It was a memorable day for old boys and girls of the 1978 – 1983 set of Anglican Grammar School, Ijare, USA chapter, as they were hosted by Dr Gbenga John Falana in New York, USA.
The event was the 3rd reunion/fund raising and gala night of the group.
Dr Falana, who is a Physical Therapist resident in New York, USA, in his opening remarks, stressed the need for the development of their alma mater.
According to Falana, the government can’t be responsible for development of the school alone, hence, the alumni association must rally round to salvage the situation.
He said the association must be determined to turnaround the fortunes of the school, which according to him provided the foundation of learning for them.
“A visit to the school will tell you that all is not well. Some of the buildings are dilapidated and in need of urgent attention. We are glad that the association has been able do one or two things as regards renovation efforts in the school, but we must not relent on our oars. We still have a lot to do,” Falana insist.
The association’s president, Mr Olukayode Adewumi, who went down memory lane, admitted that their journey together started over 44 years ago when they all got admitted into Anglican Grammar School, Ijare.
Adewumi noted that the worrying state of the school had prompted the members of the association to levy each other, and come up with funds to develop the school.
“Although the money we had was grossly inadequate for the daunting task ahead of us, we like, soldiers, confronted the challenges headlong and we began with the renovation of one of the buildings with cost running into several millions of naira.
“Apart from this, we also furnished the classrooms with over 100 pieces of desks to make learning conducive for the students. In addition, we spent millions of naira in providing palliatives for those in the communities during the pandemic.
“The building that we renovated is just one of many other structures “crying” for help in the school. We still have a long way to go. We therefore count on your support and donation tonight to put smiles back on the faces the young boys and girls who have been studying under unimaginable conditions. It is shocking and sad to know that many of the students sit on bricks to study in the classrooms in this modern day and age. Looking at your beautiful and handsome faces, I know you will never allow such ugly trend to continue. As you bless these children through our association tonight, the Lord almighty will bless you all,” he prayed
The night’s rendezvous was incomplete without the award presentation to some of the members of the association. Below are pictures and videos from the event:
Study @ Achievers University
