Ogun school gets facelift as alumni install solar, CCTV, others

The Old Students Association of Ijebu-Ife Community Grammar School, Ogun State, has begun a massive overhaul of the school’s infrastructure ahead of its 50th anniversary.

The school, founded through the efforts of notable indigenes of Ijebu-Ife, opened its doors to students on September 5, 1975.

To mark the golden jubilee, the alumni association is executing a tripartite signature project comprising the perimeter fencing of the school, installation of CCTV cameras, and provision of solar lighting.

In a statement obtained on Tuesday, and co-signed by the association’s president, Adeniyi Afolabi, and the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Rotimi Omoniyi, the alumni said they owed a debt of gratitude to the school.

This school is a community school. The founding fathers invested their time and resources to give us the best.

“We are what we are today because some people saw tomorrow.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that the vision of the founding fathers does not die,” the statement read.

It was stated the school has produced several prominent Nigerians, including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a member of its second set.

Others include Babalola Adejinle, a US-based surgeon once listed among the 20 most prominent Nigerians making an impact in America, and Engr. Afolabi, reputed to be the first gas reservoir engineer of Shell Nigeria Limited.

According to the association, about N50m has already been committed to the anniversary projects.

“To mark the anniversary, the old students’ association has embarked on a tripartite signature project which includes perimeter fencing of the school, provision of CCTV cameras and solar lights for the school.

“The duo of Afolabi and Rotimi noted that so far about N50 million has been committed to the tripartite projects

“The fencing of the school has been done and other projects are ongoing.

“We hope to put in place digital classrooms apart from the three major projects.

“Some buildings also require rehabilitation.

“We have rebuilt the school gates and added a new gate at the back,” the statement added.

The anniversary will begin on Thursday, September 4, with a visit to the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Afolorunso Oguntayo.

A health talk on cancer and hypertension, facilitated by old students based in the US and UK, will follow on Friday, alongside free medical tests, a novelty match between alumni and teachers, and a gala night.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Denloye Abiodun, an alumnus, will deliver the keynote address themed “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future.”

The highlight of the celebration, set for Saturday, September 6, will include the recognition of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, and the school’s founding fathers, such as the late (Otunba) Olajide Adebanjo and Adedeji Oyenuga.