By Charles Ayodele
It was a great moment of joy for the Annunciation School, Ikere-Ekiti, Old Boys’ Association (ASOBA) as they all converged at their Alma mater with the Management, Staff and Students on Saturday, 25th March, 2023 to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the school which was established in 1957 and the blessing of the newly renovated School Chapel.
In his address, the National President of the Annunciation School Old Boys’ Association (ASOBA) Engr. Olufemi Felix Ayodele said, the journey to refurbish the school chapel started in 2017 when an old boy who craved anonymity, single handedly changed the roof of the Chapel from the old asbestos cement roofing sheets to long span aluminium.
“This propelled the new executive under my leadership in 2021, to embark on a complete renovation of the entire Chapel”.
Giving his goodwill message on behalf of the Management, Staff and Students of the school, the Principal, Mr. Benedict Titiloye, appreciated the good work that has been done by ASOBA to give the Chapel of the School a facelift.
“This renovation which has made our Chapel ultramodern has also spread to other school buildings which were being renovated by many sets in the school.
“What we are witnessing in the school is the fruit of unity, cooperation and love towards the Alma mater. Today, we have an Ultramodern Chapel, which is the result of the team work of ASOBA worldwide”. Said the school principal.
While speaking with journalists, the Coordinator for the Mission, Rev. Father Patrick Ayemowa, described the occasion as a special one as the ASOBA, Management, Staff and students of the school gathered together with dignitaries from all walks of life as well as well wishers to rejoice.
According to the man of God, “that discipline is on ground at the school”. He called on both the Staff and students of the school to make it their watchword. Adding that a disciplined self will bring about a higher and a productive self.
Stressing further, the reverend father said, the contribution of the old students have been enormous. Saying the association of the old students of the school has been wonderful in terms of giving back to their Alma mater.
Also in his address, the Chairman, ASOBA 1986 Set, Mr. Tayo Ogundare stated that about a year ago, “we heard the Macedonian cry of our dear alma mater, and our set made a vital decision to listen and give back to it.
“We decided to bequeath a befitting school clinic and counsellor’s office to the school. Our decision was borne out of our belief that only a healthy student can excel academically. This in effect is in consonance with the concept of a total child.
“When our team moved to the site, what we met on ground was a contraption called a sick bay, that is unfit for human habitation. We took up the challenge and we relocated the sick bay to the present location.
“We employed professional services to design a proper school clinic befitting of our alma mater. With this newly built school clinic, parents will have the reassurance that their wards are well taken care of in Annunciation School. It is expected that students enrolment will radically increase in the next academic session as the school have something to showcase to parents.
“It is worthy of mention that the school clinic and Counsellors’ office cost us over 5 Million Naira, it is therefore imperative that all concerned must make a proper and effective use of it. The school authority must imbibe good maintenance culture and ensure the facility does not suffer decadence. As a set, the clinic is our baby, we will continue to offer our support from time to time.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank my members, the Great United ASOBA 1986 set for their selfless and generous donations. You all exceeded my expectation. I am humbled by the unwavering cooperation I have enjoyed from you so far. May the almighty God reward you all for your generosity toward these young students.
“This year marks the 37th year we graduated from Annunciation school. This is our first reunion ceremony. We thank God almighty for keeping us. We also remember our departed classmates, we pray that their soul rest in peace”
In spite all these, Ogundare explained that their contributions can never be enough as he stated that there are lots of decadents in the school structure, saying that’s why they came in as old students to contribute their quota.
“We are looking forward to a time whereby we will bring the school back to its old past glory as a well modernised school”. Mr. Ogundare said.
Highlight of the occasion was annual National Convention of the Association, cultural display and entertainment of guests.