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From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
National President, Esie/Iludun Grammar School Old Students Association (EIGSOSA), Professor Kunle Olawepo, has appealed to members to rebuild their alma mater and bring back its lost glory. He made the appeal at a reunion luncheon in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The luncheon was in honour of Otunba Taiye Afolabi, a member of the 1972-1976 set. He was hosted last weekend for being elected into the state House of Assembly, representing Oyun Constituency.
He lauded the 1976 set for thinking it worthy to honour one of theirs: “This will be an avenue to set agenda for him to know the problems before him when he gets to office.
“Coming together after 47 years of exiting their alma mater is a good thing to remind the honourable to be a good ambassador of the set and that of the school.”
He expressed dismay at some members of the association in position to assist the association but failed. He appealed to the old students to join hands in rebuilding the school: “If we fail to act now don’t be surprised when you are celebrating 50th or 60th anniversary, there might be no school called Esie/Iludun Grammar School.
He lauded members of the 1976 set “who are always quick in assisting the national body when called upon. Other sets should emulate this wonderful attribute of the set.
“There is the need for all sets to pay the N250,000 yearly levy promptly. The school urgently needs it to rescue the burnt laboratory and other buildings from total collapse.”
Chairman of the 1972-1976 set, Dr Sule Popoola, represented by the Secretary, Mr Raphael Oguntoye, said, “1972-1976 set is unique and we have interesting stories to tell. “We are the first set to be admitted with girls to the school; first set to write the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE), from home. It was a sad memory though.
“Despite this setback, the set has produced among many others honourable men and women. The list includes supervisory councillor, council chairman, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, member, House of Representatives, ambassador, magistrate, high court judge, captains of industry, officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, media guru, successful businessmen and women.
“It was not a pleasant experience. We were unfairly treated. We were sent out of school without given us a fair hearing. And where there’s no fair hearing certainly, there won’t be justice. That was our ugly lot.
“Our teachers and juniors wrote us off completely. They laughed us to scorn. But against all odds and with the special grace of God, we forged ahead successfully.
“Since June 1976, many of us have not set eyes on one another. We thank God for today. We remember our departed colleagues, May the Almighty God grant them eternal rest.
“Our school is in a sorry state. Let’s pay our levy in good time. I need not bore you that we have to respond quickly. It is an urgent call to duty. It’s our responsibility we have to be alive to it.”
Popoola appealed to Afolabi to use his position and goodwill to assist his alma mater.
Chairman, Planning Committee, Chief Michael Ademola Oyeniyi, charged the national body to “seek assistance from individuals, corporate organisations and even lobby to see the school doesn’t go down.” He commended the 1976 set members “for their up-and-doing.”
He urged them to do more to assist the school, reminding them to see to the completion of the school projects embarked upon.”
Responding, Afolabi commended his classmates for the honour and promised to be a good ambassador of the set and of the school. He promised to work with his colleagues in the assembly, especially that of Irepodun Constituency, Olusola Odetundun, who was the event to lobby assistance for Esie/Iludun Grammar School from government.
Other side attraction was a pep talk on health for elderly by Professor Peter Aboyeji, an old student of the school.
