It was time to rekindle old-time memories and bondings recently when old students of Government College, Ibadan (GCIOBA) converged on the school grounds to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the model school and the 50th anniversary of the entry into the college of the 1969-75 set.
The old boys came from all over the world: United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Sweden among others to reunite with their Nigerian counterparts to socialise relate great experiences, compare notes and concretize their efforts in further developing their alma mater.
They were joined in the celebration by the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde;
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; Oyo State Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka; former governor, Dr Omololu Olunloyo; Senator Femi Okurounmu both old boys and many other distinguished personalities.
The anniversary commenced with a visitation to orphanage homes in Ibadan on the first day.
Prosecute electoral offenders in Kogi, Bayelsa, Lawan tells Police
On the second day, the celebration train moved to Lagos for a press conference and a 4-hour high impact boat cruise on Lagos waters.
Three eminent old boys: Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade and literary icon, Professor Femi Osofisan received special awards in recognition of their immense contributions to the advancement of the cause of the school, Nigeria and humanity as a whole in a dinner held at the University of Lagos auditorium after which Dr Kolade delivered the annual public lecture entitled: The role of the alumni in restoring the lost glory of our secondary schools in Nigeria: GCI as a case study
The celebration’s roller coaster returned to Ibadan for a golf play, novelty cricket match, anniversary lunch with present GCI boys and staff, drama presentation featuring one of Wole Soyinka’s plays among others.
On the D-day, the school premises was a bubble of hugs, back slapping, laughter and camaraderie as early as 8pm as the old boys resplendently dressed mostly in white buba and sokoto (some with agbada) and caps with five colours depicting the five houses in the school, converged on the school assembly for the annual general meeting and later at the Lalekan Are Hall for the thanksgiving service, luncheon and merit award.
The star set for the celebration, 1969-75 set who were also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the entry into the school later receded to Royal Resorts to savour each other’s presence in a dinner party and what was tagged: Golden Oldies Disco.
In his speech after inspecting inaugurated and ongoing projects executed by the old boys in the school, Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, commended them for complementing the efforts of government on education reforms.
He was particularly impressed about the perimeter fence being constructed in the school which he noted would improve security, stating that many schools have been burgled due to lack of perimeter fence and inability to employ guards.
The governor said some schools have more PTA teachers than government teachers because they couldn’t afford to pay the teachers.
He however noted that the state would soon recruit more teachers.
Also speaking, the President of GCIOBA, Dr Wale Babalakin, said the old boys have since January committed millions of naira into projects in the school, adding that the association is set to revive boarding facilities in the school.
In his remarks, the Local Organising Chairman of the star set, Professor Ayo Oluleye, said the perimeter fence being constructed by the set is to make the proposed boarding house to take root.
and then