The 1986 set of the Old Students Association of Orile-Ilugun Comprehensive High School recently gathered in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to celebrate their 40th anniversary and reunion.
The event, described as “40 years of friendship, membership, memories and brotherhood,” was themed, “Looking back with gratitude, moving forward with purpose.”
It gave the old students an opportunity to exchange pleasantries and relive memories of their school days.
The occasion was well attended by dignitaries, families, friends and well wishers from across Ogun State, making it a memorable reunion with classmates, teachers and former principals.
The one day programme was also used to raise funds for the development of the association and the school.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Taiwo Adedeji, appreciated members of the association for their contributions towards making the celebration a success.
He described his position as a privilege to lead the association after 40 years.
“It is a great honour which I cherish so much and I will always do my best. Forty years on, the school is still a force to be reckoned with,” he said.
“Our alma mater was much than a place where we received academic instruction. It was where we learned discipline, friendship, responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of working together,” he added.
Adedeji also thanked the teachers who played key roles in shaping their lives.
“They have been the pillar of what we are today, many of us are professional in different fields, entrepreneurs, public servant, business and community leaders. The foundation we received from our school remains part of our story,” he said.
Also speaking, the Class of 1986 Set Coordinator, Mr Taiwo Johnson Ekemode, said the programme was worth celebrating yearly, describing it as a gathering to reconnect and strengthen bonds that continue to benefit the alma mater.
He said the school provided them an important foundation in education and character that has continued to influence their lives.
“Forty years after leaving the school, we have travelled different paths, built careers, raised families and contributed in various ways to our communities and society, yet the memories of the school remain a bond that time and distance cannot erase,” he said.
Ekemode explained that the event brought them together to rekindle old friendships, remember departed classmates and teachers, celebrate their achievements and strengthen bonds among members of the set.
He said the gathering was shaped by principals and teachers who genuinely cared about their students.
He concluded by thanking members who contributed to the success of the programme.
Also speaking, the present OICHS Senior School Principal, Mrs Anyanwu Esther Eberechukwu, appreciated the alumni for organising such a laudable event, describing them as role models to the youth.orile-ilugun-1986-set-40th-anniversary-reunion
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