Kunle Adelabu
-Plans for members’ welfare
48 years after their graduation from the prestigious Oriwu College Ikorodu, members of the Class set of 1977 of the school, have reunited to support themselves and further their contributions to the development of their alma mater.
About 50 members of the class set gathered at the old school hall last week to stage the set’s third and biggest reunion/get-together, ever.
At the well – organized gathering, which brought back nostalgic memories of their days in Oriwu College when men were boys and ladies were girls, was attended by members’ families and friends.
At the event, vote of confidence was passed on the caretaker committee led by the scholar, Dr. Oluwole Solanke, while the team was subsequently returned to continue piloting the affairs of the association.
Other members of the executive are Alhaja Toyin Majolagbe (Vice Chairman), Dr. Samson Disu (General Secretary), Evangelist Folake Shoderu (Welfare Officer), Prince Tairu Hassan (Public Relations Officer (PRO) / Socials) and Alhaji Jamiu Abudu (Senator)( Chairman, Electoral Committee)
The Chairman, Dr. Oluwole Solanke, welcoming members to the reunion, recalled their days in Oriwu College, stating that the school made them a family and moulded them into great personalities.
“It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I stand before you today as we gather for this long-awaited reunion, a day of reconnecting, reminiscing, and renewing the bonds that have stood the test of time.
“Looking back at our days at Oriwu College, Ikorodu, we cannot help but smile at the fond memories—the rigorous academic training, the discipline instilled in us, the playful moments on the school field, and the lifelong lessons that shaped our paths.
“We were not just students; we were a family, moulded by great teachers, driven by the quest for knowledge, and united by a common goal—to be the best versions of ourselves.
“Who can forget the echoes of our school anthem, the excitement of inter-house sports competitions, or the fear and respect we had for our no-nonsense teachers?”, he asked rhetorically.
“Oriwu College was more than just a school, it was a foundation that prepared us for the realities of life. Whatever successes we have recorded today, we owe a part of it to the values, discipline, and resilience that our alma mater instilled in us”, Dr Oluwole emphatically stated.
Reminding members of his set the importance of their reunion, Dr Oluwole emphasized that:
“As the years passed, life took us on different journeys. Some of us ventured into business, some into academia, others into politics, and many into various professions where we have excelled. But through it all, one truth remains: the bonds we formed at Oriwu College are unbreakable.
“Reunions like this remind us that friendships built on shared experiences are priceless. They give us a chance to reconnect, to uplift one another, and to draw strength from our collective wisdom.
“We must cherish these relationships, for they remind us of who we are, where we started, and the people who stood by us through the years”.
He further charged members of his class on the need to impact on the school, especially its current students.
“As we celebrate today, we must not forget our responsibility to give back to the great institution that made us who we are. Oriwu College, Ikorodu, needs us. The current generation of students need to see, feel, and benefit from the impact of those who walked the halls before them.
“I propose that we establish a Legacy Project—a way to leave a lasting mark on our school. This could be in the form of: A Scholarship Fund for outstanding but financially disadvantaged students; Renovation of a Classroom Block or provision of educational materials and Mentorship Programs where we guide and inspire current students.
In the same manner, he stated that the reunion must be a continuous event to bring members together and support one another.
“This reunion must not be a one-time event. It must be the beginning of a renewed bond among us. Going forward, we must:
“Strengthen Our Network: Let’s create a structured platform for regular communication, business connections, and social engagements.
“Support One Another: Life has its ups and downs. Let us be one another’s strength in times of joy and in times of need.
“This gathering should be an annual tradition, ensuring that we never lose touch again. Our set is blessed with accomplished and brilliant minds. Together, we can build a powerful network that benefits us, our families, and society at large”, Dr Oluwole said.
Alhaji M.M. Bolarinwa, Class Captain of the set 1973 to 1975 and the Senior Prefect in 1977, speaking with THE IMPACT, also emphasized the impacts of the school on them and added that they will continue to contribute to its development.
“We have been very attached to Oriwu College, and our dream is to write the name of Oriwu College in gold so that the generation yet unborn will see the footprint that we have laid.
“This school gave me everything and if I come back to this world, I will still be a student of this school.
“Though, I have been giving the little that I could, but I am still determined to do more for the school and we are encouraging all the generations that have passed after and before us to contribute their quota so that Oriwu College will not only be the best in Ikorodu Division, but in Lagos and Nigeria in general. That is our dream.
“What we are planning for the school is to give back our best and put in place the best programme compared to other sets. You can challenge me on this”, he said.
General Secretary, Caretaker Committee, OCOSAN 1977, Dr Samson Disu, FCA, described the gathering as a delight.
He also added that the set plan is to give back to the school and support one another, especially now that they are ageing.
“It is a great joy and delight because for the past 48 years since all of us came together to write WAEC, much water had passed under the bridge but it pleases the lord for us to come together today. It’s a great joy.
“Members of our set are men and women of influence who have established themselves within this community, state and Nigeria as a whole.
“We intend to take care of members of our set that we passed out together in 1977. None of us is less than 60 years of age and we aim to aged gracefully, therefore, we have to take care of our wellbeing.
“Members welfare takes paramount importance. Secondly, we need to give back to the school that made us by instituting a scholarship fund to support outstanding but financially disadvantaged students.
“We also plan to renovate a block of classrooms, provide educational materials and organise mentorship programmes in order to inspire current students”.
Dr Disu, speaking further, charged staff of Oriwu College to continue to develop the students and the school.
“To the current teachers and principals, I want them to continue to be men and women of capacity, capability, competence and characters that the school is known for. With these ingredients, sky will be the beginning of their limits”.
Mr Taiwo Bolade Sonoiki, the immediate past Chairman, OCOSAN 1975 to 1980 set, who said that he was seeing two members of his set for the first time since they passed out 48 years ago, described the reunion as exciting.
“This is actually about the third time that we will be meeting, but this happens to be the biggest meeting so far.
“We feel excited bringing everyone together. It’s really exciting because, today, I met two people again today that I have never seen as far back as 1977 when we left this school. They are both female members.
“I am really excited. The gathering was actually worth it. It’s been fun and we really enjoyed it. It makes us feel younger because we discussed about things back in the days when we were in school
“The more we talk about those days back in school, the more we feel younger. Contrary to the Yoruba adage which says, “Ogun omode ko sere fun ogun odun” (It is impossible for 20 children to be together for 20 year), we have been together for more than 47 years (laugher)”, he said jokingly.
As part of the features of the reunion, there was a dancing competition among members with the first three partners rewarded with cash prizes by Alhaji Bolarinwa.
