Kunle ADELABU
-Plan to give more to their former school
Twenty years after their graduation from Oriwu College, Ikorodu (now Oriwu Model College, Ikorodu), members of the Class of 1998 rolled out drums to celebrate their graduation anniversary on Sunday, November 4, 2018.
At the ceremony which was held at Ai Royal Hotel Event Hall in Aga, Ikorodu, four members of the set were empowered with N50,000 each and a former Fine Arts teacher in their Alma Mata, Mr Ayinde Jamiu, was empowered with same amount.
Two of the guests at the event, Mr Toyin Gafaar (Bolowotan) and Mr Mojeed Sanni, who were impressed by the Class of 1998 gestures towards fellow old mates, also doled out N100,000 each to the beneficiaries.
Mr Kazeem Elemuren, the Chairman, Oriwu College Old Students Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), 1998 Set, in his address, stated that it was a great privilege to for him to welcome colleagues and guests to the 20th anniversary of the set.
“To God be the glory for keeping us safe in the last 20 years after leaving our great College, Oriwu College Ikorodu. It is indeed a great privilege and honour for me to welcome you all to this great occasion. It is important to acknowledge our creator who in his infinite mercies and grace has kept us alive. May His name be praised forever (Amen).
He commended teachers of the school for impacting positively on them.
According to Elemuren, the anniversary celebration started on Friday, October 26, 2018, with special Jumat prayer at their former school’s mosque during which they also made presentation of public address system, standing fan and cash donation to the school mosque.
“The anniversary program started on Friday 26th October, 2018, with our special Jumat service and presentation of gifts to the school mosque.
A selected team of the old students also played a novelty match on Saturday, October 27, in commemoration of the anniversary event.
“We equally organized medical checkups, health talk and seminar for the students of the school. The seminar was tagged: “21st Century: Learning Beyond Knowledge”. The seminar was very explosive, while gift items were equally donated to the Junior and Senior Schools of the College.
“We had our Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, October 28, 2018, at the School Chapel with presentation of public address system, standing fan and cash donation to the Chapel.
“We also donated sets of jerseys, training kits and cash to the junior and senior schools.
“A cash award of N10, 000 each was presented to the best students from the Junior Secondary School 2 to 3 and Senior Secondary School 1 to 3 of our Alma Mata.
He added that the set intends to do more in supporting the school in the nearest future.
Speaking on the 70th anniversary of Oriwu College, Ikorodu, Elemuren revealed that the ’98 set has put in place a committee that would help members plan towards the celebration.
He appealed to the members of the public to support the set in achieving its set objectives of giving back to its Alma Mata and assisting their colleagues who are in need.
“We are very passionate about giving back to our College and equally rendering assistance to our own members whenever they are all over the world.
“I want to appreciate every member of OCOSAN ‘98 for contributing towards this great cause despite the harsh economy. We can’t do this alone, we need the assistance of the members of the public in this regard”, he appealed.
The Chairman equally added that the set plans to give “Scholarship to indigent but very brilliant students, build structures where necessary in the school and provide succor to our members when necessary”.
“Your donations towards this good cause will go a long way in helping the next generation”.
Elemuren also used the occasion to honour the memories of the departed souls of members of the set.
“May I crave your indulgence as we rise in a minute silence in honor of our departed colleagues. May their souls continue to rest in peace (Amen). It is disheartening and sad that they are no more but we take solace in God that all is well.
Mr O. T. Olanrewaju, a former Principal of Oriwu Model College, Ikorodu, who chaired the anniversary occasion, described the event as epoch making.
“This is an epoch making event. It is an evidence of gratitude to your God, teachers, alma mata and parents.
“There is no doubt that you have distinguished yourself as one of the best sets of students of Oriwu College.
“It is commendable for a set to still be thinking of what they can do for their old school in this hard time.
“I was at Oriwu College for about 12 years, and this set came in while I was there and left while I was still the school principal.
Mr Olanrewaju challenged other sets that are yet to give back to their alma mata to learn from the ’98 and other sets which have been assisting the school.
“It is a great thing to give back to your former school and the society. I also want to appreciate other sets that are also helping the school in one way or the other. I think that the way you are celebrating and assisting the school will awaken other sets that are dormant.
The former principal also recalled with nostalgia that while the ’98 set was passing out, Oriwu College won both the senior and junior Principal’s Cups Soccer tournaments in same year while the school boarding system was also resuscitated.
He commended the current principal of the school, Alhaja Ogunniyi, who according to him, played a pivotal role when the school was lacking many amenities during his tenure.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the cutting of the anniversary cake by the members of the ’98 set with the support of the teachers and guests.
A special recognition award was presented to Mr Olanrewaju, while five members of the set, Mr Kazeem Elemuren, Mr Sanni Moshood Olalekan, Mrs Kamson Funmilola, Mr Badejo Tosin and Are Sulaimon Abiodun were also presented with excellence award.
