By: Oguntimehin Oluwafemi John
There is a saying that human beings are social animals. The kind of social interaction that animals do is just mere and normal interaction with one another, but what makes it special and unique from human beings are the bonds that humans share within themselves and the feelings they attach to each other. The biggest part of human life is the ability to associate, which so important that it is considered a fundamental right and a very important aspect of any healthy and functional society.
The reunion of members of alumni associations present an occasion for old school mates to connect, share memories and support one another. On December 18, 2023, the Egbado College Ilaro Old Students Association (ECOSA), 1996 set came together for this purpose, at the Preskin Hotel Allen Roundabout, Ikeja. It was a fantastic and memorable one.
Egbado College Ilaro 96 Sets is headed by Chairman Quadri Olalekan, Ismail Oseni as Deputy Chairman, Oguntoyinbo Oluwafemi as General Secretary, Bankole Olude as Financial Secretary, Fabowale Faliu as Assistant General Secretary, Abiodun Oyelola as Social Director, Kayode Adekoya as Provost Marshal, Raji Ibrahim as Media Director, Sekinat Afonja as Welfare Director, and Lara Akinbami as Diaspora Coordinator.
The reunion gave all the participants an opportunity for business networking and other salient opportunities. High Chief Mukaila Eleghushi, Alawe of Ikate Land, who is also a member of the ECOSA 96 set, was present and graced the event in joy with all his schoolmates. This made the day a memorable one, especially when the school mates went down memory lane to recall how High Chief Mukaila used to play football for the school during those days. Bolaji Awe was another student who was remembered for being sporty and fun loving.
Also present was one of ECOSA 96 set’s Senior Prefect, Mr. Aleshinloye Rotimi who talked about how privileged he was to see his old friends from decades and advised those who were absent to ensure they are present for the occasion next year. The events boost the mental health of attendees, especially with the Senior prefect’s words which went thus: “There are some things costly in life while others are free, and friendship is one of the free things in life.” Therefore, it is good to make the most of them.
The event attendees included both day and boarding students of ECOSA 96 Set. The record of attendance show that old students traveled all the way from Ilaro, Sagamu, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Abuja, all parts of Lagos State to be a part of the activities. Members alsp connected online from the U.K., South Africa, and Germany, just to mention a few. It was clear that members who might have been experiencing social isolation, with symptoms like depression or poor sleep quality definitely left the events feeling better because of the love and bond shared.
A decision was reached at the 2023 AGM to set up a working Welfare Committee to assist members of ECOSA 96 Set, who needed such in the spirit of “one voice, one love.” It all brought to mind the words of Ama H. Vanniarachcy’s poem: “In every step, in every breath of yours, you will feel me, and I will always be in every sight you see, in every voice you hear, and your ears will always be filled with my whispers, my laughter, and my cries.” Based on the above ideology, a minute of silence was observed in respect of ECOSA 96 SETS who have departed from this world, such as Ajibola Dasilva, Wakeel Adetona, Dayo Obitunde, Gbenga Odeyemi, Lekan Akinyemi, Ayo Fambegbe, Titus Aiyegbede, Suraju Oluwa, Nofiu Adeshina, Bashir Olajuwon, and others who cannot be remembered. May their souls continue to rest in peace.
Moreover, the Chairman appreciated the present principal of Egbado College Ilaro, Mr. Sunday Mesanwo, for his support of the ECOSA 96 set and also empathized with the family of Mrs. Esther Bamidele, one of the school vice principals, who lost her husband (Dr. Bamidele Ebenezer Olutide, Senior Lecturer at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro) on October 30th, 2023. The Egbado College Old Students Association’s (ECOSA) 96-set Annual General Meeting and Reunion can be described as “unforgettable events” because members who came for the events went home with handbags for Christmas preparation and celebration. The chairman, along with his executives, wished everyone, home and abroad, a merry Christmas and a happy new year filled with prosperity and harmony.
