Ex-Nigerian ambassador, Peter Oyedele, donates doors for hall of Emmanuel Agboola BGS Ogbomoso

Ex-Nigerian ambassador, Peter Oyedele, donates doors for hall of Emmanuel Agboola BGS Ogbomoso

Yinka ADETUNJI

Amb Peter Oyedele

A former Nigerian ambassador to Jamaica Ambassador Peter Oyedele has donated doors worth over a million naira towards the completion of the school hall of Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School, Government Technical College road, Kajola area, Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

The doors, five in number, and of high quality and beautiful design, would cater for the five entrances to the multi-million naira edifice.

Ambassador Oyedele who was in company with his wife, noted God laid it in his mind to assist the school after the principal, Mr. Femi Ogunlana, told him the school needed assistance towards completing the hall.

The octogenarian said it was a token of his support for the educational advancement of students of the school, disclosing he enjoyed God’s grace while schooling and so believes whatever he has does not belong to him.

“God just put it in my mind to do something for the school after the principal asked me to assist the school. I decided to visit the school and l was informed by the management that their priority was the completion of the hall,” Oyedele said at the brief presentation programme held in the school.

“I learned that was the hall final year students write their WASSCE and other exams, and is the venue for the weekly literary and debate programme. This is a token because l could see it’s a massive project.

Front view of the hall

“I enjoyed God’s grace, divine providence when I was schooling, in primary school l could have been withdrawn due to financial constraints but my father approached the school’s board which gave me scholarship. I also enjoyed bursary in the university. So, anything l have is not for myself, l just need to help others as l was helped.”

Oyedele who said he started life as a teacher charged students to push for success and be disciplined stressing his life is a demonstration that “Whatever God has purposed you to be you will be, you will not die. I am just telling you this children so you can have courage to go on in life.”

Speaking, the principal, Mr. Femi Ogunlana, expressed gratitude, saying “the management, staff, students and parents are excited about the gesture.”

He appealed to other well-to-do individuals to contribute to the development of education and support “Governor Seyi Makinde’s invaluable investments in education.”

“Ambassador Oyedele’s gesture is remarkable, he has worthily earned a page in the school’s honour roll, it will perpetually glitter there and would be admired by the coming generations. We express our gratitude to him and to mummy, God will grant them health and long life. May God continue to prosper the family.”

Speaking on behalf of the Communication of Education, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Local Inspector of Education Ogbomoso South, Mr. Abraham Adeniran, in company with his assistant, Mr. Sangoniyi, expressed joy at the donation. He noted he was always worried anytime he passes through the school how the hall would be completed.

Mr. Adeniran stated the gesture “reflects true commitment to empowering education and uplifting the school and the entire community. We thank you very much sir for investing in the future. It is an incredible gift that will aid learning, promote safety and inspire our students.”

Also in his remark on behalf of the Chairman of the Oyo State Post Primary School Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), the Director of General Services TESCOM zonal office, Ogbomoso, Mr. Michael Ojelabi, accompanied by a supervisor, Mr. Olawale, expressed appreciation to the donor submitting the society and the education sector particularly needed people like him.

“We appreciate what you have done at your old age, you deemed it fit to be relevant, it is a good thing, and this is the kind of legacy that people should be thinking of leaving behind. You will be remembered as long as these doors remain here.”

Appealing to Ambassador Oyedele to encourage his friends to do similar things in schools, he asserted “This is the kind of things government wants now, collaboration by individuals to promote our educational system. I congratulate the principal and the entire staff and students of Emmanuel Agboola Baptist Grammar School.”

He challenged the students against vandalizing the doors and to in the future also think of giving back to the school.

The philanthropist was presented a certificate of appreciation by the school as the principal assured that by the gesture “Ambassador Oyedele has been inducted into the school’s honour roll.”