Address of the President General, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola, to the 2025 Annual General Assembly
Friday, 28th March 2025
Exactly three years ago today, Mr. David Oladimeji Mako was inaugurated as the 12th National President following his victory in the 2022 General Election. He assumed office with boundless enthusiasm and a remarkable passion for transforming both the school and the association. With unwavering determination, a clear vision, and a well-structured plan, he embarked on the ambitious task of revitalizing the system and restoring Ibadan Grammar School to its place as the premier secondary school in Nigeria. Many of us, his close allies, shared in his dream and vision.
Mako was a visionary leader of great repute—an unyielding advocate for a better IGS, one who believed that change should happen immediately. He was determined, energetic, and relentless in his pursuit of reform. Beyond that, he was a defender of the voiceless, a champion for the oppressed, and a staunch promoter of justice. Yet, despite these admirable qualities, he was often misunderstood. Unbothered by how others perceived him, he remained focused on pushing forward his plans for the school and the association.
Mako was deeply committed to several initiatives:
He sought to restore the hostels to full functionality, just as he and many of us had once enjoyed.
He envisioned a swift reintroduction of the HSC education program.
He was determined to enhance the school’s security by constructing an impenetrable perimeter fence.
He initiated a review of our outdated constitution, ensuring that all Grammarians, regardless of their location, could participate in elections and be eligible for leadership.
Having served the association for nearly four decades, Mako was a well-prepared leader, ready to deliver results in record time. In contrast, I was not. Tragically, his journey was cut short by death on Sunday, 22nd October 2023.
On his way to the hospital for a surgical procedure in Lagos, accompanied by Otunba Kenny Adebambo, IGSOSAUK President, Mako was still passionately discussing ways to advance Ibadan Grammar School with potential sponsors. Kenny advised him to focus on the journey ahead, but in his usual manner, Mako flippantly responded, “If anything happens, Gaphar will continue.” Kenny brushed it off, never imagining that Mako would not make it out of the operating room.
As the First Vice National President, I was thrust into leadership by the IGSOSA Registered Board of Trustees, led by Olorogun Goodie Ibru. I was unprepared, inexperienced, and hesitant to fill the enormous shoes Mako left behind. He had often advised me to pay closer attention, but I never fully grasped the weight of his words. Overwhelmed, I leaned on the support of my friends, classmates, colleagues, and the wider IGSOSA family. Their unwavering encouragement gave me the strength to step up to the challenge, and for that, I am deeply grateful. You all know yourselves, and I pray that God meets you at your points of need.
To my dear friend and predecessor, David Oladimeji Mako, I pledged to see through the projects you initiated. By the grace of God and with the support of your devoted admirers, we have made great strides. May your soul continue to rest in eternal peace.
Acknowledgments
Members of the National Executive Council
Chairman, Secretary, and Members of the Registered Board of Trustees
Esteemed Elders of IGSOSA
Past National Presidents
Branch Chairmen and Diaspora Chapter Presidents
Class Set Leaders
Leaders of Standing Committees
Distinguished Mountaineers Worldwide
Principal Officers and Staff of Ibadan Grammar School
Ladies and Gentlemen
Introduction
I begin by giving glory to Almighty God for granting us the grace to witness yet another Annual General Meeting. This gathering stands as a testament to His continued mercy and protection over our lives. It is my great pleasure to welcome our esteemed members and invited guests to our beloved institution, Ibadan Grammar School, for the 2025 AGM.
When fate entrusted me with the leadership of our esteemed association on 1st November 2023, I affirmed that our collective strength and resources would be instrumental in building upon the legacy of President Mako and the solid foundation laid by past presidents, in alignment with the traditions and ethos of Ibadan Grammar School.
As your 13th National President and the first President General, I will refrain from repeating details that will be covered in the Secretary-General’s and National Treasurer’s reports. Instead, I will highlight key achievements and challenges since our last AGM.
Milestones and Achievements
Since the last AGM, we have celebrated remarkable accomplishments and navigated challenges. Some notable highlights include:
Celebrations of birthdays and national/international recognitions of our members.
Our Emeritus National President, Prof. Charles Ogugua Aworh, along with Prof. Aderemi Adedibu and Dr. Bola Osinowo, received prestigious awards.
Prof. Simiat Olanike Elias (née Odetunde) launched the TAPPINA Reading Club.
Prof. Oladipupo Oluwaseun Oladejo became Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at LAUTECH.
The IGSOSANA convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
The IGS Perimeter Fence Project Committee was inaugurated.
The Mathematics Laboratory, dedicated to the memory of Pa Agunbiade Bamishe, was commissioned, thanks to Dr. Victor Makinde of the 1971/75 Class Set.
The 9th Venerable Emmanuel Alayande Annual Memorial Distinguished Alumni Lecture was successfully held.
Ibadan Grammar School placed 2nd overall at the 86th AIONIAN Sports and Education Festival, winning 20 medals.
The Oyo State government restructured the school into four administrative units: two junior schools and two senior schools.
Key Developments
Emergency General Meeting & 2025 Electoral Committee
On 30th January 2025, we held an Emergency General Meeting where the reviewed constitution was ratified. The meeting also saw the inauguration of the 2025 Electoral Committee, led by Prof. Gbolahan Gbadamosi, to oversee our first-ever e-voting process, enabling global participation.
Historical Groundbreaking of the IGSOSA Legacy Wall – Perimeter Fence Project
A landmark event took place on 5th February 2025—the groundbreaking ceremony for the IGSOSA Legacy Wall – Perimeter Fence Project. The foundation-laying ceremony was conducted by Hon. Prof. Saliu AbdulWaheed Adelabu, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, alongside IGSOSA Elders and the National Executive Council. Work commenced immediately, and I extend my sincere gratitude to all donors and potential contributors supporting this crucial project.
Obituaries
Sadly, we lost several distinguished members:
Prince Adegoke Ademiluyi, former National President and Lagos Chapter leader.
Engineer Saidi Sulu, a pioneer figure in the association.
Mr. Bankole Anthony Ige (1974/79 Class Set), a founding member of IGSOSAUK.
May their souls rest in peace, and may the Lord continue to comfort their families.
Appeal for Continued Support
As my tenure comes to an end, I appeal for your unwavering support for the incoming administration, led by Mr. Dayo Onakoya. May God guide and strengthen them in their leadership.
Closing Remarks
I am profoundly grateful to God for granting me the privilege of serving as IGSOSA’s National President and First President General. His grace has sustained us, and for that, I give thanks.
To our esteemed leaders, your wisdom and counsel have been invaluable in moments of challenge—I am eternally grateful. To my fellow Mountaineers, your constructive criticisms, kindness, and prayers have strengthened our collective spirit. I do not take any of it for granted.
Together, we can elevate this association to greater heights.
Deo et patriae
Thank you, and God bless you.
Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola
President General, IGSOSA
www.igsosa.org