Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
-Charge them on academic excellence
The celebration of the milestone 75th anniversary of Oriwu College Ikorodu (now Oriwu Senior and Junior Model Colleges, Ikorodu) has kicked – off with the celebration of the school’s Founders’ Day.
Oriwu College Founders’ Day, which comes up every May 29, was celebrated with the chieftains and members of the Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN) mentoring the current students and charging them to sustain the college’s tradition of excellence.
The celebration is themed, “Journey Through Time: 75 Years of Memories, Excellence”.
The Founders’ Day lecture, with sub – theme: “Unlocking The Potentials Within”, which held at the school hall, was delivered by an old student of the college who emerged as the first runner up, Best Teacher in the Senior Secondary Schools category in Education District II, Lagos State, Mrs Ogunmefun Fehintola Folashade.
National President, Oriwu College Old Students Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), Alhaji Muhammed Arole, in his welcome address, said that the celebration is not just about remembering the founding fathers of the school, but also about the reflection of the rich legacy of the school.
“Today, we gather not only to commemorate the founding of this esteemed institution, but also to reflect on the rich legacy and enduring values that Oriwu Model College, Ikorodu, has instilled in all of us. This institution has been a beacon of excellence, nurturing minds, shaping futures, and creating leaders who have gone on to make significant contributions to the society”, he said.
“As we celebrate this special day, we are reminded of the vision and dedication of our founders whose commitment to education and community, laid the foundation upon which our alma mater stands tall. Their foresight and passion have created a nurturing environment where generations of students have flourished”, he added.
While commending the old students for the support for the school, he thanked teachers in the school for their impacts, and charged the students to learn from the rich legacy of the college.
“To our esteemed alumni, your achievements and successes across various fields, are a testament to the quality education and strong moral compass provided by Oriwu Model College. Your presence here today reflects your unwavering loyalty and commitment to our beloved school. It is your continued support that enables us give back and ensure that future generations benefit from the same opportunities we were fortunate to receive”, OCOSAN National President said.
“To our respected teachers, both past and present, your dedication, patience, and hard work have been instrumental in shaping the minds and characters of countless students. Your impact goes far beyond the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on our lives. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and sacrifices.
“To the current students, you are the torchbearers of Oriwu Model College’s legacy. Embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and excellence that this institution upholds. Remember, you are part of a rich history and a bright future. We, the alumni, are here to support and guide you as you embark on your own journeys.
“Today, as we celebrate the Founders’ Day, let us also renew our commitment to the 4 R’s: Restructuring, Rescuing, Renovation, and Reconstruction. Together, we will ensure that OCOSAN continues to thrive, evolve, and make positive impact on our community and beyond”, he charged.
Alhaji Ishola Lemomu, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) OCOSAN, said that the celebration was an opening to other anniversary activities to celebrate the landmark celebration later in the year.
“Today’s event is a landmark one, though, it’s not as elaborate as planned since the major event has been postponed”, he said.
“It’s an opening to other things that would happen for our 75th anniversary celebration. Oriwu College is a landmark for me and coming here is a privilege and honour for me. We have been around for a long time. I entered Oriwu College in 1958, and I don’t think that I will ever get tired of coming to Oriwu College. We need to do more for the school to make it a bit brighter and promising.
“It is a pleasure to see the students and the old students too, and I believe that those of us that have been around for long still carry the beautiful memories of this great school. It is going to get better as times goes on.
“I am happy to be part of the school’s birthday celebration because today, 29 May, is the day that the school was given birth to”, Alhaji Lemomu said.
Pro – Chancellor, Lagos State University, Ojo and an alumni of the old school, Sir David Sunmoni, KJW, while congratulating the school on the feat, said that the old students had gathered to mentor and motivate the current students into realizing their potentials and guide them towards attaining them.
“I congratulate the school and the old students. More importantly, the students. It is imperative that we come here and identify with you, so that we can see the great potentials in you”, the Pro – Chancellor of LASU said.
“The lecture, ‘unleashing the potential within’, is germane. Anyone among you (current students) can be greater than what we are today. I see among you Ministers, Senators, Governors and Vice Chancellors. You all have the potentials, but all that is remaining for you is to harness those potentials and get the best for yourself”.
He also charged them to be serious with their education and desist from joining bad gangs, while also charging them to have the right attitudes.
Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, a former Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission and an alumni of the premier school, addressing the students, congratulated their parents for enrolling them in Oriwu College, and emphasized the importance of hard work and determination.
“What is important and which I want to emphasise on is hard work and determination. I congratulate your parents, for having the courage to send you to school. It is very important. Some of us are just like you when we started.
“I want to encourage you not to change your mind and be determined to become somebody.
“What is important is to have an open mind for all the subjects. Don’t say Mathematics and Chemistry are difficult, you must encourage yourself to learn all the subjects.
“Whatever you are doing, remember that in the next five years, you will not be in the same position. You would have graduated to become a university student.
Bashorun Rotinwa, who was also a former Head of Service, Lagos State, also enjoined the students to be good children at home and appreciate whatever their parents can afford.
Alhaja Kudirat Lamina, members of the OCOSAN BOT, also speaking, expressed her fondness for her old school, stating that she graduated from the college in 1969, and that she also met her husband in the school which she also said was attended by some of her children.
While assuring students of getting good foundations in the college, she also enjoined them to sustain the legacy of the school and be good ambassadors of the college.
“I will appeal to you to please face your studies, and make sure you get to leave a good legacy. We want you to be good ambassadors of Oriwu College. Most of us on this high table are professionals. I am a chartered accountant and member of ICAN. We have Engineers, Directors among others. So, you can be sure that you are having a good foundation in Oriwu College.
The guest speaker, Mrs Ogunmefun Fehintola, in her presentation, asked students to maximize their potentials in order to achieve their dreams in life.
She listed self – discovery and awareness, self – reflection, goal setting, developing strong nature to overcome obstacles, mentorship and taking action and sustaining it as ways of unlocking potentials within.
“The first step in unlocking your potential is self-discovery. This means taking the time to understand who you are, what you love, and where your strengths lie. When I was a student here, I spent a lot of time exploring different subjects and activities. Some I excelled at, and others I struggled with, but each experience taught me something about myself”, she said.
“Unlocking your potential requires action. It’s not enough to know your strengths and set goals—you have to take consistent, dedicated action towards achieving them. Stay committed, even when the going gets tough. There will be times when progress seems slow or obstacles seem overwhelming, but perseverance is key”.
Also at the celebration were Engr. Charles Longe, former President, OCOSAN, Alhaji Sikiru Amure, OCOSAN chieftain, Mr Kunle Oshodi, Deputy National President/Chairman, Oriwu College at 75 Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr Kunle OIambiwon, Vice National President, Mr Wasiu Tijani, National Secretary among others.
lt would be recalled that the week – long activities in commemoration of the 75th anniversary, has been postponed till September.
