By Samuel Edu

The Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi has facilitated with students and alumni of Oyemekun grammar school Akure on its 70th anniversary celebration.

Oba Ogunlade who is also an alumni of the school expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the gift of life and the privilege to be among the celebrants witnessing the 70th anniversary of the school.

He said this while playing host to students and members of alumni of the school during a courtesy visit paid to his palace as part of the event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the school.

“Today is a great day the Lord has made and we are very glad and rejoicing in it. Oyemekun has been in existence for the past 70 years, I am a product of that school, the school has helped me a lot and it is time to give back to my alma mater.

“We will continue to support the school as the fact remains that the government cannot do it alone. I will also encourage the students not to forget the school after their graduation, there is nothing too much to give back to one’s Alma mater.

“It is such a coincidence that the father of Dr Niyi Ijogun, the incumbent national president of the alumni association is our father, we 69/73 set are Baba Ijogun’s children, he taught us real discipline and this is why we owe the school a lot and we are going to continue to give back.

Earlier, the Arch Bishop of Akure Anglican Communion, Simeon Oluwole Borokini performed the tree planting exercise to commemorate the official commencement of the 70th anniversary.

Borokini noted that the tree being planted was to make history and as well indicate the cordial relationship between the school and the Anglican communion.

While acknowledging the role of the church in the establishment of the school, the President of the alumni association, Dr Niyi Ijogun said the association has deemed it fit to invite Borokini for the tree planting ceremony stressing that the Anglican communion is an essential stakeholder in the school.

“We want to appreciate the founding fathers particularly the Anglican communion because they are a great stakeholder in the establishment of Oyemekun Grammar School.

“We cannot jettison the role of the the Anglican communion in Oyemekun and this is why the Arch Bishop is here today to perform the tree planting. Borokini is my Father and the Father to all of us.”

Ijogun appreciated Deji for being an active member of the alumni association and for his contributions towards the advancement of the school and its alumni association.