By: Adeboye Ado, Akure
It was like a carnival yesterday when jubilant old students of Oroke High School Akungba (OHSA) in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, celebrated five decades of their school founded in 1972.
The eye-catching event, which was held at the school premises on Friday, was a beehive of activities such as a N500m endowment fundraising, presentation of awards, cultural exhibition and talent displays.
The golden citadel of learning with unblemished reputation was founded on 1st September, 1972, on the site of present Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) and has produced a number of high class persons; wielding huge influence and affluence in thier various chosen careers.
Speaking at the occasion, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, showered encomiums on the old students, for their relentless support for their alma mater. -especially the donation of a sign post, mower machine for cutting of grass, among others.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Mrs. F. A Adegoke, the Governor urged the alumni to brace up and assist the Govt. by carrying out developmental projects, saying Government alone cannot shoulder all responsibilities of providing, funding and maintenance to public schools.
He said, “It is note-worthy that the Old students of this great institution have synergized to come under one banner. It is equally note-worthy that the giant school sign post was constructed and erected by the Old Students’ Association”
“Equally, the 1979 set bought a mower which the school had been using to cut the lawns in recent times. The Class of '79 also pledged the some of one million naira towards amenities renovation. Association which is yet to hit reality”
" Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of providing infrastructure, running cost, funding, and maintaining the schools effectively, without back up from the Old Students’ Association."
Furthermore, the Governor expressed optimism that in no distant time, the alumni would commission facilities and infrastructures which generations to come will be proud of.
Earlier, the National President of the Association, Dr. Ibiyemi Kereke-Ekun, who applauded his members for their generosity and commitment, noted that any amount generated from the anniversary, would be chanelled towards developmental projects.
Kereke-Ekun also envisioned better days ahead at Oroke High School as efforts are on to remodel the school through construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructural facilities.
On his part, Pastor Festus Agbomoniyi, the Chairman, Anniversary Committee, called on all former students to donate generously to their cradle of education; and rescue it from its imminent collapse.
He added that OHSA will wear a new look if all hands are on deck for the revival of the school.
Responding, the royal host HRM Alale of Akungba land, Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, Ajimo III, who is also an ex-student, commended the resilience of Oroke High School, which still retains the aura of lofty ideals, as exhibited by the numerous outstanding ex students who passed through the school.
The first class monarch, however, called for unity of purpose that will engender more development in the University community.
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