By: Oluwatosin Adesola
It was an aura of pageantry as Akoko Anglican Grammar School, AKOGRAMS in Arigidi-Akoko, in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State celebrated its diamond jubilee.
The epoch making event attracted prominent personalities including the Minister of Interior and former Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola who was an old student and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Among other dignitaries who are old students of the school at the event included the former Governor of Osun State who is the current Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Honourable Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Affairs, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju; former Head of Service and former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning , Mr Akin Adaramola.
Others were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Pastor Alex Alake; and some past Permanent Secretaries in the state; Mrs Mojisola Ajayi who Chaired the 60th Anniversary Celebration and Mrs Oni who retired as Permanent Secretary in the State Universal Basic Education Commission, SUBEB.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Julianah Osadahun, who was a teacher in the school and composed the school Anthem, as well as some traditional rulers from Akokoland including the Owa-Ale of Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin were also present at the event.
Governor Akeredolu commissioned the AKOGRAM’S School Fence and Gate House and joined Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to plant the 100 purposed trees.
Speaking at the occasion, Aregbesola praised the Ondo State Government for its contributions to the growth of the school, describing Governor Akeredolu as a committed servant of the people.
The Minister commended the immense intervention and contributions of the old students association with an appeal that many other old students should partake in giving back to their almamater.
He also expressed satisfaction with the level of qualitative education offered to students which he said would build them to be in the right stead to proffer solutions to many problems facing the country and asked the students to make use of the opportunity judiciously.
On his part, Governor Akeredolu commended the old students for giving the school a face-lift saying the 60th anniversary had heralded a new dawn.
He disclosed that education had been at the front burner since the inception of his administration, stressing that no fewer than 500 schools had been renovated to enhance standard of learning in the sunshine state.
He said, “this school has produced many great men, this ceremony is meant to mark a great milestone. We have renovated over 600 schools“
“We are committed in tackling infrastructural deficit as we have done much, but funding is a big problem but we will continue to do our best”, Akeredolu said.
The National President of AKOGRAMS Old Students Association, Mr. Adewole Saba appreciated the gestures of the Minister of Interior, who he said single-handedly renovated some school buildings through the association.
“One of us rose to become a minister in the country and some rose to become permanent secretaries in the federal and state governments. I thank God for all this achievements” Saba concluded.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairperson of AKOGRAM’s 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi appealed for deployment of science teachers to the school and more assistance to complete the school’s perimeter fencing to prevent enchroachment.
Mrs Mojisola Ajayi, said 60 years down the lane, the school can boast of men and women of proven integrity who have excelled in their chosen careers.
PRIVATE SECTOR’S PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CRUCIAL, SAYS GOV AKEREDOLU
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, harped on the need for the private sector and well meaning individuals to partner with the government in developing the education system in the country.
Governor Akeredolu, who said partnership for educational development is crucial, stressed that government alone can not fund and develop the sector effectively.
He spoke at the 60th Anniversary of Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko (AKOGRAM), on Saturday.
The Governor commended the old students of AKOGRAMS who organised the Diamond Jubilee celebration for pulling together their hard earned resources to embark on several projects in the school which include blocks of classrooms, school gate project and planting of 100 trees within the school compound.
He urged old school students to continue to contribute immensely to their alma mater in the area of Infrastructural development.
Governor Akeredolu added that his administration deeply appreciates massive interventions of philanthropists, old students as well as non-governmental organizations in the development of schools across the 18 council areas of the state.
He congratulated the principal, teachers, members of the parent teacher association, old students and residents of the community on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of AKOGRAM.
The Governor saluted the great effort of Ogbeni Aregbesola at ensuring that AKOGRAM wears a new look and has befitting structures.
He emphasized that education has been at the front burner of his administration, adding that it is premised on the undeniable fact that the bedrock of any meaningful development in any nation is human capital development through the provision of quality education.
Governor Akeredolu said his administration is fully committed to tackle infrastructural deficit in the state, adding that the education sector requires huge financial obligations before any significant impact could be achieved.
AREGBESOLA CELEBRATES AKOGRAMS @60
Aregbesola also posted on his facebook page that; “Today (February 5, 2022), my wife and I attended the grand finale of the 60th Anniversary of Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, alongside the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu; and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Mr. Adesola Olulade.
“During the event, I advised against felling of trees, urging the management and pupils of the school and the host community to consider the forest around the school an endowment and strive to maintain and maximise it for the benefit of humanity.
“Subsequently, we planted 100 trees to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the school whilst also commissioning some projects embarked upon by the old students association of the school.
“Education is the only legacy that we can leave for our children. We all owe our foundational institution the responsibility of care, support and identification because of the role they played in our success. Nothing can be too big or small to support our Alma Mater, no matter who we are or what we have become,” the minister of interior said.
