Day 3 Alumni associations celebrated former principal

The first African principal of Loyola College, Ibadan, Venerable Godwin Bamidele Daramola (JP), was sent home in a blaze of glory by three alumni associations; Loyola College Old Boys’ Association, Ibadan Grammar School Old Boys’ Association and Ilesa Grammar School Old Boys’ Association. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports that it was a celebration of selfless service and impactful sacrifice in raising sound minds.

IT was indeed a testimonial of hard work, sacrifice and effective service when old students of three secondary schools; Loyola College, Ibadan; Ibadan Grammar School and Ilesa Grammar School gathered to pay tribute to the memory of their former principal, Venerable Godwin Bamidele Daramola (JP), the first African principal and longest serving teacher at Loyola College, Ibadan as well as former principal of Ibadan Grammar School.

The evening of music and tributes, which held at Adeline Hall, Lead City University, Ibadan, was filled with family, friends and thousands of people who had experienced the compassionate nature of Venerable Daramola, popularly called GB during his lifetime.

There were tributes from representatives of Loyola College Old Boys’ association, Ibadan Grammar School Old Boys’ Association, Ilesa Grammar School Old Boys’ Association, former teachers of every school where he served, Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, All Saints’ Church family, Christ the King society of Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church,Chapel of Peace and Joy, Lead City University and Egbe Omo Ibile Iye Ekiti, among others.

The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, had, during the burial service of Venerable Daramola, stated that people should emulate the life of the late Daramola who he said played his part meritoriously as a Christian, preacher and teacher and succeeded in moulding many lives while alive, adding that Venerable Daramola’s impact in raising sound minds is unquantifiable in terms of sound doctrine, evergreen teachings and his approach to issues which, if emulated by people present, will make the country better.

Those that gathered to honour the late Venerable Daramola include the representative of the Ooni of Ife, representative of the Oyo state governor and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, royal fathers and clergy men amongst other dignitaries from various walks of life.

Speaking, the Ondo state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), described Venerable Daramola as a man who lived a meaningful and impactful life in his 80 years on earth