Glitz, glamour as Awodi- Ora school celebrates 40th anniversary

It was pomp and pageantry in Lagos recently as old boys and girls of Awodi–Ora Secondary School, Ajegunle gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their school.

The old students were apparently excited, exchanging pleasantries and reliving old memories. In fact, it was a memorable reunion with classmates, teachers and principals.

Under the aegis of Unified Awodi – Ora Secondary School Alumni Association, the members also donated some learning items to their school. The “96 sets were seen marching and singing various songs that elicited applause from the audience.

In his speech, President, Unified Awodi Ora Secondary School Alumni Association, Obinna Onwuzuruigbo, described his position as a privilege to lead the association after 40 years. He said, “it is a great honour which I cherish so much and I will always do my best. 40 years on, the school is still a force to be reckoned with.”

Similarly, founder, Unified Awodi –Ora Secondary Alumni Association and Chairman of the legislative arm of the association (Unified ASSA Representative Council), Dr. Cornelius Onyekaba Eze, recalled, ”It is indeed a nostalgic feeling. It is worth celebrating because there is unity. Most of us have not seen ourselves after we finished school. We have been shaped by our principals and teachers that love humanity.”

He disclosed that the idea of the celebration was initiated by 2003 set about two years ago. He said the idea was further harmonised by the establishment of the Unified ASSA Alumni Association to enable all and sundry participate.

Continuing, he said, “there were great schools at Ajegunle and people thought that Awodi Ora Secondary School is like a dumping ground, but we were able to prove them wrong.”

Eze also commended the efforts of the former principal, Mrs. Clara Okodugha whom, he said took the school from the backyard to an enviable level and became the only public school that parents wanted their wards to attend in Ajegunle.

He said: “These are the kind of people that we call heroes. She molded our lives positively. Other principals after her tenure never had any fear to come to Ajegunle, they came to the school and transformed many of us. We are very proud of our school.”

Principal, Awodi Ora Senior Secondary School, Mrs. Ijaware Ronke, lauded the old students” gesture and acknowledged the donations they made.

She advised the current students to emulate the old students that they have seen today.

She said: “The old students have shown the current students the right path to follow and the present students must not disappoint the old students, teachers and principal and their parents, but make them proud in the future.”

The principal commended the teachers for their unwavering commitment to teaching which has led to outstanding successes in different competitions in the school participated in.