Great Mountaineers,
Message of Hope, appeal for solidarity and rebuilding the association.
Let it be known that our living to witness the advent of a New Year is the highest privilege and blessing from God. For this grace, let us all give praises and adoration to our creator. We pray to witness many more years in fulfilment and realisation of our dreams.
The recently expired year 2023 is one that Grammarians will remember as a year of many achievements, yet of grievous losses. A year of accomplishments and sacrifices.
For the year 2024 beginning today, let us be steadfast in prayers and renewed Hope for a more blessed future. In doing this, I want to appeal for solidarity aimed at rebuilding a stronger Association. A formidable IGSOSA family in support of our alma mater.
Under the leadership of President David Oladimeji Mako, a long list of remarkable progress and achievements were recorded in 2023 despite the shortness of his regime.
- 2023 AIONIAN SPORTS AND ACADEMIC FESTIVAL tagged OLUYOLE 2023 was hosted by our school which was fully funded through massive donations from the Old Students and without a dime from the State government.
- The 110 Founder’s Day and AGM celebration was held where 110 Mountaineers received different levels of signature awards.
- Many Branches and Class Sets laudable projects were commissioned for the benefit of the school with particular mention of a multi-million naira ITC standard Tennis court donated by Mr. Abiodun Opawole of the 81/86 Class Set.
- Centenary Book, a compendium of the entry of all old students since inception till year 2023 was launched.
- Many indigent students were sponsored for their final examinations and some received scholarships to further their education in various tertiary institutions.
- The administrative block was renovated by Class Set 69-73/75, while the Old School Hall was renovated by Class Set 1990/1995
- Valedictory lecture, retirement from the University of Ibadan service and from Priesthood of Professor (Venerable) Kolawole Timothy Jaiyeoba was celebrated along his 70th birthday.
- Dr. Mich. Adeniyi Adenuga (S/N 4396) CSG, GCON. 70th birthday was celebrated.
- Our Chairman Registered Board of Trustees, Dr. Olorogun. Goodie Minnabo Ibru OON, DSc at 81 was celebrated.
- Mr. Akinniyi Aboderin at 70th was celebrated .
- The Constitution Review Committee was inaugurated
- The School Hostel Renovation Committee was inaugurated.
- Valedictory service of outgoing Senior Secondary School students was conducted and admitted into the IGSOSA family
- Professor Oladapo Afolabi CFR an IGSOSA Trustee (S/N 6340) at 70th was celebrated.
- Two of our icons, Chief Tunji Amole and Professor K.T. Jaiyeoba, both Pharmacists, former National Presidents and BoT members received Living Legend Awards by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria PSN, Oyo State Chapter
The list was endless and inexhaustible. As we count our gains, so also we count our losses.
In the same year 2023, we recorded some losses too many to mention but we give glory to God almighty.
- Chief Mrs Christiana Adetayo Sulu, wife of our dear Papa Engineer Saidi Sulu passed on at the age of 85 on 5th May, 2023.
- Chief Mrs Beatrice Ajoke Ige , a formidable Home Economics Teacher and mother of our prominent IGSOSA UK Bankole Ige passed on at age 87.
- Mrs Adewale Amole, mother of our leader and Trustee, Chief Tunji Amole passed on at a very ripe age.
- Pa Olatunde Adeniji (S/N 2668) of Class Set 51/56 passed on.
- Mrs Josephine Ademola Taiwo a Junior School Business Studies Teacher passed on.
- The first Professor of Geology in Africa, Professor Mosobalaje Oyawoye (S/N 2371) of 1947/1949 HSC passed on at 96 years.
- Chairman of IGSOSA Foundation, Mr. Bankole Ademulegun (S/N 5054) of Class Set 67-71/73 passed on at 70 years.
- Pa Chief Tunji Ajiboso 1944-1948, the oldest living Grammarian at the time of his passage aged 96.
- The Nigerian Flag designer and an old Student, Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi OFR (S/N 2650) Class Set 51-56, passed on.
- Olayemi Onakunle of the 2001-2007 class set (S/N 22195) died in Aberdeen, Scotland while doing his PhD.
- Sadly, the IGSOSA 12th National President, Mr. David Oladimeji Mako died on 22 October, 2023.
Following the sudden transition of President Mako, the mantle of leadership of the association fell on me and I was sworn-in by the Registered Board of Trustees Secretary, Mr. Ade Adedeji SAN on the 1st November, 2023.
The challenge of planning and organising a befitting and deserving Send Forth ceremony and immortalising President Dimeji Mako was rested on my shoulder. To the glory of God and the support of all the great Mountaineers worldwide, a week-long funeral activities was sponsored through huge voluntary donations and active participation from members far and near, while a sum of ten million naira was donated towards the Perimeter Fencing Project in honour of President Mako as the key project of his hearts. This is a landmark way to immortalise a great leader.
So far, the Balogun Gaphar Ojetola led administration with the promise and assurances to carry on from where Mako left aimed at following the true legacy of building a strong association in supporting the school has recorded these since emergence.
- 8th Emmanuel Alayande Memorial Distinguished Alumni Lecture and Food Exhibition. The hall packed memorial lecture was delivered by our leader and erudite Professor Charles Oguguah Aworh, the Most Distinguished Friend of Ibadanland (MDFI) and graciously attended amongst other important dignitaries by, His Royal Highness Oba Professor Alexander Olusegun McGregor the Olu of Orile Ilawo, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Chairman of the Lecture Organising committee was our respected , Professor Babajide Elemo and his team of egg-heads.
- The Annual Prize Giving Day experienced improved and expanded categories of awards and prizes as sponsored by the Old Students worldwide. Cash prizes and various materials awards worth about five million naira were committed by individual, class set, branches and family sponsors at this year occassion.
- The Patriach of the famous Olubi family and father of two of our prominent Old Students, Pa. Engineer Dotun Olubi passed on at 95. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen
- The IGSOSA NEC and family were represented by the National President and National Treasurer during the Christmas visit to the wife and family of President David Oladimeji Mako.
- Chief Mrs Jokotade Oni of Lagos chapter and Class Set 67-71/73, a great philanthropy and supporter of the association celebrated her 70th birthday in grand style. The association was well represented and gift presented.
- The Perimeter Fencing Project received her first donation of One million naira from Class Set 72/76 MCN. This was followed by another Two million naira from Class Set 67-71/73
The Perimeter Fence Project passionate appeal:
The Ibadan Grammar School lands and property is highly porous to threats of invasion, vandalisation and land grabbing by unscrupulous elements in the society. We have the responsibility to protect our alma mater, especially when the government is doing absolutely nothing in this regard. The Old Students, in their traditions and giving back cultures has committed hundreds of millions of projects for the school benefit however, these infrastructures are constantly invaded, destroyed and stolen times without numbers. The initiative to fence the entire school compound has been on for a very long time and we should make concerted efforts to achieve this life time landmark project for our alma mater. It is a task that must be done, with all your support.
To our individual colleagues, please support and donate to this Perimeter Fencing Project.
To our Class Sets, please support and donate to this Perimeter Fencing Project.
To our Branches and Chapters, please support and donate to this Perimeter Fencing Project.
To corporate organisations and philanthropists, please support and donate generously to this Perimeter Fencing Project.
I pray that God enrich and bless you beyond human comprehension as you donate generously towards the project of our hearts. Amen and God bless you.
The dedicated account to donate:
Ibadan Grammar School Old Students Association Foundation
FCMB: 1007394180
Or call Mr. George Thorpe on +234809921388
Chairman, Class Set Representatives and
Chairman Perimeter Fencing Project.
In the New Year 2024, we plan to have :
1.a one day of remembrance for all our departed souls with prayers to God to repose their souls and protect us all.
2.The tradition of celebrating our Founder’s Day will be adequately observed.
3.Efforts will be committed to strengthen understanding and cooperation amongst all the Grammarians and various interest groups.
- The AIONIAN SPORTS Festival will be held at Ijebu-Ode this year and our School Team will need your support and funding. Pre-events activities has long commenced.
A full line up activities will be released along the budget for the whole year.
On behalf of the National Executive Council and the Registered Board of Trustees of the IGSOSA, permit me to register our profound appreciation to all who supported and continue to support our programs in the past years and the coming years.
Thanks and God bless you all.
May the new year bring us peace, tranquility, everlasting joy and immense wellness.
Deo et patriae
Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola
IGSOSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT