By Law Ibitoye
The 2001 set of Obalatan Commercial Grammar School, Ilupeju-Ekiti, has marked its 25th anniversary with the election of a new executive, presentation of awards to past leaders and donation of hundreds of exercise books to students of the school.
The anniversary celebration, held at the school premises on Saturday, also featured an anniversary lecture, motivational sessions, reminiscence of members’ secondary school days and other activities aimed at strengthening the bond among members of the set.
At the election, Ogunbiyi Olanrewaju Moses emerged as the new President, succeeding the pioneer president, Mrs Adeleye-Jemiseye Cecilia, who served for seven years. Other members of the new executive are: Olaiya Olalegan, Vice President; Iyun Afusat, Secretary; Ojo Oluwole, Public Relations Officer; Sanusi Kemi, Welfare Director; Ajitaramu Oluwole, Treasurer; and Adeleye Aluko, Social Director.
PRESIDENT 1982 SET, MR OSATUYI
NATIONAL SECRETARY, PRINCE ADEBOLU PRESENTING AWARD TO PIONEER PRESIDENT, CECILIA
MEMBERS OF 2001 SET
NEW EXCO
PAST EXCO
GROUP PIX AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Speaking at the event, the national President of Obalatan Alumni, Prof. Bayo Oloyede, represented by the National Secretary, Prince Adebolu Ayodele Samuel, charged the new executive and members of the set to work harmoniously and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of their alma mater. He urged the members to remain united and leverage their relationships to support one another, stressing the enduring value of secondary school friendships.
Also speaking, the President of the 1982 set, Mr Mike Osatuyi, commended the 2001 set for its coordination, contributions to the national alumni body and commitment to giving back to the school. He urged members to use their longstanding relationship to assist one another, while emphasising moral values, hard work and the need to shun social vices.
Delivering the anniversary lecture, the National President of the Ilupeju Youth Development Association, Comrade Lawrence Ibitoye, spoke on “Factors That Keep Set Alumni Together,” identifying unity, mutual respect, strong leadership, shared vision, commitment, transparency, regular communication, welfare, inclusiveness and effective conflict resolution as essential ingredients for a sustainable alumni association.
Ibitoye also urged the set to sustain its bond by supporting members in times of need and giving back to the alma mater through scholarships, mentorship, career guidance, infrastructure and other development initiatives. He said an enduring alumni association must be built on trust, sacrifice, accountability, mutual welfare and a shared commitment to the development of its members and school.
In his acceptance speech, the new President, Ogunbiyi Olanrewaju Moses, described the anniversary theme, “25 Years of Reality,” as a new beginning for the set. He thanked the outgoing president and her executive for sustaining the association since its formation, promising that his administration would prioritise unity, welfare, excellence and positive impact.
Moses said the new administration would work towards establishing stronger welfare structures, business and career support, mentorship and job-linkage opportunities for members, while also giving greater attention to the needs of students and the development of Obalatan Commercial Grammar School.
Earlier, the outgoing pioneer President, Mrs Adeleye-Cecilia Jemiseye, expressed gratitude to God and members for their support throughout her seven-year tenure. She recalled that the association began on April 23, 2019, with five members—Jemiseye Cecilia, Jegede Tope, Ojo Toyese, Ajiyo Sunday and Ilori Idowu—and had grown to more than 100 members.
Jemiseye acknowledged the challenges encountered during her tenure and appealed for forgiveness from anyone who might have been offended by her decisions. She urged the incoming president to lead with humility, fairness, patience and love, assuring members that although she was leaving office, she would remain committed to the progress of the association.
As part of the anniversary activities, the 2001 set donated several hundred exercise books to students of Obalatan Commercial Grammar School to support their academic activities and reduce the financial burden on parents.
Also, Pastor Sunday Babalola charged members to uphold the fear of God and seek divine guidance before taking important decisions. He referenced Proverbs 14:26-27 and prayed for wisdom and success for the new administration.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to immediate past executives in recognition of their dedication and selfless service. Members further entertained themselves with nostalgic recollections of their school days, jokes and banters, reflecting on the experiences that had shaped their lives since leaving the school.
The event was attended by representatives of the 1982 set, including Alhaji Amusa Rasak , Mrs Fatope et Al, the Principal of Obalatan Commercial Grammar School, Mr Oke Elijah Akinwale and other guests.