40th ANNIVERSARY: Encomiums as OBHS ’85 set donates classrooms to alma mater – ‘It’s unmatched’ (PHOTOS)
Inaolaji OLAYODE
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The 1985 set (tagged The Icon Set) of the Old Students’ Association of Ogbomoso Baptist High School (OBHS) has donated a block of two classrooms to the school, a gesture described as unprecedented by the global president of the OBHS Old Students’ Association, Engr. Tunde Olakanmi.
The gesture which commemorated the 40th anniversary of the graduation of the set from the school drew important dignitaries who rejoiced with the celebrants and heaped commendations on them.
Dignitaries included the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly Hon Sanjo Adedoyin; chairman Ogbomoso South local government Hon Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy (OOT); ex chairman of Ogbomoso South local government, Hon Sunday Adedeji; Hon Oladipo Rotimi, secretary Ogbomoso South local government; Rev’d Dr Dele Oyedokun, Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education Ogbomoso zone 1; Mrs Eniola Aremu, Local Inspector of Education Ogbomoso South local government; the school’s principal, Mrs. Bose Oke; and the chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Tunji Ogunwale.
Global president of the alumni association Engr Tunde Olakanmi represented by Prof Folorunso Adegboyega Ola commended the 1985 set saying their gesture is unmatched in the history of alumni in the school.
“I congratulate the 1985 set on your 40th anniversary. Various sets have been doing one thing or the other to the school, but your own contribution to the school has surpassed all others’. I appreciate you.”
Rev’d Oyedokun who thumbed up Governor Seyi Makinde for ensuring increase in budgetary allocations to education, remarked, “The 1985 set of OBHS l congratulate you, you are one of those who help to fulfill the policy of the state government regarding partnership with the old students. I want to commend you for complimenting the state government.”
Oyedokun urges old students to also always be concerned about the welfare of their members, noting this is vital just as he charges current students to work hard “to amplify their chances of becoming great in life.”
He further appeals to the alumni to always visit their alma maters to motivate present students, stressing, “aside projects execution, motivating current students is equally important.”
Hon OOT notes, “I rejoice with you. You are leaving a good legacy. l encourage you to continue in that trend.”
Hon Adedoyin similarly expresses gratitude to the set. “I appreciate you for what you have done. Let’s continue in this wise. It is always good to give back to the society especially your alma mater. I once rebuilt the fence of my alma mater Baptist Secondary Grammar School Ahoyaya, Ogbomoso. I pray God will grant you the grace to do more.”
Principal of the school, Mrs. Oke expressed joy asserting the classroom block would fill the gap of inadequate classrooms in the school.
Dr Lasun Babatunde president of the Icon set affirms: “We are deeply committed to the continued growth and development of Ogbomoso Baptist High School, Ogbomoso. We recognise the vital role this school plays in shaping the future leaders of our community and our nation.”
Mrs. Adeniji Olupeju Temilade delivering a lecture on the topic, “Importance of alumni association in educational development as dictated by current realities,” charges old students to be more greatly involved in developing their alma mater.
Rev’d Joseph Olajide taking his text from Genesis 28: 18 – 21, emphasizes God has not forgotten anyone and so urges alumni associations and individuals not to forget their old schools.
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Meanwhile the celebrants did more. They honoured two of their former teachers, Dn. Matthew Olawole Babatunde a.k.a. Tregido, their English language teacher, and Mr. Olaosebikan Olayiwola Akintunde (Chemistry teacher).
Also, widows of two of their deceased members were rewarded. Furthermore, three outstanding members of the set were honoured including Mrs. Iyabo Grace Okodogbe nee Odeyinka, Mr. Ezekiel Florence Adeyemi and Prince Tunde Aremu a.k.a. Irorun Agbe. This is as Mrs Haleemat Oyenihun described as “Mother of ’85 Set Icons,” was honoured for her dedication to the body.
In addition Mr. Timothy Akande (English language teacher) and Mr. Peter Olumide Akande (Mathematics teacher) were honoured as best current teachers in the school.
Another special feature of the event was the presentation of special gift to Prince Aremu Irorun Agbe (a member of the set) in commemoration of his 60th birthday recently celebrated.
Asked to give an estimate of the cost of the project Dr Babatunde informed “it’s close to N7m.”
The set president added, “This project would not have been possible without the collective effort, dedication, and generosity of the members of the graduating class of 1985. I would be ungrateful if I do not specially acknowledge the donations of our colleagues, Prince Tunde Aremu, Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Sike Adeyemo and Mrs. lyabo Grace Okodogbe. Your commitment to giving back is truly commendable, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.”
