The 1981 set of Akoko Anglican Grammar School now known as “81 Family”, popularly known as “The Pace Setters”, has honoured two of its members with merit awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and unity of the association.
The award presentation, held on Friday at Toria's Crown Hotel and Event Centre in Akure, Ondo State, drew members of the alumni set from different parts of the country for a reunion and celebration of over four decades of friendship.
The recipients, a retiree, Mr. Olusegun Oladunni, and entrepreneur, Lady Christianah Olubumo, were presented with the Pillar of '81 Family Award for what the association described as their exceptional commitment and selfless service to the group.
Speaking at the event, the President of the '81 Family, Pastor Taiwo Dahunsi, praised members for sustaining the bond they established after leaving secondary school more than 45 years ago.
He described the reunion as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity among members, saying the association had continued to wax stronger despite the passage of time.
"What started like a seed among us years ago has grown into what we are celebrating today," Dahunsi said.
"I sincerely appreciate every member who has remained committed to this family and those who have been contributing in one way or another to the progress of our alma mater and the association."
He urged members to continue supporting one another, stressing that the strength of the association lay in its unity and love.
"We should keep loving one another and always be ready to assist one another whenever the need arises. That is what has kept this family together."
Dahunsi noted that the cooperation among members had enabled the association to execute projects for their alma mater.
"Because of the cooperation among us, we have been able to give back to our school. We should not relent because there is still more to be done."
He added, "My prayer is that the AKOGRAMS '81 Family will continue to grow stronger, move from glory to glory and our alma mater will continue to flourish."
Chairman of the Award Organising Committee, Pastor Oreoluwa Jayeola, also commended members for their unwavering support and commitment to the association.
He said the awardees were carefully selected because of their remarkable contributions to the development and stability of the group.
"They have distinguished themselves through service and dedication. This honour is well deserved and we hope it will encourage others to do even more," he said.
Jayeola also appealed to members and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the development of the school through donations and other interventions.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer and Social Secretary of the association, Hon. Oduntan Babatunde, described the reunion and award ceremony as a huge success.
"What looked like a difficult task during the planning stage eventually turned out to be a successful event. We give God all the glory," he said.
Babatunde recalled the challenges members faced while trying to reconnect years after leaving school.
"When we graduated, there were no mobile telephones. We searched for ourselves by writing letters and travelling from one place to another. It was tedious, time-consuming and financially demanding."
He said the advent of mobile technology eventually made it easier for members to reunite.
"We sacrificed our time and resources before we were eventually able to reconnect with many of our classmates. Today, we are grateful that those efforts have paid off."
Babatunde urged members to remain united and committed to the ideals of the association.
"My advice is that we should remain steadfast, more united and focused. We should continue to support every developmental project and progressive initiative of this family."
"We no longer see ourselves merely as a set or an association; we are one family. That spirit of togetherness should never be lost," he added
While appreciating the family, the Principal of AKOGRAMS, Ayi Olusesan, appreciated the immense contribution of the set and called on other old students to support the citadel of learning.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the award recipients, Oladunni and Olubumo, expressed appreciation to the association for recognising their contributions.
The duo described the honour as a motivation to continue supporting the growth of the AKOGRAMS '81 Family and pledged their continued commitment to the development of the association and their alma mater.
Other highlights of the event include: Installation of the President, Pastor Dahunsi as the Olori Ebi of 81 family.
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