BY Adeyinka Adeniran
The Abadina College Old Student Association, ACOSA 1983 set has donated a large amount of note books to their alma mater, Abadina College, University of Ibadan, Ibadan even as they celebrate forty years anniversary of graduating from the school.
The anniversary which took place at the main hall, University of Ibadan Hotel saw many members of the 1983 set in attendance and relishing the old memories they had while they were students of the school.
In his welcome address, Mr Demola Idowu noted that members of ACOSA 1983 set stands at a remarkable juncture making four decades of life after school. He said they have witness some precedented advancement, navigated through challenges and contributed to the fabrics of society in various capacities this past forty years.
According to him, the world has evolved and so have they and that their shared experiences, the trials, triumphs and countless lessons learnt have shaped them all into the individuals they are today.
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed dignitaries on the high table, honoured guest, today we stand at a remarkable juncture making four decades of life after high school. As the chairman, I’m profoundly moved to address this distinguished gathering, your shared experiences, the trial, triumphs and the countless lessons learnt have shaped you all into the individuals that you are today.
“The world has evolved and so have you. In this forty years, you have witnessed some precedented advancement, navigated through challenges and contributed to the fabrics of society in various capacities.”
Mr Idowu urged the Old Students not to forget the importance resilience and continuous learning as they reflect on their accomplishments because those qualities have been the compass guiding them through the dynamic landscape of their personal and professional lives.
“As you reflect on your accomplishments, do not forget the importance of resilience and continuous learning. These qualities have been your compass guiding you through the dynamic landscape of your personal and professional lives.
“In celebrating this milestone, please rekindle the spirit of Comradeship that defined your time together as students, the bonds you formed here are enduring and excel as a testament to the strength of your collective character.
“Let your actions be rooted in the principles that guided you through your academic pursuits, be a catalyst for positive change, advocate for justice and beacons of inspiration for those who follow in your steps,” Mr Demola said.
He thus enjoin them to always embrace challenge and opportunities In conclusion, my friends, that the next chapters of their lives holds and that they should strive to continually be together as they can continue to make a meaningful impact on the world honouring the legacy of the college that nurtured their intellect and spirits.
In his speech, the President Abadina College Old Student Association, ACOSA Main, Engr. Oyakhire Okpeta appreciates the 1983 set for their commitment, support and contribution towards the growth of the whole association and by extension Abadina College which is their Alma Mater.
He noted the individual and collective contributions of the set has been a vital part of the success that the association has achieved.
According to Engr. Oyakhire, the 1983 set has played a great role in the intervention of the infrastructural upgrade of Abadina College and made impactful contribution to the various project and programmes executed by the association.
He said, “ACOSA 1983 set is the second set to have graduated from Abadina College. This means you’re in a special position in the annals of Abadina College and ACOSA. In view of this, it is a great honour to be in your midst today and to be the President, National Executive Committee of Abadina College Old Student Association, ACOSA. I thank God for sparing your life unto this day.
“On behalf of the National Executive Committee of ACOSA, I want to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for your commitment, support and contribution towards the growth of our association and by extension Abadina College, Our Alma Mata. It is note worthy that the very first president of this association is from your set.
“Over the years, both individual and collectively, your set has been a vital part of the success that we have achieved as an association. You have played a great part in the intervention of the infrastructural upgrade of Abadina College and made impactful contribution to the various project and programmes executed by the association. As you celebrate this memorable event today, it is my prayer that the Lord will keep you in good health, strength and continue to proper you in all your endeavours.
“As we look forward to more fruitful years ahead, let me use this opportunity to solicit for your continuous support for ACOSA and by extension Abadina College. Together we will rise and make more impact, making Abadina College great and taking ACOSA to a higher high,” Engr. Oyakhire Okpeta said.
The Set coordinator, Dr Nelson Adewale who also spoke at the event gave glory to God who has sent them through the years and for the forty years anniversary.
He stressed that the anniversary is an occasion for the 1983 set to relish all the wonderful moments and memories of the past especially for those who were really part and parcel of the school from the start to the end.
Dr Nelson also than God for the kind of system through which they were brought up noting that it was an excellent system where education was total – both morally and academically.
He also appreciate all the members of the anniversary committee who were instrumental to the success of the programme from the planning to the day of the event.
While giving the vote of thanks, Mrs Abiola Mapaderun thank everyone on he high table for honouring the invitation of ACOSA 1983 set, and all her colleagues who were present.
Dignitaries present at the anniversaries include, CEO, Kingdom Ideas Integrated Services Limited, Ibadan, Mr Demola Idowu, who is also the Chairman of the day, The Senior Pastor, CAC Mount Bethel Church, Abadina Hill, University of Ibadan, Pastor Lanre Adeoti, The Imam, Abadsina Mosque, Abadina, Alhaji Muhammad A. Sado-Imodagbe, who were the religious Fathers of the day and Special guest of honour, Principal, Abadina College (senior school), Mrs Rolayo Esther Odunola and a host of others.
The highlights of the day was the presentation of notebooks to the students of the college, reunion dance, cutting of the anniversary cake, presentation of plaques to distinguish members and taking of photographs.
