In honour of alma mater at 70

 

In honour of alma mater at 70

 

After seventy years, old girls of Lagos Anglican Grammar School penultimate Sunday, held an inaugural global reunion themed Cherished memories, reunion and fundraising, to give back to the alma mater that nurtures generations of women. The gathering, which also witnessed the launch of 250million naira endowment fund, provided opportunities for the old girls to reconnect with one another while sharing fond memories of school days. Venue was the Arcade Hall, Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

.

 

For the first one hour, the camaraderie at the Arcade Hall, Eko Club Surulere, Lagos, was palpable as many engaged in backslapping, hugging, group and individual photo shoots including ‘selfies’ and exchange of pleasantries. The joy on their faces was immeasurable as many were seeing for the first time in decades after leaving school. Despite these years of going separate ways to different parts of the globe, they literarily put forward their ‘best in everything’ to honour their past, strengthen their present bonds and build a brighter future for their beloved alma mater. Their beautifully designed purple attire made from tie and dye fabric did not only symbolise strong bond, but also accentuated the aesthetics of the hall decorations and lightings. And it was a field day for phone camera users and professional photographers that dotted the expansive hall.   

Welcome to LAGGSOGA Global Reunion and launch of 250million naira Endowment Fund, which was also the 70^th founder’s day anniversary of Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School, organised by the old students association in partnership with the school management.   

President, LAGGSOGA, Mrs. Grace Ben-Okezie described the gathering as not just a reunion but a ‘call to action, and commitment to raise the banner higher by giving more back to the institution that nurtured us and continues to mold generations of young women.’

She said for 70 years, Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School stood as a beacon of excellence, shaping young girls into women of integrity,
resilience and purpose, lady-warriors designed to gracefully confront and vanquish challenges. She noted that every student carries cherished memories of ‘our time within our school's walls memories of friendship, learning, and the values that have become the foundation of our lives; memories of corrections and guidance; memories that at times bring tears to the eyes.’

According to her, the launch of the endowment fund was more than an expression of gratitude, but also a demonstration of their resolve to empower the school to meet the evolving challenges of modern education ‘as we raise more young girls of today to become graceful lady-warriors that will conquer tomorrow and in turn contribute to sustaining and embellishing the legacy.’

“Our contributions today will help preserve this beautiful legacy and equip it to indeed inspire and shape future generations of leaders who can hold their own against the best anywhere and anytime,” she added.

In her key note address, the former Lagos State Head of Service, (HoS) Mrs Josephine Oluseyi Williams, urged the alumni to encourage one another to serve as ambassadors of the school by promoting its values, mission, and achievements. She stated that the association can also amplify the institution's achievements, hopefully, by educating our alumni that make it a white light in their previous endeavors. This, she said, would ensure that the school legacy remains strong.
Mrs Williams, a 1967 set, said the reunion provided opportunity to write a new chapter in the life of the association, which calls for members to harness their collective power.  “It is not just as leaders, but as a united force under the banner of our alumni association. Empowering this association means empowering one another as well as our institution and the generation that will follow on our footsteps.

“We should encourage one another to serve as ambassadors for the alma mater by promoting its values, mission, and achievements with their respective network. We can also amplify the institution's achievements, hopefully, by educating our alumni that make it a white light in their previous endeavors. And ensure that the school legacy remains strong and ready.

She stressed that there is no undermining the potential of fundraising to drive positive change and make meaningful difference in the lives of students and the broader community.

She therefore encouraged every alumnus, whether in Nigeria or in diaspora to get involve, noting that each member can either register for mentorship programmes or participate in fundraising campaigns.

“Let us remember that as alumni we are not just immigrants. We are a collective force for change. We have the power to shape the future of our students and our community. We have the power to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of leaders. This association is not just an organization. It is a family. A family backed by shared experiences, aspirations, and commitment to making the world a better place. Together, we are unstoppable. Let us show the world what it means to be proud alumni of this great organization,” she added.  

The hosting of the national reunion 70 years after the founding of the school meant much to the immediate past President LAGGSOGA, Mrs Yetunde Olatokunbo Ladega, who has spent about 20 years as secretary and president of the association. She recalled that she has been involved with the old girls association for long as she served two presidents as secretary before becoming the president.

“I am excited that I'm alive and seeing some of my mates. I'm also excited that I'm seeing my seniors, some I didn't meet in school, some I met when I was in school. I'm excited that I'm seeing the juniors too that were in school when I was in school. And also those who never met me, but some of them actually knew me when I was president. So it's a joy for some of us to be seeing ourselves for the first time and also to put a name to the face,” she said. 

To Ladega, the essence of the gathering is to thank God, celebrate the school, and celebrate themselves, while recognizing and giving awards to those who have done so well.

“We can't catch everybody, but some have been identified and we are giving them the award today. We are also celebrating the fact that we are able to give back to our school. Some of us left 50 to 60 years ago. We have a lady here who is one of the first set. She's here with us. So it's a joy, to be relating with her as if we are friends.

President LASAGGOSA (UK/Ireland Chapter) Mrs Augustina Makasy, a member of 82 Global set, who came in from UK described the gathering as memorable and refreshing because it brought back sweet memories of those years when they were in school.

“For the growth of the alma mater, we are launching a 250 million endowment fund to help finance some projects in the school. Interestingly, this is the first time we are having a national reunion. It is always good to give back to your school, irrespective of where you are,” she said. 

Some alumni and corporate bodies who have consistently impacted the school positively were honoured at the event. On the honours list were Lady Olabisi A. Ayoku who got the Lifetime Achievement award for her lifelong contribution and commitment to her profession, community and alma mater. Ms. Busola Phillips, Mrs Yomi Labode, Mrs. P. F. Benson and Mrs. B. Durojaiye got the posthumous awards, while Outstanding Service Award went to Mrs. Jomion Olayinka Shogbola for dedication of her time, resources and expertise to support the alumni and the alma mater.

Hon. Mojisola Meranda and HRH Olori Olufunmilayo Arinola Jibola-Oluyede got the Distinguished Alumni award in recognition of their remarkable achievements in professional and personal endeavours. But, Mrs. Adenike Oyefeso got the Excellence in Leadership Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership skills in her chosen field and community.

Mrs. Olasubomi Iginla-Aina (MBE) got the Community Impact Award in recognition of her positive influence on her community through service and initiatives.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award went to Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo for showing exceptional creativity and success in business/innovative projects.

Honorary Alumni Award for significant contribution to the success of the 70th Anniversary was given to Lotus Bank, Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, and Nigerian Breweries Plc, while Generational Legacy Award went to Ijoma  Inyang family for being the family with three generations of women who attended Lagos Anglican  Girls' Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos.

The journey of LAGGSOGA has been a bumpy one as there were efforts to found the LAGGSOGA many years ago, but was on and off until 1991/1992 when it stabilized. A meeting was hosted by late Mrs Yomi Labode who was then the Principal, which enabled old girls to connect with her. The first president of the association was Mrs Patience Fehintola Benson (the first Head Girl) who passed on last year. She was succeeded by Mrs Ladun Durojaiye (2004-2015), Mrs. Tokunbo Ladega (2015-2023) and currently Mrs Grace Ben-Okezie.