Members of the Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Old Boys Association 78 –83 set have donated a 30-seater bus to their Alma Mata to mark 40years anniversary of their graduation from the school.
President of the set, Mr Toibudeen Olamuyiwa Oduniyi, in his address on the occasion of the event, commended his mates who supported, tolerated and cooperated with him as they jointly moved the association forward.
He also remembered there deceased mates, who have passed away since they left the school, and prayed that their souls have eternal rest in Paradise.
He said he was proud to see that his Alma Mata had continued to thrive and excel in its mission of providing quality education to young minds.
Oduniyi further said the school had produced some of the finest minds and leaders in various fields and they’re honoured to be part of that legacy “because the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
He stated that the hard work and challenges that the members of the set had during their academic years prepared them adequately for the challenges and “sweet fruits of our labour are evident in our successes today. Many of our colleagues have distinguished themselves in public service, commerce , professional services and other endeavours.”
While recounting the contributions of the set to the school in line with their tradition of giving back / paying back , Oduniyi said they engaged an English Language teacher for the junior school, they organised career talks and mentoring programme, donation of Two million naira towards the completion of JOGSOBA CENTENARY Complex.
He added that he as the current president of the association and Architect Lawal rendered pro- bono services, just as Nazi Chigbo Ajah had been rendering some invaluable services to Jogsoba national body and the school hall in the past years.
Oduniyi said in 2023, to mark 40 years Anniversary ( 1983–2023), the members donated a 30- seater bus to the school .
He recalled that during their 20th anniversary in 2003, they donated 10 sets of ceiling fans to the school, four sound amplifiers and distributed 4000 ( 40leaves)
exercise books to learners, gave recognition and gifts to some former teachers and cash gifts to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Obalende and the Central Mosque Oyingbo, Ijebu Ode as well as financial support towards the 2003 Inter- House sports.
He also said during their Silver Jubilee Anniversary in 2008, they repaired and renovated the school hall, provided public address system and sound amplifiers, did landscaping and planted flowers round the school hall.
During their 30th Anniversary (2013), they embarked on remoulding and upgrading of the school hall at a cost of N22million, gave recognition and gifts to some former teachers and 2012 AIONIAN festival of sports and academics competition hosted by IOGS. The set also made financial contributions towards the hosting of this event.
Oduniyi also said the set won JOGSOBA National Merit Award back-to-back in 2017 and 2018 and Otunba ( Barr) Labi Okusanya, the President in 2018, was also conferred with National Merit Award.
Also speaking, the planning Committee Chairman, Mr Olabode Onanuga, thanked all members of the set and donors for their support, saying they remained the greatest assets for their wonderful support and generosity to the success of the event.
He noted that the set would continue to count on them.
Onanuga further said inspite of the harsh and bitting economic conditions, which have inflicted pains, social dislocations and psychological stress on all citizens, they still contributed towards successful execution of the set’s programme.
He also extended appreciation of the set members to the past and present teachers in the school for their labour of love.
Onanuga also gave kudos to the committee members for not allowing themselves to be limited in their abilities to dream and achieve.
