Asero, Abeokuta
It was a day of nostalgia, banter, prayers and purpose as members of the 1996 Dream Set of Egba Comprehensive High School, Asero, Abeokuta returned to their alma mater on Friday to commission two landmark projects to mark their 30th anniversary of their graduation from the school.
The air was filled with the school anthem, old jokes, and 30 years of memories as the set handed over a renovated classroom block and a reconstructed modern food shed to the school management.
The event drew the National President of the Egba Comprehensive High School Old Students’ Association, Chief Femi Popoola and members of his executive, who commended the set for "keying into the vision of the National Association."
ECHS IS NOW A MODEL SCHOOL AGAIN" - NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Speaking at the commissioning, Chief Popoola described the 1996 set as a worthy partner in the quest to restore the glory of the school.
"Egba Comprehensive High School is now a model school, and the pattern which has earned us that recognition is the provision of infrastructure by old students. I thank the 1996 set for being part of this dream," he said.
He noted that the school, which used to be a pacesetter, had "nosedived" in the past but has now bounced back.
"With the help of God and the support of old students, the school has bounced back into reckoning and joined the ranks of model schools in the state," Mr. Popoola stated.
He added: "The standard of putting the school on the front burner must be maintained. The 1996 Dream Set has positioned itself as a worthy partner in this quest."
The National President also applauded the synergy the set has brought to the association and commended old students nationwide for their role in developing school infrastructure.
THIS IS A DOUBLE PROJECT" - ECHSOSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT APPRECIATES DREAM SET 1996
Chief Femi Popoola in an interview expressed deep appreciation for the set’s consistent support.
"We thank God for this day. We are here today to honour the invitation of ECHSOSA 1996 Dream Set team. They are commissioning their projects; what they are giving back as part of the activities to mark their 30th anniversary," he said.
" He noted that the set assisted to renovate a classroom in the junior school and also "renovate their baby project. That is the School Shed in the Junior School."
"It wasn't the first time they are doing this. This food vendor shed was constructed five years ago during the set's 25th anniversary. So, in their unwavering support and consistent attitude, they came back to renovate the food vendor shed in the junior school thereby making a kind of double project for the set," he added.
"So, we want to appreciate them. On behalf of ECHSOSA, National and Globally, I want to appreciate our 1996 ECHSOSA Dream Set for this wonderful intervention. We pray that the set membership and the leadership will continue to wax stronger. God will thank them for us and we charge the school management to ensure that the students make good and proper use of the facilities."
A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION" - DREAM CHAIRMAN
The Chairman of Dream Set 1996, Mr. Nurudeen Kasali, said the donation was their way of giving back for the knowledge and discipline they gained 30 years ago.
"We give thanks to Almighty Allah for this favour He granted us. Initially, we thought it would not be possible. But today, within just six months, we have achieved this," Mr. Kasali said.
"So, glory be to Almighty Allah. And we pray that by the time we are celebrating our 40th anniversary, we would be able to give a more tangible project back to our Alma Mater."
The projects were formally handed over to the school management represented by Mr. Jimi Akinlotan, Principal, Senior School; Mrs. Janet Adetoyinbo, Principal, Junior School; and Alhaja Rafat Adegunte, Vice Principal, Junior School. They all promised judicious use of the facilities.
"30 YEARS LIKE YESTERDAY" - EMOTIONS RUN HIGH
The highlight of the day was a moving reflection by Nollywood actor and Dream Set 1996 member, Akeem Onilogbo, popularly known as " Akeem Effect', who captured the mood of the reunion.
"Thirty years have slipped away like a brief whisper in the wind, yet standing here today, the laughter of our secondary school days feels as fresh as yesterday," he said.
"From near and far — even across the oceans in the diaspora — our hearts beat as one. To those far away who poured their resources and love into making this reunion a success, your sacrifice is a testament to true brotherhood."
With tears and smiles, he also remembered departed classmates:
"As we gather to celebrate this milestone, we shed a quiet tear for the friends who walked the path with us but are no longer on this earth. Their seats are empty, but their memories light our way. Though they are gone from our sight, the souls of our dear departed classmates of Set ‘96 are very much part of this thirty-year celebration."
On life’s journey since graduation, he added:
"Life has tested us, bent us, and reshaped us in these thirty years. To stand here today is not a sign of our perfection, but a testimony of profound survival and grace. We are not here because we are special or flawless; many of us are quietly fighting heavy life battles, yet grace found us and brought us back together."
He concluded with gratitude:
"All thanks to God Almighty, whose divine grace has preserved our lives and kept the Dream Set ‘96 standing strong after thirty remarkable years."
A LEGACY REBORN
Members of the 1996 set said the anniversary was not just about celebration, but about impact. By renovating classrooms and rebuilding the food shed, they have helped restore dignity and comfort to current students.
For Egba Comprehensive, the event marked another step in its comeback story — a story being written, one old student at a time.
No comments:
Post a Comment