Oriwu College Kicks off Platinum Jubilee Celebration

Kunle ADELABU

-Anniversary activities slated for June

The celebration of the 70th anniversary of Oriwu College, Ikorodu, kicked off in grand style on May 29, 2019, with the cutting of the anniversary cake and interactive session between the old and the current students.

The event, which drew a large number of alumni, students and staff, was held inside the school hall amid pomp and joy.

The event marked the beginning of the week-long special programmes marking the premier school’s platinum jubilee.

The school clocked 70 years on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, having being founded in May 29, 1949.

A big cake was cut during the event to mark the celebration while light refreshments (small chops and drinks) were served to both old and new students as well as staff members.

The acting National President of Oriwu College Old Students Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN) , Engr. Charles Longe, in his address, stated that the old students of the school will never forget the impact of the school in the lives.

He recalled the roles of pioneers of the school and different locations that the school operated before moving to its present permanent site.

“We, the old students, are here today because we cannot forget the school that made us what we are today and also to impact same unto you, the new generation of students of this great college”, Engr. Longe stated.

“Precisely 29th May, 1949, Oriwu College was formed by some prominent people of Ikorodu among who were Late Papa C.O.S Benson (aka Baba Aladura), Mr. Christopher O. Odesanya, Late Alhaji Gafar Andu  Alh S.O.G. Gbadamosi, Chief B.O. Benson, Oba Festus Ogunlewe, to mention but a few”, he recalled.

“The college started in a small house of about four bedroom flat at Ireshe road, Ikorodu (owned by late Alhaji Gafar Andu, the late Chief Imam of Ikorodu Central Mosque. The opening ceremony of the school was performed by His Royal Highness Oba Adenaike Alagbe, the then Ayangburen of Ikorodu, on 29th May, 1949 while the first set of the students were admitted into the college  and lectures commenced same day.

He stated other locations where the school operated before it was moved to its present site (permanent site) in January 1957.

“After a brief period, the college moved to Mabodu house (Elephant House next  to Anglican Church Ikorodu on same Ireshe road). The college later moved to African Bethel Church, Aga, Ikorodu.

“When the officials of the ministry of Education from Ibadan, the seat of the then Western Region government, they objected to the using of church building as a school, the college was then moved to Abudu Benson House, popularly known as “Olori Quarters”, off Lagos Road and Fatuga’s House where the college was till December 1956”, the National President stated.

“In January 1957, the school was finally moved to its present location (permanent site) , which was then an uncompleted building”.

Engr. Longe stated that the school was initially admitted only boys but later commenced admission for girls, making it a mix educational  college.

“The college was boys only from inception, but later became co-educational college (boys and girls) in the year 1963 during the tenure of then Principal, Mr. W.S.M. M’cwabeni.

“The first set of students who were in form (V1) six in 1955 could not sit for the W.A.S.C. Examination because the college was not approved by the Government”.

He listed some of the eminent people that have passed through the school.

“We should not forget some eminent people that passed through this noble college of ours, people like; HRH Late Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Engr. Bashir Sotomiwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, Alaperu of Iperu-Remo, Prof. Fola Tayo of University of Lagos, Prof. Fagade of University of Ibadan, Alhaji Shafari Aremu Sule, retired CBN Director, Prof Kunle Ade Wahab of Obafemi Awolowo University, Senator Kingsley AdeseyeOgunlewe, former Federal Minster for Works, Doctor Ademola Dixon, Medical Director, Mount Sinai Hospital Group, Retired A.1.G Olakitan Araba, Dr. Tajudeen Ogbara, Chief David Olabanji Sunmoni, former Lagos State Accountant General, Engr. Charles Longe, Alhaji M. M. Bolarinwa and Otunba Akinola Awomodu among many others.

The Principal of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, who is also an old student of the school, thanked the alumni association for always standing by the school.

Alhaja Ogunniyi, who was represented at the event by Mrs Adegoke Oladunni, the Vice Principal of Oriwu Senior Model College, enjoined the students to emulate the distinguished former students of the school who according to her, have made names for themselves and also contributing greatly to the continuous development of the school.

“I want you students to continue working hard and graduate with honours so that you too can be good ambassadors of the school”, she stated.

Mr Segun Iluyombo, an Insurance guru and a student of the school between 1981 and 1986, spoke on the transformation of the school and the significance of the blue colour attached with the school.

The proud ex-student challenged the students to reach for the greater height in their chosen careers.

Also speaking, Barr. Olumuyiwa Onabanjo, also of the 1986 set, enjoined the students to shun bad groups and  focus on their studies.

The Secretary to the Ijede Local Government, Mr Kunle Olambiwonu, in his address, urged the students to allow the successes of the old students be  sources of energy and motivations to them in achieving great things in life.

Miss Winifred Akande, a Senior Secondary School one student of the Oriwu Senior Model College who spoke during the interactive session, thanked the old students for their supports for the school at all times and the fatherly roles they are playing in mentoring the students.

Meanwhile,  the National Secretary of OCOSAN, Mr Kunle Olambiwonu, disclosed that a week-long anniversary activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the premier school has been slated for next month (June).