Old Students Celebrate 20 Years After Graduation, Honour Members -

Mariam Akinloye

Executives and members of the Class set of 2001/2002, Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN) cutting the 20th anniversary cake of their graduation from the premier college in Ikorodu Division during the anniversary at the Ai Royal Hotel, Ikorodu.

The Class Set of 2001/2002, Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), last weekend, celebrated 20 years of their graduation from the premier college in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.

At the celebration, which took place at Ai Royal Hotel hall, Aga, Ikorodu, the Class Set also honoured some of their outstanding members with Awards of Excellence.

Those honoured were: Princess Aderoju Ladega, Mr Rasheed Elemuren, Mr Bolarinwa Mabunmi, Alhaji Kareem Adesina, Mr Qudus Olalekan, Mr Ilereoluwa Amowo, Mrs Risikat Adeyemi, Mr Hassan Olumide and Mrs Shakirat Sholanke.

Mr Bolarinwa Mabummi, Chairman of the set, speaking, welcomed guests and members to what he called a special event marking the 20th anniversary of their graduation.

Members of the set in group photograph with their old teachers and officials of Oriwu Senior and Junior Model Colleges, Ikorodu.

He said that the celebration would bring back memories of how those that are now fathers and mothers today, grew up attending the same college.

“I am sure that every one of us will be celebrating this day with nostalgic reminiscence of how we grew up and got nurtured through God’s grace in our esteemed citadel of knowledge, ORIWU COLLEGE”, he said.

“We can individually and collectively recount our amazing friendship, fellowship and religious activities in the college within 1996 to 2002. Our reconnection again together in the last 20 years has been heartwarming, highly eventful and worthy of celebration, not forgetting all the pranks and mischief we got into as students”, Mabunmi added.

He called the attention of his mates to projects that they have been able to do for their old school, while also reminding them of the need to support the projects that they are currently executing and the need for them to support through donations.

Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, retired Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu (right), presenting award to Mr Bola Mabunmi, Chairman of the set (middle). With them, Mr Tosin Mabunmi, Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government.

“I would like to provide you with a brief idea of what you have done in the past for our alma mater and what we hope to achieve. By the special grace of God, we have been able to provide water tanks and taps for the school, amongst other things”, he said.

“To our Distinguished Guests and beloved colleagues, I draw your attention to the project that’s presently being undertaken by our class set, particularly the renovation of the water Tank and Volleyball court in the school. I pray that you support us as much as you can through donations so that other projects we are embarking on can be executed in due time.

“Finally, I wish to conclude by reminding us of our motto: per Aspera Ad Astra( through difficulty to success), which has been our watchword in this journey”, he said.

He thanked God for what He has been doing in the lives of members and for the association’s success.

Alhaji Sikiru Amure, retired Principal (left), Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, retired Principal, Mrs Kafilat Awojide, Principal, Oriwu Junior Model College, Ikorodu (2nd right) and Mr Raheem, Vice Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu (right) at the anniversary party.

“Glory, honour, adoration and deep appreciation to God Almighty for what he has done for us in time past, what he is doing at the moment and what he will still do to move this association to greater height, I give all thanks to God who granted you a safe journey to this place and I pray that he will lead you home safely on your return”, he prayed.

“Once again, I thank you very sincerely for being part of this great event”.

Mr Raasheed Elemuren, the immediate past Chairman who spoke about the formation of the set, expressed his happiness at the turnout despite what he called challenges being faced by members.

He explained that the dichotomy which existed between Day and Boarding students created serious challenges that brought about two parallel associations.

Alhaji (Dr.) Hammed Sunmonu, National President, OCOSAN (right), Mr Wasiu Tijani, National Secretary (middle) and Mr Lateef Sholanke, National PRO celebrating with the 2001/2002 set.

He said that both eventually merged to form a formidable alumni association in 2017 after prolonged disagreement.

Elemuren said there has been cordiality and cooperation since the merger which has led to the set executing borehole water project for their alma mata amongst others.

He charged members to continue to show more commitment and dedication to the association.

At the anniversary were: Alhaji Sikiru Amure, a retired Principal and former teacher in Oriwu College, Mr Akeem Bello, the Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, represented by Mr Raheem, the Vice Principal, Mrs Kafilat Awojide, Principal, Oriwu Junior Model College, Ikorodu, Alhaji (Dr.) Hammed Sunmonu, National President, OCOSAN, Mr Wasiu Tijani,National Secretary and Mr Lateef ‘Arizona’ Sholanke, National Publicity

The anniversary provided many of the set’s members the opportunity to reunite with old friends and teachers.They had a great time enjoying and savouring the opportunity of the meeting.