Kunle Adelabu
-There is no Oriwu College without former students – Principal
The Class of 1993 set of the Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), has commissioned a water project for laundry, for the students in boarding house of their former school and the premier college in Ikorodu Division, Oriwu College.
Alhaji (Dr) Hameed Sunmonu, the National President, OCOSAN, who was the special guest of honour at the event, commissioned the project in commemoration of the set’s 30 years anniversary of graduating from the college which has been adjudged as one of the best secondary schools in the country.
The OCOSAN National President was represented by Mr Wasiu Tijani, the National Secretary. Also on ground to celebrate with the set were Prof. Olanrewaju Shitta – Bay, a Professor of Philosophy & Humanities, University of Maryland Global Campus, United States of America (USA), Mrs Sherifat Onile – Ere, an Assistant Director, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr Abdulateef Bello, a senior official with the National Museum Headquarter, Abuja and Mr Oladele Ogunfodunrin, a public analyst and businessman. They are also former students of the school.
Meanwhile, Mr Sunday Bolaji, popularly called, ‘Success Pepper’, Chairman, OCOSAN 1993, welcoming guests and members to the commissioning event, said that they were happy to give back to their alma mata in commemorating their three decades of graduating from the school.
“I want to specially welcome everyone to the commissioning of this Laundry facility which is to commemorate our 30th Anniversary as Old Students of Oriwu College, Ikorodu”, he said.
“As a way of giving back to our Alma Mata, we saw the need to make the project our priority, and that led to what we are witnessing today.
“It is indeed a true reflection of 30 years of milestones and memories after school. We are so excited to give back to the school that made us who we are today in our various walks of life”, said.
While stating that the project commissioning is one of the activities lined up for the celebration, Mr Bolaji described the journey after school in the last 30 years, as very challenging with some of them unable to witness the day.
“It’s been so hectic and joyous coupled with the ups and downs along the way in the last 30 years but God, in His infinite mercy, spared our lives till this time, but we are not forgetting the departed ones among us. May their gentle souls continue to rest in peace”, he said.
“The donation of the laundry facility to the College, is just one of the programme of events for the 30th anniversary. The grand finale will hold on 26th December, 2023 @ Labi Oasis Hotel, Ikorodu”.
Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, Mr Akeem Bello, while congratulating and thanking the set for the project, described OCOSAN as a blessing to the school.
“When I got here in 2020, I discovered that government did not know about the activities of OCOSAN. There is no part of this school that OCOSAN sets are not involved in – our ICT, Chapel, Mosque, Hotels, Dinning, Hostels and others”, he said.
“If not for OCOSAN, Oriwu College will never be what it is today. After the Lagos State Government, they are the next stakeholders that have kept this school going. I want to use this medium to thank all the Class sets of this school.
“It is the activities of the OCOSAN sets that are encouraging and motivating the students, teachers and Principals, and we always want to give good accounts and not disappoint those of you that have been using your resources to support us”, Mr Bello said.
The outgoing Principal of the college, who said that the impacts and support of the different class sets of the school have been the source of motivations for the students and staff alike, also stated that the school has increased in its value and become the beautiful pride that everyone, both home and abroad, wants their children to attend.
“Apart from structures that OCOSAN is assisting the school with, the development of the students is also paramount to them. That is why Prof. Shitta – Bey travelled all the way from the USA, to speak and mentor, and you are also commissioning a laundry water project”, Mr Bello said.
“This gives me great joy and we are always enjoining our students to do more to make their old students happy because if they do, a lot more will want to associate with us.
“People always call me from every part of the country and abroad, to know what they can do to bring their child to Oriwu College. It is a daily reoccurrence event and I always tell them that they have to join from the JSS I. Some of them are even ready to pay.
“The value that is attached with Oriwu College is very high and the current students should know that it is a privilege for them to be here. We are part of the OCOSAN and OCOSAN is part of us.
“I want to thank God for your life for doing this, and for always supporting our school”, he said.
Prof. Shitta – Bey, in his remarks, also congratulated the set and commended them for always remembering their old school for support.
The Professor of Philosophy & Humanities also charged students of the school to continue to make former students proud by continuing to attain academic excellence.
Mr Abiodun Abari, Chairman, Planning Committee of the 30th anniversary of the Class of 1993, who is also the OCOSAN Financial Secretary, said that the project is part of their appreciation to the college which gave them the opportunity to have sound secondary education.
“We are here to thank Oriwu College, for given us the opportunity to study here. We have a lot of people that wanted to attend this school, but were not opportuned”, he said.
While charging the students on the need to stay together and also give back when they are opportuned, Abari also enjoined them to always be ready to face whatever challenges that come their ways and retrace their steps whenever they discover that they are not going in the right direction.
“We have been together and still together like families. If you attend our meetings, you will see us fight and at the same time agreeing, and that’s what I want you students to cultivate in staying together after this school; do things together and assist yourself”, he said.
