The former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has commended the old students Association of Oriwu College, 1970-1974 class set for their laudable intention to embark on the construction of a new hostel for the school.
The former Minister was speaking during the foundation laying ceremony of the new hostel project at the school premises in Ikorodu on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Dr. Ogunlewe said that he was very impressed with the structural and academic achievements of Oriwu Model College, and always feels proud of the school, being an ex-student of the 1960-1964 set.
He also commended all those, who had contributed to the development of public schools in the country. According to him, the deficiencies in the school system had been corrected, which now makes parents enroll their children in public schools. In his words: “We went to public schools and the glory of public school is returning to Nigeria; I thank everyone, who had participated in that revolution,” he stated.
Adeseye Ogunlewe also commended the 1970-74 class set for their continued efforts over the years, which were aimed at positioning the school well. The former minister recognized the supports received by the school from the immediate past Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District II, who has been transferred to Education District III, Barrister (Mrs.) Margaret Titilayo Solarin.
On her part, during her address, Mrs. Solarin lauded the hosted project and praised the donor class for giving back to their alma-mata. She noted that various class sets of old students association of Oriwu Model College had given back to the school in one way or the other. She said that was the reason their contributions were recognised last year during the Education District II Annual Merit Award. She, therefore, urged old students of other schools in the state, who had made it in the society to start giving back to their schools.
Solarin also advised the students in line with their school’s motto. “Per Aspera Ad Astra” – “Through difficulty to success.” She enjoined to be focused and emulate their seniors, who had come back to contribute their quota to the development of their school after years of graduation. She said if the old students, most of whom put on the school uniform, could make it in life, they too could.
In his short address, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mr. Gbemi Olaniyi after commending the old students’ contributions to the success of Oriwu Model College reminded the general public that government alone cannot not provide funding and facilities in schools.
He, therefore, appealed to all those, who have reached the apex of their careers and those who are wealthy, to remember their source, the schools, which made them what they are in the society today, and make worthy contributions.
The Tutor-General was represented by the Director, School Administration, Mr. Oyebanji Oyesina, who also commended the Principals and other staff for maintaining academic excellence and making the state government proud. He assured the gathering that the state government would not relent in bringing greater development to all public schools in the state and would continue to appreciate the contributions of all stakeholders.
The Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Mrs. Ogunniyi Abiodun Sherifat also commended the contributions of the various sets of old students of the college for the successes recorded so far. She also praised the Lagos State government for its continuous developmental activities and projects for the school.
She promised the old students that the good standards they met would not be compromised for any reason. Meanwhile, the president of the 70-74 class set, Elder Sola Awoye revealed his colleagues’ passion and belief that education is the only weapon that can be used to bring about positive changes in the society and this, according to him, motivates them to put resources together to actualize the dream of building a hostel for their alma-mata. He donated exercise books and honoured both old students and teachers of the school. The President equally appealed that people should contribute financially towards the actualization of the hostel. According to him, the hostel is expected to accommodate about five hundred beds when completed. He warned the current students to desist from destructive activities in order to preserve the structure.
During the foundation laying ceremony proper, Senator Ogunlewe, representative of Olu of Epe, High Chief Ademola Shobaloju, Mrs. Solarin and current Principals of both Junior and Senior Oriwu Model Colleges laid the foundation at the four corners of the proposed hostel. Each corner had a name ranging from Ayangbure, Adeboruwa, Benson to Allison. Prayers were offered for the success of the project.
Among the dignitaries at the event included, Mr. Shakiru A. Solebo, Mrs. Alimi Folashade, Principal, Oriwu Junior Model College; Bishop Babatunde Ifabumiji, Pastor Adeniyi Adeyemi Ajibade, among others.