By Oyewumi Yekeen
Seventh Day Adventists Primary School, Agodi Gate, Ibadan Old Students Association has reiterated its commitment towards bringing back old glory of the school through developmental projects.
This was made known during the maiden edition of Reunion/Get-together of the association held over the weekend at Lanrry Hotel and Bar, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Olasumbo Abdukareem in his welcome address regretted the state of the school buildings as a result of neglect from the government. He added that the last time the school had an attention from the government was in 2006 when Arole Gbenga Adewusi was the chairman of Ibadan North East Local Government. Stressing that succeeding governments after him abandoned the school to its fate.
” I was in the school on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment but I nearly shed tears with the degree of dilapidation I met there….”
He then urged the association members as a matter of urgency to stand up to bring back the school to its feet
He concluded that for education to attain a higher feat in the country, alumni associations must provide support and collaborate with the government.
In his remark, the convener of the group, Mr. Olaniran Farodoye thanked all members present and donors for dedicating their time and financial support towards the event and urged them to focus on infrastructural development of the school, especially the dilapidated entrance gate and fence.
Adding that the school would mark its 80th anniversary next year and wished to present a new ultra modern entrance gate as an anniversary gift to the school; noting that this could be achieved if all hands are on deck.
He stressed further that the registration with relevant government agencies that would facilitate bank account opening will be done in the next couple of days.
Also speaking at the event, Engineer Taofik Alabi said a lot of measures can be put in place by alumni to generate funds for the school once approval is granted by the government.
He noted that it became necessary for alumni to give back to school especially in times like this when funding from the government is a challenge.
He added that the cost of supervising the projects would be reduced since Engineer Oladipo Oluwole and Engineer Taiwo Akintayo, an old students and civil engineers are in their midst.
He continued that aside from giving back to school, which is the primary responsibility of the alumni associations, efforts should be channeled towards creating a room for networking and social life for members.
