By Shaba Gbenga
It was a gathering of happy, resourceful and purpose driven old students of Local Authority Primary School II, Oke Bola, Akure, Ondo State, as the alma mater of the school gathered to celebrate their 30th anniversary of Primary School graduation.
The event that started on Friday July 19, 2024 saw the convergence of great minds of the School celebrating their 30 years achievement since their graduation.
On Friday, the Old Students went to their Alma mater for a meet and greet with the teachers and students of the school and a donation of 300 pieces of note books for the pupils of the school. Thereafter, they converged for a memorable get together after 30 years of graduating from Primary School to celebrate at the Ondo State Senior Staff, Alagbaka, Akure.
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the Old Students entourage went on a meet and greet to the residences of some of their past Teachers, who have now successfully retired. The first point of call was the residence of Mrs. Adeyeye; arguably of the most disciplined teacher during her time. Mummy Adeyeye has now retired and and was also celebrating her 10th year of retirement.
At her residence, mummy Adeyeye who was elevated beyond description prayed and prayed and prayed! She recounted her days after the 1994 graduation and how she missed the set and the crop of students produced during the set but, thanked God because most of those she taught during the set are now notable men and women in the society.
She advised them all to be coorporative, stand with their family and above all, love God as she gave each student that visited a goodie bag full of different gifts and a little cash token was also handled to her for her supports and love in years past.
The next point of call was the home of Mrs Oni. Very simple but a disciplinarian to the core. Mrs Oni now very reserved and retired for almost 15years was elated and full of spirit. She played, played and played with the old students. She took everyone to a nearby fish seller, made sure that everyone took one smoked fish each from the fish seller. Like Mummy Adeyeye, Mummy Oni also prayed and advised the students on the need to keep supporting themselves, gave her widow's mite and a cash token was also handled to her.
After the visitations, it was now time for the students to go for an exercise session. The point of call was the now well furnished, well equipped and well maintained school playground of L.A Primary School Il, where different games to exercise and have fun with was on standby. Soon after, it was time for a dinner party at the Senior Staff Club, Alagbaka, Akure. Where merry making with foods and drinks were made readily available. Pounded yam and efo riro, with various brands of chilled drinks to send it down the throat.
Sunday July 21, 2024 was the climax of the 3 days event with a thanksgiving service at Saint Luke's Anglican Church, Idi Agba Tuntun, Akure. Cladded in white attire and adorned a mixture of well blended green and black cap and gele; the old students were cynosure of all eyes as they danced forward to the glory of God after graduating for 30 years and excelling in their various endeavours.