This is as I want us to always look at His manifest glory.in our lives.”
The president, Dr Kunle Ogunmola, in his welcome speech, expressed thanks to God for the grace each of them received, appreciated members home and in the diaspora for “making this event possible” just as he specially thanked “our very supportive wives.”
Ogunmola asserted, “This group is a source of joy to all of us”.
He also noted, “The school we left is not what it is now but we left legacies that cannot readily be rubbished, and are the legacies we still stand on and which will live beyond us. When talking about legacies, you know Olivet Baptist High School was founded by missionaries. It used to be a boys’ school. When we left in 1968, it became a mixed school, in later years I do understand but I think there are about two schools in that compound now. As old students we will continue to ensure the standard we left is not rubbished, God helping us.”
The set presented two sets of football jerseys to the school received by Mrs. Oladejo.
The invited DJ enlivened the event with soulful and entertainment music which got the guests to the dance floor. There were also plenty to eat and drink.
In the meantime, aside Dr Ogunmola, who is the chairman, other exco members are Engr. Ladun Runsewe (vice chairman), Barrister Sanu Otudeko (secretary), Dr. Tayo Alayande (treasurer) and Mr. Akin Oyegbile (financial secretary).
