…as outgoing president bows out after transformative tenure
By Balqees Adeniji
The Abeokuta Grammar School Old Boys’ Association (AGSOBA) on Monday rolled out the drums to mark the 117th Founders’ Day of the prestigious institution, celebrating its historic legacy and unveiling ambitious plans for the future.
The event, held at the AGSOBA Hall on the school premises, brought together notable alumni, school authorities, and stakeholders in education, as the association’s outgoing President General, Otunba Sunday Olurotimi, delivered his final press briefing in office.
Reflecting on the institution’s illustrious past, Olurotimi described Abeokuta Grammar School, founded in 1908, as a cradle of excellence that has produced trailblazers across various fields.
“This is my fourth and final press conference as AGSOBA President,” he said. “Abeokuta Grammar School remains one of the best schools in Nigeria. We have produced the first judge in Nigeria, vice chancellors, engineers, musicians, medical doctors, and world-acclaimed writers. This school has birthed legends.”
He reeled out names of distinguished alumni, including the late Justice Sir Olumuyiwa Jibowu, Professor Fatiu Akesode, Senator David Dafinone, and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who began his literary journey within the school’s hallowed walls.
In what he described as a tribute to Soyinka’s global literary stature, Olurotimi announced the proposed establishment of the Wole Soyinka Institute on the school campus.
The project will feature an amphitheatre, a writer’s residency, and state-of-the-art research facilities.
Beyond celebration, the outgoing president also reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure — notably the retrieval of school land illegally occupied by encroachers.
“We’ve successfully reclaimed three-quarters of the hijacked land through legal means and are optimistic about recovering the remaining portion,” he stated.
Olurotimi lauded the Ogun State Government and the Ministry of Education for their consistent support and collaboration, particularly in infrastructural upgrades and policy backing for alumni-led development efforts.
The president highlighted notable AGSOBA projects carried out under his leadership. include: a solar-powered borehole installed by Club 92/98 ; the Kunle Oyero DA Bridge, constructed by Clubs 80/85 and 90/95 ; installation of 30 solar-powered streetlights by Club 88/94; Construction of the school’s perimeter fence ; and full university scholarships for four indigent students — three at Obafemi Awolowo University and one at the University of Lagos.
He also pointed to the AGSOBA Global Medical Group as one of the association’s signature initiatives, providing healthcare support for both students and members.
In a forward-looking statement, Dr. Obafemi, a key aspirant for the AGSOBA presidency, called for a blend of moral uprightness and technological preparedness among students.
“In the coming years, every student who passes through this school will be equipped with basic ICT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel,” he said.
He reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the school’s motto, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,” emphasizing the importance of values-driven education.
The 117th Founders’ Day celebration is set to continue through the week with a lineup of activities, including the highly anticipated election of a new General President to steer the association into its next chapter.
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