Kunle Adelabu & Taiwo Olaleye (Trainee)
-Outstanding teachers honoured
True to the theme of the celebration, the Luwasa Old Students’ Association (LOSA), commemorated the 45th anniversary of Luwasa High School, Ijede, with landmark projects – a block of eight fully rehabilitated classrooms, and foundation laying for another block of 18 classrooms to improve the infrastructure in the school.
The commissioned block of classrooms was rehabilitated by Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), representative of Ikorodu Constituency II who is the Chairman, 45th Anniversary Committee. He also facilitated the new block of 18 classrooms. According to him, both projects were executed and facilitated to mark the anniversary.
At the grand celebration held within the school premises on Saturday, old students, in planning for the future of the school, also proposed legacy projects – befitting school gate and an ICT centre to prepare the school students for the computer -based examinations in JAMB and WAEC.
The celebration was themed: ‘Impact, Celebrate and Elevate’.
Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), Chairman, Organizing Committee LOSA 45th anniversary celebration, welcoming old students, current students, staff of the school and guests to the grand finale, thanked members of the association for their support, especially the outgoing national executive of LOSA.
“Today is another moment in our shared journey- a journey built on brotherhood, service, and the unending pride we all carry for our beloved alma mater.
“Let me begin by specially acknowledging the President of our great Association, whose tenure comes to an end this December. Of course, if he desires to serve once more, I am ready to lead his campaign.
“Sir, your leadership has been impactful, visionary, and unifying. Under your watch, LOSA has taken remarkable strides forward. I also want to commend the Executive members who served alongside you. Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment will remain part of our collective history. We celebrate you all”.
The state lawmaker further charged members to rededicate themselves to the ideals of LOSA, and join hands in moving the old school forward.
“This year’s theme, ‘IMPACT, CELEBRATE AND ELEVATE’, captures the very essence of what LOSA stands for. Impact reminds us of our responsibility to give back. Celebrating reminds us to honour the legacy of our school and the achievements of our members. Elevate calls us upward to lift our Association, our school, and one another to greater heights.
“My dear alumni, let me use this opportunity to urge every one of us to remain deeply committed to the development of our school. Whatever we do today shapes the future of the generations coming behind us. The old boys and girls of any institution are its greatest strength, and our school depends on us for support, visibility, and continuous improvement.
“It is also important that every LOSA member should have a personal copy of the LOSA Constitution. This is our guiding document. It defines who we are, what we stand for, and how we operate” .
While urging members on their responsibilities to the school, Hon. Aro also called for support for one another.
“As we celebrate today, let us remember that our strength lies in how we impact one another, how we celebrate our collective story, and how we elevate our association to heights worthy of the institution that shaped us”.
Hon. Aro emphasized that the anniversary was being celebrated with landmark projects of a block of eight classrooms he rehabilitated, and another block of 18 classrooms that he facilitated for the school, which is under construction.
In his Presidential address, Mr Amos Adeyemi Babs, President, LOSA National Executives, rolled out achievements of association since 2023, when it was inaugurated.
Some of the listed achievements were purchase of trophies and medals for the junior school, installed and building of foodshed by 2006 set, repair of seats at the science laboratory through 2007 set, consistent prizes presentation to deserving students, cash awards to best JSCE and SSCE results (2021-2025) by National President and Chairman BOT-LOSA, respectively, and sponsoring a teacher for training in LASU.
Others were: assisted the senior school to offset a fine that could have led to blacklisting of the school by the West African Examination Council, provided and paid ad -hoc teachers to prepare the students for 2024 WAEC, resulting in a result with about 90% success, designed and obtained approval for the school gate remodelling project, appointment and investiture of honorary members, and organizing the 45th anniversary of the school establishment among others.
Hon. Babatunde Salau, member of Board of Trustee (BOT), LOSA, while congratulating members of the old students’ association on the milestone celebration and achievements so far, also charged them on the tasks ahead.
“You are all welcome to the 45th anniversary celebration. Well, what I would just say is that it is not yet Uhuru.
“We thank God for where we are coming from, and where we are, but our journey is still far ahead. So, what we need to do as LOSA, is to do better than this. This is our school”.
He further charged that, “This is our alma mater. This is our pride and we cannot shy away from it. So, for those of us that have not been participating, please, we want to appeal to everyone.
“Please, let us see this as a collective responsibility. You can hear what the principals have said. The senior school’s principal and the junior school principal have said that the government cannot do it alone. We must all participate in it. Therefore, our quota will be highly appreciated.
“Our contributions, our support in terms of finance, in terms of materials, in terms of mentoring, in terms of involvement in the management and the decision policies of the school management. Please, we need our assistance. I want to commend everyone who has travelled from far away to attend this occasion”.
Mrs Yekini, Principal of Luwasa High School, in her remarks commended former students of the school, and described LOSA as a pillar of support and pride since its formation.
“For nearly half a century, this association has been a beacon of unity, support, and pride for all who have passed through these halls.
“Over the years, Luwasa Old Students Association has not only kept the spirit of our school alive, but also has contributed immensely to its growth and success. Your commitment to giving back, mentoring current students, and preserving our shared heritage, is truly inspiring. As we mark this significant milestone, let us remember that the strength of our community lies in the bonds we build”.
While seeking for more of their support, the Principal also assured LOSA of the continuous commitment of staff of the school in nurturing good students and sustaining the school’s legacy.
“Together with continued support of our old Students Association staff and students, we will continue to nurture excellence and uphold the values that makes Luwasa an exceptional school.
“We want more. We are really happy for what was donated yesterday. We are elated. We are Oliver Twins. We want more. Like you did yesterday, we want you to be doing that each term. To be talking to the students, wearing the school uniform, and talking to the students and teaching the students in the classes. So, God bless Luwasa old Students Association. Thank you so much”.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Obimwanne Bernadette, a former teacher who served in the school for 17 years, expressed her joy at witnessing the association’s progress and the development of the school.
“I have no regrets for being a teacher. I taught in Luwasa for 17 years. Yes, it’s a place to be”, she said.
She urged teachers to guide students with honesty and firmness, noting that: “As you train and educate these children, do not fail to tell them the truth. Even if they don’t like it now, they will remember and appreciate you later”.
Alhaji Imam Isa Akinjobi, an old student who finished from the school in 1985, expressed happiness at witnessing and being part of the successful anniversary of his old school.
However, he regretted the inability to see his old school mates that he planned to reconnect with, explaining that some of them were unable to attend due to health challenges.
The elderly man, who recalled with nostalgia his days back in the school, said that his son also attended the school, as well as his grand -children.
The celebration also featured a panel session on the sub -theme: ‘Roles and Responsibilities of Old Students’, moderated by Hon. Aro Moshood who engaged the panelists – Dr. Rasheed Agbono, Mrs. Ogidi Christiana, Mr. Aro Adeoye Olaniyi Orisadare, and Hon. Kabiru Kareem.
They examined ways to further assist in the development of current students, sustain the school’s growth, make LOSA stronger, assist and support old students, and propagate the school more among others.
Teachers that were honoured with awards by the old students includes Mr Ogunjimi Israel Mayowa, Mr Yemi Amos, Mrs Oyekan Abimbola Dorcas, Mrs Ogundeku Adebunkola, Mr Oladipupo Taoreed Temitayo, Mrs Jalaoye Yetunde, Mr Okusedo Olafemi Olawale, Mr Fasakin John Kolawole, Mrs Oluwatoyin Eunice, Mrs Anan Oluwatobi Odefola and Mrs Adepoju Temitope.
During the three -day celebration, members of the old students’ association visited the school to mentor students in their classrooms.
Other prominent old students and guests that graced the occasion were Mrs Adewuyi Ajayi, member, LOSA BOT, Hon. Babatunde Salau, member, LOSA BOT, Mr Niyi Orisadare, Senior boy of 1995, who composed the Luwasa High School’s anthem, Mrs Idowu Alozie, Principal, Lusawa Junior School, Mrs Ogidi Christiana, and Mr Aro Adeoye among others.
