The Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye, has been awarded by the Orin High School Old Student Association for her outstanding contributions to the development of Orin High School and its community at large.
This was part the activities marking the celebration of the 45th anniversary of Orin High School in Orin Ekiti, Ido Osi Local Government Area, Ekiti State, where the old students association felicitated amidst glitz and pomp, donating some set of furniture and a reflective sign post to the school.
Other awardees at the event were the incumbent principal of the school, Mr Ogunlade, the best teacher and outstanding students in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In his address at the event, a former council chairman of Orin Local Government who is also an alumnus of the school, MrBenjamin Fatope, warned the students of the school against social vices and other acts that could destroy their career and bring disrepute to the school.
He encouraged them to strive for academic excellence and take cues from some of the old students who are excelling in their chosen careers.
The national president of the union, Evangelist Rotimi Ojo, promised the readiness of the old students to assist in the infrastructure development of the school so as to enhance teaching and learning.
He appealed to old students both home and abroad to support the various developmental projects initiated by the association.
Earlier, the chairman of the publicity committee, Mr OluwatuyiAroge, expressed the readiness of the OHSOSA to continue flying the flag of the school higher by projecting the school to the world and making the school to favourably rob shoulders with their counterparts around the globe.
The programme, which attracted people from all walks of life, gave the old students the opportunity to reunite, reminisce, and strategise on how to support the development of the school.
In the course of the celebration, the old students moved round town to sensitise members of the community on the need to give their children sound education with the activities for the first day being rounded off with a novelty match.
Presenting the furniture to the school on the day-two of the event, the national president of the association, Evangelist Rotimi Ojo, stated that the essence of the donation was to give the students a sense of belonging.
He appreciated every member of the association who had contributed to the project, charging the students and teachers to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Aderiye, an indigene of Orin Ekiti, represented at the event by the former secretary of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education (EKSUBEB), Mr Babafemi Jegede, appreciated the association for the recognition and giving back to the school.
Speaking on the newly commissioned reflective signpost, one of the pioneer students of the school, Mr Ben Fatope, said the idea was conceived and executed by the 1979-1984 set, which happened to be the first set of the school.
Other pioneer members of the pioneer set present at the event were the director of Works, FMC, Ido Ekiti, Engr Dayo Dada; director, Primary Health Care and Health Ekiti State Primary Health Care Department Agency, Elder Oluwatuyi Aroge.
Others were, Mrs Susan Oludakinni, nee Ilori, Mr Femi AjayiSamuel, Mrs Funmilayo Alo, Mr Makanjuola Michael Ms Kehinde Daramola, Mrs Olubunmi Ajayi nee Alasi, Ms Secretary with Theresa nee Omonijo and Mr Pius Daodu. They also congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Chairmen, fundraising committee, Home and in the Diaspora, Comrade Akinola Bodunde and Dr Kayode lge, appreciated the zeal and enthusiasm shown by members in donating willingly and generously within a limited period of time just to make the project a reality.
He appealed to the upcoming students to emulate the legacies, saying “this milestone is not just a celebration of time, but a testament to the dedication, values, and commitment of everyone who has been part of the journey.”
Other dignitaries at the programme are permanent secretaries, retired executive secretaries, area education officers, community leaders, alumni members, among others.
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