Kunle Adelabu
-As Fadugba Ogunlewe family sustains educational development tradition
A former Federal Permanent Secretary and head of the Fadugba Ogunlewe Royal Family of Igbogbo, Dr Akinola Ogunlewe, has laid the foundation for the two hostels named after the former Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe and his brother, Prince Amos Olugbosi Ogunlewe, at the Lagos State Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo.
The hostels, which are 100 capacity each, are being sponsored by the Fadugba Ogunlewe Royal Family of lgbogbo, in remembrance of the 50th and 76th remembrance anniversary of the two late patriarchs of the family, both of whom contributed immensely to educational development, particularly in Igbogbo area of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Mrs Anike Adekanye, the Tutor – General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, and other eminent guests and members of the family, were on ground to support Dr Ogunlewe in laying the foundation of the hostels.
A former Minister of Works, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, while welcoming family members, friends and guests to the ceremony, recalled the song that was directed at the late Oba Ogunlewe when he secured the land on which the Lagos State Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo, is built, and released it to the government for the purpose of building the then Teachers’ Training College, Igbogbo.
Ogunlewe added that the late royal father, who served as member of the Western Region House of Obas and Chiefs, was able to see the future ahead of the community then in terms of bringing educational institute to Igbogbo.
“He (Oba Molaja Ogunlewe) was abused with a song for securing a community land and gave it to the government for the building of the Teachers’ Training College, Igbogbo (he sang the song). The entire community stood against him”, Sen. Ogunlewe said.
“He did not only give out this particular land, but also that one on which Zumratul Islammiyyah Secondary School, Igbogbo, was built upon, as well as part of the Oriwu College, lkorodu. .
“This place when it served as a teachers’ training college, was a distinguished training college.
“Today, if we are doing anything in the honour of our patriarchs, I know that they will be happy in heaven that we are remembering them”, he said.
He also stated his efforts and that of others on how the abandoned teachers’ training college was converted to the present Lagos State Civil Service Model College, adding that the accommodation of students is paramount which is why the family is embarking on the project.
“When the teachers’ training college was abrogated in Nigeria, this place was idle for a long time. lt was a serious issue before this place could be turned into the Lagos State Civil Service Model Colleges, Igbogbo”, the former Minister said.
“The accommodation is for students, principals and teachers living within the school premises. When we were younger, the Principal was living on the campus. Teachers were living in the school, because I attended Oriwu College”.
The Tutor – General, Education District II, Mrs Anike Adekanye, commended the Fadugba Ogunlewe family for their contributions to educational development.
“I am here to give thanks to God and dearly appreciate the Fadugba – Ogunlewe family of Igbogbo. Many members of the family, starting from the head of the family, are great, brilliant people, dynamic and highly responsible and above all fear God.”, she said.
“I enjoy my service in Ikorodu, because of the accommodating and supportive nature of the stakeholders, and I want my students to learn from and see this family as shining examples. The bond, discipline and spirit of community service in them are worthy of emulation.
“What we are here for today gladdens my heart and I have to be here despite the fact that I worked late yesterday (last Thursday), because of the great things members of this family have been doing.
“The history of the Fadugba – Ogunlewe Royal Family of Igbogbo, will not be forgotten because of what you are doing. This is not the only thing; they also have scholarships, distribute textbooks, give out gifts to the best teachers and students.
“You love education and that is why you have many doctoral holders, lawyers, minister, head of service, senator, council chairman and many wonderful, pleasant and well – loaded educators in your family which could be because of the stories of the two great men that are being remembered today.
“These hostels are for the benefits of students, even those yet unborn”, she added.
She expressed the appreciation of the Governor of the state, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, whom he said will never forget the gesture.
“From Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo -Olu who has declared education with technology free, we say thank sirs and ma because the children will have befitting bed space to sleep”, she said.
“Mr Governor will never forget such a family involving in Public Private Partnership (PPP) through which you are helping the government.
“On behalf of my administrators, my wonderful teachers and students, I say thank you”.
Students’ representative from both Lagos State Civil Service Junior and Senior Model Colleges, who also spoke, expressed their appreciation to the family, for the donation.
In his royal remarks, His Royal Majesty Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, thanked the Fadugba -Ogunlewe Royal Family, for continuing in the development of education and lgbogbo community generally.
Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, who is currently out of the country for the 2024 Igbogbo Day Celebration in the United States of America (USA), was represented by the Adeboruwa – in – Council led by High Chief Jelili Oduntan, the Balogun of Igbogbo.
He described the gesture of the Fadugba Ogunlewe family as a continuation of the love for education and community development that as exhibited by their late patriarchs.
“I recognize the contributions of the Fadugba -Ogunlewe Royal Family to educational and community developments”, the royal father said.
“This is a continuation of what the family’s ancestors have been doing. For instance, it was former Oba Molaja Ogunlewe that secured and allocated the land on which the Lagos State Civil Service Model College is located, for the Teachers’ Training College. Likewise, Oriwu College Ikorodu and that of the Zumratul Islammiyyah Secondary Schools.
“These lands that were given out to schools, have been serving many students. So, I am not surprised that the family is donating dormitories to the Lagos State Civil Service Colleges. This will also serve many students and those yet unborn.
“These patriarchs left good history and indelible marks that we are all talking about today and because of this, those after them are also continuing with the legacy. I charge other families and individuals that we should all emulate the Fadugba -Ogunlewe Royal Family”, Oba Kasali said.
Dr ‘Jaiye Ogunlewe, delivered the profiles of Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe and his brother, Prince Amos Olugbosi Ogunlewe, in whose honour the family was donating the hostels, and also analyzed their contributions.
Former Head of Service, Lagos State, Prince Segun Ogunleye, in his remarks, assured the school and guests in attendance, that the two projects would be completed by November this year and commissioned to commemorate the 89th birthday anniversary of their family head, Dr Akinola Ogunlewe.
Other eminent members of the family and guests at the event were: Mr Gbade Ogunlewe, Deaconess Bolanle Esho, Alhaji Fatai O. Lasisi, former Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Taxation and Engr. Charles Longe, former President, Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN) among others.
