Methodist Grammar School Ogbomoso '92 set celebrates old teachers, donates access gate

Methodist Grammar School Ogbomoso ’92 set celebrates old teachers, donates access gate

Abdulrazak BELLO

Methodist Secondary Grammar School Oke – Arada, Ogbomoso Oyo state, came alive Friday, as the 1992 graduating set of the school honoured 15 of the teachers who taught them during their time in the school as well as commissioning the school’s access gate built by a member of the set.

The historic occasion was attended by old students led by the national president of the alumni association, Mr. Abu, the Bishop of the Methodist Church Ogbomoso Diocese, Bishop Moradeyo, Onisapa of Isapa Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide Olajide 1 (who is a member of the set), chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogbomoso South, Comrade Toyin Ige, the awardees, current students and teachers among others.

In his speech chairman of the set Dr Adekunle Onilede, expressed happiness the set was able “to pay tribute to the dedicated men and women who shaped our lives, our beloved former teachers.”

Dr Onilede added the occasion was a “celebration of the legacy of their former teachers who instilled in us true values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. They mentored us, motivated us, and inspired us to reach our full potential. Their impact on our lives has been profound, and we are grateful for the lessons we learned, the memories we created, and the relationships we built.”

Declaring also the motto of the school, “Discipline, industry and unity,” played tremendous role in shaping their lives he affirmed, “We are proud of the individuals we have become, and we are grateful for the foundation our teachers laid.”

He observed the event shows the connection between them and their teachers asserting the efforts of these teachers had made them into successful individuals.

”I am glad to declare to the world that here seated are great life builders, motivators, mentors, helpers of destiny and positive examples. Your work over the years have made indelible impacts and have produced great men and women to reckon with in our society both locally and internationally. Among your products are accomplished bankers and accountants, public and corporate administrators and leaders, great teachers and educators, local and international businessmen and women, engineers, scientists, lecturers, health professionals like doctors and nurses, politicians, men of God/religious leaders, community leaders and traditional rulers etc. Men and women of virtue please join me to celebrate these great men and women.”

The new access gate, the first ever in the school was constructed by a member of the set, Mr. Oyekunle Afon, and supervised by Mrs. Felicia Akinyoola, another member, the set coordinator thanked all for their contributions towards the success of the “unprecedented” event.

Onisapa who was the royal father of the day and a member of the set, also making a remark thumbed up the set for “celebrating legacy, gratitude, and commitment to excellence.”

He added, “Today, we honour and recognize the noble sacrifices and enduring impact of our former teachers. These are men and women who shaped destinies, inspired greatness, and planted seeds of knowledge that continue to bear fruit in every corner of the world.”

He was also happy a school gate was built by a member of the set, noting the project “symbolizes unity and gives our alma mater a new look of pride.”

Speaking earlier, principal of the school, Mrs. E.A. Ojo, represented by a vice principal, Mrs. R.T. Oyewale, thanked the alumni for their support to the school.

“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the association for your continuous support and developmental activities that have greatly remodelled our school. Your contributions in terms of purchasing equipment, e.g. giant generator, printer, public address system, renovation of classrooms, payment of examination fees for brilliant and indigent students, and more importantly, the recent completion of the erection of the school gate, which has given the school a new look.

“These have not only enhanced our infrastructure but also inspired our students to strive for excellence.”

National president, Mr. Abu, commended the 1992 set describing their gesture as unprecedented. He charged other sets and the general alumnus not to relent in raising the bar of development in the school.