By Maria Famakinwa
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The wife of Ondo State Governor Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has called on concern citizens of the State to be part of nation’s building because government alone cannot shoulder all the responsibilities.

  She made this call at Omoluorogbo Grammar School, Akure during the formal commissioning ceremony of the School Hall and Library donated by one of the old students of the school, Dr (Mrs) Munirat Ogunlayi.

While commending Dr Ogunlayi’s good gestures the first lady said that when concern citizens of the State show that they can be part of nation building, we cannot but appreciate them.

 Her words, “I want to thank the Old Students Association of this school for giving back to their Alma mater because the most beffiting gift you can give to your Alma mater is giving back to them.

I want to also appreciate Dr Ogunlayi because she represents what I have been preaching about that women should improve themselves academically. Despite the fact that you are married, you still went further in your academics and obtained your PhD.

This your effort will provide enabling teaching environment for the students to learn. I am very delighted to associate with you because I like women to be progressive. There is nothing a woman cannot do this days as most of my BEMORE girls are installing Solar electricity.”

 Mrs Akeredolu who assured the school authority of discussing the the needs of the school with the State Governor and called on other old students of the school to emulate Dr Ogunlayi in giving back to the school.

 In his welcome address, the principal of the School, Elder Festus Odudu who welcomed everyone on behalf of the school community specially thanked the First Lady for her presence at the formal commissioning and presentation of the projects completed by the old students of the school.

The principal revealed that since the establishment of the school in 1976 turned out several eminent old  students who are successful in their chosen careers it has spread all over the country  and in diaspora and added that they have been contributing immensely to the task of rebuilding their alma mater.

“The School Hall and Library which are ready for commissioning today were initiated and completed by a few old students of the school. In this regard, permit me to single out and thank one of the illustrious of the school in person of Dr (Mrs) Munirat Ogunlayi for her huge financial contributions to the reconstruction of the school hall.

“Equally, I want to thank Hon Kayode Akinmade, former Commissioner for Information in the State, and other illustrious old students of the school who donated a block of four classrooms to the school”.

The principal used the forum to call on other old  students to come and support the school because the school still needs more attention in term of infrastructure.

    The Commissioner for  Education, Dr Femi Agagu  who was represented by Mr Yomi Akinrinmade congratulated the school community and thanked the Old Students

Association,  especially Dr Ogunlayi for not forgetting her alma mater.

“It is now clear that government alone cannot fund education, so,  we need more support of the old students.

Despite the meagre resources of the State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has embarked on different projects to rehabilitate schools across the State. We want to thank the old students of this school for their supports in bridging infrastructural gaps in schools, we really commend their efforts.”

 In her speech, Dr Ogunlayi who thanked the First Lady for honouring the invitation despite her busy schedule  said that she finished from the school 35years ago, but did not remember the school  until after 32 years which was why she titled her speech “It is good to look back and it is good to give back”.

She further said that when she was told about the deplorable state of the school, this  made her to come and discuss with some of the old students on how to renovate the school building.”I was sad when I saw the deplorable state of the school two years ago. We held a meeting and decided to employ a direct labour.

     “We thank God today that we are seeing the result. I really want to encourage other students who passed out of the school to come and support the school project. Many asked me why I was doing this project in my alma mater when I do not have a building in Akure and I said that education is the powerful weapon to change the world.”

    The Deji of Akure, HRM Oba Ogunlade Aladeusi also thanked Dr Ogunlayi for giving back to her school and charged other students to borrow a cue from Dr Ogunlayi so that the school can continue to experience more infrastructural developments.