Osun Govt Recognizes the Impact of Alumni Associations... Quantifies N2B as Various Projects Executed as AHSOSA 1970-75 Set Marks 50th Anniversary (PHOTOS)

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Osun State, Mr. M. A. K. Jimoh has remarked that the state has quantified various projects being executed by Old Students Associations of Osun public schools to the tune of N2B billion.

He made the remark on Friday, in Osu, Atakumosa West local government, when the Class of 1970/75 of the Atakumosa High School Old Students Association, (AHSOSA), home and in the diaspora, gathered at the school premises to celebrate 50 years of their graduation.

"The Digital Centre donated by the Alumni of the school is the best in the state, alluding to the fact that the government cannot do it alone." The Permanent Secretary declared before dropping the hint that the Osun government is planning to return the boarding house system to public schools that have the facility.

The 50th Anniversary program that commenced with a moment of silence for the departed members of the 1970/75 Set numbering about eleven, attracted distinguished guests, former students from various sets, including staff and students of the prestigious institution.

"May the souls of the departed members; Late Victoria Oluyide Fasoyiro, Late Temilade Adenigbagbe, Late Femi Ojo, Late Shola Aturu, Late' Bisade Folorunso, Late 'Yinka Oje, Late 'Biodun Adejuyigbe, Late Mrs Bukola Fafowora and Late Chief Cornelius Edewusi rest in peace." Bishop Asaju of Ilesa Anglican Diocese prayed for the repose of their souls before directing the opening prayer as he reflected on the significance of the 50 years in the phases of humanity, noting the members' humble beginnings, its transformative journey and the unfortunate incidents of the departed members.

Also, Archbishop Amos Akindeko of the Methodist Cathedral Church, Otapete, Ilesa reflected on the purpose of the gathering; "It is good to gather in the presence of God and to give Him thanks for what He has done. I join you in thanking God for what the Lord has used you to do in the school".

The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Oluyemi Oguntominiyi who was represented by his junior brother, Rev. Olubowale Oguntominiyi advised the members with his words of admonitions as he encouraged all set members to pay attention to the welfare of other members that are not so fit because of age or tasking health conditions.

"Embark on endorsement funds for the welfare of others, check your health status regularly, endeavor to socialize when others are having occasions and pray always as this is the time to draw closer to God ". He said

As part of the anniversary celebration, the old students association commissioned new projects for the development of the school.

The projects commissioned include the the school's N20 million part of the perimeter fencing with the school's Gate construction as the AHSOSA National President, Chief Alhaji Lateef Bakare, Ajirowa Adimula of Ijesaland also commissioned a Corpers' Lodge marking the alumni’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and sustained the school's growth.

Mrs. Kofoworola Ogunbiyi-Ajelabi, the Chairperson of the set, who happened to be their Senior Girl when they were passing out, made an elaborate presentation in her address where she delved into the uniqueness of the members.

"Our Set, the blessed set, and the last Set graduated by our late Principal, Chief Ade Adefarati in 1975 is unique in many ways.

"By the grace of God, we have produced an array of professionals, academics and many successful entrepreneurs, both in Nigeria and Diaspora.

"It is interesting to note that the bond of love among the Set members is second to none.

"2016, about nine years ago, we started reuniting with one another. By 14th July. 2017, we inaugurated our Set Platforms. And on 27th June, 2020, we had our first Virtual reunion with 30 members in attendance. At this important meeting, we launched the contributions for our project.

"By God's special grace and commitment from members of the Set, two years later, we handed over a completed beautiful Gate with a security house to the National Executive of our Association (AHSOSA).

"In the course of the 60th Founder's Day Anniversary of the school, our SET identified two major projects; Fencing of the Frontage of the School and Beautification of the school compound. The costs of these three projects were put conservatively: at twenty million Naira only.

On the Welfare Program for Members the Chairperson said that the Association was able to attend to the needs of some members since the inception of the Set as a group.

"We shall continue to relate with one another and render assistance wherever possible. May Almighty God continue to keep us safe and provide for our needs." She said as she glorified God for several wedding ceremonies of members children and celebration of milestone birthdays.

"We celebrated 70th birthday of six members of the Set within the last three years and various remarkable birthdays. We are trusting God for more celebrations in Jesus' name"

She also showed gratitude to their past Principal and teachers.

"I give post humous homage to our late Principal, Chief Adebayo Adefarati and one-time Governor of Ondo State, who worked relentlessly to ensure we all passed out in good grades. He did not stop here; he followed up our progress even after years of graduation. May his gentle soul rest in peace." She reminisced

In his address, the school Principal Comrade Olumide Odedele expressed his profound gratitude to the Old Students as he highlighted some of the projects that include the Construction of a modern school gate; Interlocking of the school compound; Renovation of the School Library, Classrooms and School Hall; Provision of ICT Centre with solar power; Construction of modern toilets and more.

"Your decision to employ six teachers and one night guard has also gone a long way in enhancing our academic and security standards. The incentives you have consistently provided to both students and teachers have been a source of motivation and encouragement. And more importantly, you must have noticed in our last WAEC result, that the academic performances of the student have improved a lot. We are truly grateful for your dedication and support."

The Principal also seized the opportunity to highlight some of the pressing needs of the school.

"We are in urgent need of a Photocopier which will greatly enhance our administrative and academic operations; a well-equipped Sick Bay to provide better healthcare for our students and teachers alike; acquisition of a Keyboard for our Music department; provision of technical equipment for our skill-based subjects; renovation of the Administrative Block to improve our working conditions; provision of furniture for the teachers' Common Room to create a more conducive environment for our staff; a modern Library that would Serve as a hub for knowledge and innovation; procurement of science equipment to enhance our students' practical understanding of scientific concepts; more teachers, especially in Arts, Sciences and Computer science and a school bus.

"I wish to appeal to the State Government, led by the indefatigable Governor, Dr. Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke in the following areas: Perimeter fencing of the entire school compound to ensure the security of these beautiful projects and any other that will still be put in place in the future and (to) consider the school during the ongoing teachers' recruitment exercise, particularly for Arts, Sciences and Computer science teachers." His address said in part as he assured the gathering that the projects commissioned will have positive impacts on the school community. And on behalf of the entire staff, he promised that the School shall make the best use of the facilities.

The National President of AHSOSA, Ajirowa Adimula of Ijesaland, Alhaj Lateef Akande Bakare also remarked in his address that the 1970-75 Set has been a blessing to Atakunmosa High School, Osu, Old Students' Association and ljesaland as a whole.

He congratulated all members on the unique occasion of the celebration and he appreciated visionary and selfless individuals who gave birth to the school.

"Posterity will never forget families like Agunlejika, Fajuyitan, Famogbiele, Omole, Ogunbiyi, Adebusuyi, Adeyokunnu among others, for their various pioneering efforts.

"We had great teachers in those early days who turned the dream of these wise men into realities by nurturing many of us. Please permit me to mention the names of some of these God-sent and dedicated tutors like Canon (Chief) A. Akinyemi, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Chief L. A. Ogedengbe, Chief B. A. A. Farore, Elder 'Soji Adegoke, Rev. Oni, Sir I.E. and Mrs.'Funke Famogbiele-Ashaolu. Pa. M. A. Omowaiye, Mr. Adagunodo, Mr. Ayo Alabi, Elder "Yinka Fapoju

Ajirowa Lateef Bakare also highlighted some of the achievements of the Association in recent times.

"Without any elaboration, you can see how beautiful the environment is. This is one of the direct benefits of the 6Oth Anniversary Celebration of the school which was held in January, 2023.

"The interlocking walkway block project, renovation of some of the dilapidated buildings, solar light and generally a befitting outlook are some of the results of our interventions.

"In view of the dearth of teachers in some critical areas, the Association has been responsible for the payment of salaries of six teachers and a security officer in the last three years. We have had cause to organize retreats and improvement courses for all teachers in the school.

"The annual Valedictory and Prize-Giving programmes of the school have always been financially and morally supported.

"As part of our welfare programmes, the Association introduced a Life Insurance Policy for interested members. This has been on for upwards of four years.

"The Association established a multimillion-naira Digital Centre, powered with solar system in September 2024. This was closely followed with the launching of a website for the Association.

"I hereby recognize the donation of a modern toilet to the school by members of the 1974 Set in commemoration of the their 50th Graduation Anniversary. No doubt, this has gone a long way to improve sanitation in the school.

"Perhaps, I should call on other Sets who have celebrated or preparing to celebrate their 50th Anniversary to emulate the landmark achievements of both the 1974 Set and the 1975 Set.

Ajirowa also seized the occasion to appeal to Osun State Government to come to the school's aid.

"We need teachers in some critical areas. I believe this should be given a special consideration in the next appointment as a way of encouraging the Old Students' Association. We cannot do it all, the school belongs to the Government.

"Many of those buildings that made Atakunmosa High School, Osu a special one in those days had been abandoned and dilapidated, with very big trees growing in some of them.

"I made a decision to reconstruct the former Matron's House of the 70s when I visited the school in one-weekend in March this year on an assessment of the school facilities. It was an eyesore to see." He remarked on the reconstructed building of two flats for the use of Youth Corps members posted to the school for national service, as an act of gratitude to Allah for His diverse blessings and protection over the years.

"I decided to rebuild this structure in which we had two very big trees already grown inside and with fallen walls on every side as part of my 70th Birthday Celebration." He said

In his goodwill message, Sir (Chief ) Olubunmi Adeleye Adeoye, the Bamofin of Osu Kingdom adviced the Association on having a Hall of Fame where the legacies of members will be archived and documented. He said, as he promised to identify with the set in the execution of their future commitments towards the development of the School.

In honor of the Set's English teacher, Elder A. Adegoke who physically graced the occasion with his wife, Bamofin Adeleye Adeoye gave a donation of N50,000 to the best student in English in the JSS 3 class. He also donated a photocopier to the school and a whooping N2 million to the celebrants.

Distinguished High Chief Akinwande Akinola, the Sawe of Ilesa, who was the Special Guest at the event also in his goodwill message congratulated all members of the Set as he expressed his surprise that he never knew that the school had produced an array of eminent Ijesa sons and daughters. He noted that many of the dilapidated buildings are difficult to renovate and adviced on pulling them down completely to the foundation level before embarking on reconstruction.

Former President National body of AHSOSA, General (Rtd) Lawrence Oluyemi Jokotola equally expressed his happiness in appreciation of the focus of the members of the Set.

Another highpoint at the event was the celebration of the National President of AHSOSA, Ajirowa Adimula of Ijesaland, Alhaj Lateef Akande Bakare's 70th birthday wherein, he was presented with gifts from the 70/75 Set, the America Chapter of Association represented by Dr. Wale Alonge and the school management.

Olosu of Osu, Oba Jethro Adegoke Adejola conferred the title of Atayese of Osu Kingdom on Ajirowa Lateef Bakare and prayed for the members.

VIDEO: Click 👆 on the image to watch

The event featured cultural performances, music and musical renditions from the music band of the NYSC.

VIDEO: Click on the image to watch

The climax of the event was the official commissioning of the newly completed projects, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.

The program also involved the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and some members of the set.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Chief Akin Akinola, Chief Oluwabunmi Adeoye, Rt. Rev. Dapo Asaju, Archbishop Amos Akindeko, Oba Ogidiolu Amos Adewumi, Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa who represented Oba Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Hon. Odunayo Ategbero, Prof. Odunola Orifiwomo, Pioneer Deen, Faculty of Law, UniIlesa, Lady Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, Rev. Olubowale Oguntominiyi who represented Engr. Oluyemi Oguntominiyi and the NYSC state coordinator represented by Mrs. Fatima Taiwo.

PHOTOS:

All photos, script ✍️ camera 📸 coverage credit: Oladimeji (+2347035105413, [email protected])

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