Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
The national body of the Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), on Saturday, performed the ground breaking ceremony for its national secretariat.
Several of the old school’s alumni attended the ceremony which commemorates the 77th Founders’ Day of the premier college in Ikorodu – Oriwu College Ikorodu (now Oriwu Junior and Senior Model College, Ikorodu).
Some of the eminent and distinguished old students that attended the milestone event were Sen. (Dr.) Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and former Minister of Works, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Lagos State, Sir David Sunmoni, former Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State University (LASU), Alhaja Kudirat Lamina, Engr. Charles Longe, retired senior staff of NITEL and former National President, OCOSAN and Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser, Rural Development, Lagos State, Hon. Oladele Ogunfodunrin, Supervisor for Education, Ikorodu LG and also an old student of the school and Mrs Agnes Iyabo Elusakin, Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College Ikorodu among others.
The 0proposed secretariat which is located close to the Oriwu College Sports Centre, is a bungalow that will house the President’s office, a conference room, and other administrative offices.
In his address welcoming the old students, Alhaji MBS Arole, said that the project is a shared vision that will connect the new generations of students in the school with old ones, while also emphasising that the old students’ association will continue to give back to the old school.
“Today, we are not merely turning soil. We are laying the foundation for a legacy. This Secretariat will become the beating heart of OCOSAN – a place where our shared memories meet our collective vision, where generations of Oriwu College alumni will gather to plan, to serve, and to give back to the great institution that made us.”
He commended the leadership being provided by the chieftains of the OCOSAN Board of Trustees, while emphasising that the secretariat when completed will improve relationships within the old students’ association.
“To Chief Labi Ishola Lemomu, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, and all members of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee: your leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment have brought us to this defining moment. We are grateful.
” As we break this ground today, let it also renew our bond as brothers and sisters of Oriwu College. Let this building stand as a testament to unity, excellence, and lifelong service to our alma mater.
“Welcome to history in the making. Welcome to the future home of OCOSAN.”
The GAC chieftain and Vice Chairman, OCOSAN Board of Trustees, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, said that the secretariat will serve as a point of contact and connection for the old students of the school and further developments for the old school.
“Once this secretariat is completed, it will serve as the coordination centre for the activities and development of the entire school. It will provide a permanent address for the association and strengthen the connection between old students and the school.”
Sir David Sunmoni, former Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State University (LASU), described the idea of the secretariat as an excellent one that would further bring together old students of Oriwu College, Ikorodu.
“I believe it is an excellent initiative. For a long time, we have envisioned having a National Secretariat within the school premises. Such a facility will serve as a central point that brings all old students together.
”At present, many class sets hold their meetings in the homes of individual members. With a National Secretariat, we will have a permanent address and a place where alumni from different generations can gather whenever they visit the school. It will serve as our convergence point and strengthen our unity. I am proud to see this project becoming a reality.”
Former Head of Service, Lagos State and former Vice President, Prince Olusola Ogunlewe, also speaking further emphasises the importance that the secretariat will serve:
“The secretariat will provide us with a permanent address where members of the association can meet and coordinate their activities. It will also serve as the repository for our records and documents, ensuring continuity and better organization for future generations of old students.
“Coincidentally, the chairman of this project is also the chairman of the committee responsible for preparing the land-use and layout plan for the college. This master plan will define what we want the school to become over the next 20, 40, and even 50 years, including the facilities and infrastructure required for its growth.
”Once the plan is completed, we will be able to approach old students and other well-meaning individuals with a clear vision. We can identify areas for sports facilities, student development projects, classrooms, and accommodation for teachers. Having a structured development plan will also encourage alumni in the diaspora and other supporters to contribute meaningfully to the school’s progress.”
Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, also speaking at the colourful event lauded the initiative which he described as a collaborative effort with the government to develop education.
”This is not the first time the Oriwu College Old Students’ Association has undertaken a project like this. The association understands that the government alone cannot provide all the infrastructure and development needed in our schools.
“As a result, its members have chosen to give back to the institution that nurtured them and helped them become successful in life.
“The purpose of this project is to establish a central office or hub where members of the association can hold meetings and coordinate their activities.”
He stated further:
”It will also serve as a point of contact for the school to communicate its needs and challenges directly to the association. This will enable the old students to identify areas that require intervention and take appropriate action toward the continued development of the school.”
The governor’s aides lauded Sen. Ogunlewe and other stakeholders of the association for providing good leadership and for support for the association and the old school.
”We are fortunate to have distinguished personalities such as Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, who has consistently mobilised and encouraged many old students to contribute to the development of the school.
”Today, we can see several eminent alumni and dignitaries gathered here, all demonstrating their commitment to giving back.
”Their presence and contributions show that the Oriwu College Old Students Association is united, capable, and dedicated to the continued growth and development of the school.
”I encourage all philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to support initiatives like this, as investing in education is an investment in the future of our society.”
