By Omotunde Alawode
•Ekundayo (6th from left), Sen. Ganiyu Solomon (7th left) and others at the ACOSA reunion
Agbayewa Memorial College, formerly known as Lagos Secondary Commercial Academy, Ilupeju College, Ilupeju, Deep Learning International College, Lagos State, celebrated its maiden reunion last week.
Agbayewa College Old Students’ Association (ACOSA) is the umbrella body of all the students of the school who graduated, from the pioneer set of 1960 to the 2023 batch.
It was a time of joy as they relived their days in school, accompanied by joyful shouts, hugs and back-patting.
Over the years, the school has produced an array of distinguished professionals in all endeavours and a number of them were at the reunion party.
The event, which was held at the school’s field, saw many members of the association reunite, network and share fond memories.
In his opening remarks, alumni president, Mr. Wahab Ekundayo, from the 1981 set, explained to the gathering that ACOSA was a functional alumni association, adding that each class also maintained its own association as a sub-unit of the parent body. He explained that the camaraderie and bonds among members had always been strong, asserting that associating with the alumni was always a thing of pride.
He said: “We are not a secret society. We are only proud of our alma mater because we believe it is one of the best secondary schools in Nigeria. That was the tradition that we met as little boys and girls of this school many years ago.
“Many of our members are in different continents, but we maintain a deep bond. Some of us have also passed away. We give God the glory that those of us privileged to be alive have all remained close friends till date.
“We put this event together so that we could familiarise ourselves with one another’s families.”
Victor Chekwube, publicity secretary of the association, explained that some of the virtues imbued in them while in the school keep them going, such as virtues of hard work and industry, integrity, excellence and good character.
“If you need help, and you encounter an old student of the school, once he or she is aware that you’re an old student or a family member of an old student, consider that help rendered. The bond we share is that strong.
“You can change your future, but you cannot rewrite your history. Providence brought us all together about three decades ago for a purpose. May God continue to fulfil that purpose among us,” he said.
Two members of the 2002 set, who served as the masters of ceremony and host of the event, Mr. Lanre Akosile and Mr. Sharafa Giwa, regaled the gathering with funny stories about the many adventures of members of the set as well as some pranks by some of them during their days at Ilupeju College.
The event featured the presentation of awards to some alumni and some executive members of the association in appreciation of their contributions to the body.
Other highlights of the day included cutting the anniversary cake, singing the school’s anthem, interacting with other sets, sharing riddles and jokes and reminiscing about some events in the past.
A live band and a DJ entertained the audience, amid wining and dining.