Mariam Akinloye
Chieftains and members of the Shams -El -Deen Old Students’ Association, Ikorodu, has commenced the construction of an ultra -modern main gate and fence in their alma mater to replace the old one.
The historic laying of the foundation blocks was performed on Tuesday, as part of the old students’ interventions for their old school.
Alhaji Ogunnaike A., a member of the association who presented the project overview said that the existing fence will be removed and will be replaced with a new one that befits the school. He also said educational quotes will be engraved on the newly constructed fence when completed to serve, motivate and encourage the students to excel.
The chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the old students’ association, Mr Murisiku Raji, expressed his happiness at the workings within the association which have been bringing unity and progress to the school.
While appreciating members of the association for their support and commitment, the BoT chairman also thanked the two Principals of the Senior and Junior Schools for standing by them.
He said that the association received the approval of Education District II before embarking on the project.
A chieftain of the association and member of its BoT, Engr. Olatimehin Awe, also speaking, said that the project being embarked upon shows the spirit of collectiveness within the association and efforts towards securing the future of existing students in their old school.
“This moment is more than a ceremonial turning of the soil; it reflects our shared belief in progress, dignity, and the future of our children. The gate of a school is not just a structure of concrete and iron, it is the first point of welcome, a silent guardian, and a symbol of all that lies within. Every student who walks through it carries a dream, and every parent who stands at it carries hope.”
He said the project is part of ways that the old students of Shams -El -Deen Grammar School, Ikorodu, are giving back to their alma mater.
While stating that the new school gate being constructed will improve security within its environment, Mr Awe also added that it would also bring pride and motivation to the students.
“Over the years, this school has nurtured minds, shaped character, and contributed meaningfully to our community. Many who once passed through this gate have gone on to make their mark in various walks of life.
“Today, we honour that legacy not just with words, but with action.
“Time, however, leaves its mark on all things. What we begin today is our response to that reality, a decision to restore, to improve, and to give back to a place that has given so much to so many. By renewing this entrance and fence, we are strengthening security, restoring pride, and creating an environment that reflects the excellence we expect within these walls,” he said.
He charged the old students and members of the public that they should continue to give their support to the association and the school, emphasising that the government alone cannot cater to all the needs of the school.
“Let us remember: what we build today will serve generations we may never meet. It will stand as a quiet testimony that we came together, that we cared, and that we chose to invest in the future.”
Mr Yinka Majekodunmi, Chairman, Class of 1991/92, in his own remarks, thanked the old students’ association leadership and members for their commitment to the actualisation of an idea that was initiated by about four members.
“We thank you for giving us this opportunity to do this project and I want to thank our leaders, mates and coordinators in this old student association. We thank you for all your efforts, kindness and donations. This project was just an idea of three to four people who thought about what we can do for our old school and with God’s support, we are actualising the idea.
“I want to remind our members that work is still going on and we still need more support from those that haven’t contributed to this. Those that have contributed are still contributing. We have shown you how we want this place to look; the fence with the design and educational quotes that we want on it and we know after completing it, the students would love it,” he appealed.
Principals of the junior and senior arms of the school, Alhaja Karimot Sobona and Mrs Kehinde Rasheedat Abdulsalam, respectively thanked the old students for the gesture and all that they have been doing.
They called for cooperation and unity among the old students. The principal of the junior school, however, thanked Rep. Babajimi Benson, representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency for facilitating the construction of the road passing through the school and installing streetlights.
