The newly sworn-in President of the Command Secondary School Lagos Old Students Association (CSSLOSA), Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola, has expressed optimism and a strong commitment to repositioning the institution through strategic alumni engagement, infrastructure development, and value-driven leadership.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Nigeria Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) Hall, featured the swearing-in of new executive members drawn from various graduating sets.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of certificates of return to the president and other members of the executive committee.

The newly elected leadership is expected to serve a two-year tenure.

The event was marked by nostalgic moments and warm reunions, as old students reconnected and shared memories of their time at Command Secondary School Lagos.

The new CSSLOSA executive committee comprises: Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola (C88) – President; Hawa Iyamabo (C88) – Vice President; Mojisola Benson-Adeeko (C93) – General Secretary; Abimbola Eniola-Balogun (C94) – Assistant General Secretary; Demola Sanyaolu (C91) – Publicity/Social Secretary; Sarah Ogungbefun (C92) – Welfare Secretary; Helen Nwobodo (C93) – Financial Secretary; Adeola Baderin (C00) – Treasurer; Morenike Ojo (C01) – Legal Secretary; and Fatima Laraba Yusuf (C02) – Ex-Officio.

In his valedictory speech, the immediate past president, Taiwo Ayedun, commended his executive members for their dedication, describing their contributions as a strong example of voluntary service that strengthened the association.

“I would like to commend my executive officers for giving their time and dedication to what I will describe as voluntary service. I congratulate the new president and the executive members, and I will describe the new president as a dedicated and selfless contributor in all ramifications,” he said.

Ayedun added that Ogunsola’s emergence was based on proven performance rather than promises, while urging the new leadership to work collectively to advance the association.

“He was elected not for what he promised but for what he has done. I therefore urge him and the executive officers elected to work together as a team and take the association to a greater height,” he added.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Air Commodore Babatunde Adekoya (retd), who spoke via Zoom, described the transition as a continuation of a shared legacy built over the years.

“This is not just a handover but a continuation of the legacy we have all built together. Ayedun and his executive officers have served with distinction and given their best, and this is where the new president and his executive officers will continue from,” he said.

Adekoya acknowledged the achievements of the outgoing administration and urged members to support the new leadership with resources and guidance.

“I acknowledge the legacies under Ayedun’s tenure, and I can say that they have left behind a stronger association. To the new president, I want you to continue to do everything to earn the people’s trust and I appeal to all the members of the association to offer their participation with resources and in advice,” he added.

Also speaking, the Commandant of the school, Lt Col Oluwafemi Olugbende, praised the association for its continued support and called for stronger collaboration among alumni bodies.

“The association has always been making us proud, and we are always happy about that. I will appeal with the association to please work with other command alumni to harness more success and achievements for command secondary schools,” he said.

“First of all, I’m excited,” Ogunsola said during an interview after he was sworn in. “I was General Secretary of my set, C88, and later served as President of my set from 2022 to 2024. Now, stepping into this role at the national and global level is a huge honour.”

According to him, the confidence reposed in him by his peers played a significant role in his emergence.

“My set mates recommended me, and I won the election. That means a lot. We’ll be 50 next year, which is symbolic—it’s a Jubilee year. It’s a new dawn for us.”

He added that plans are already underway to bring together alumni from across the world—including Australia, the United States, Africa, and Europe—to mark the milestone and contribute to rebuilding the school.

Ogunsola emphasized that strong educational institutions are fundamental to national development.

“I believe you grow a nation from the family and from schools. Great countries have great schools,” he said.

Reflecting on the evolution of education in Nigeria, he noted that many legacy institutions declined after government takeovers but are now being revived through alumni intervention.

“The alumni have come of age. They are now taking charge and rebuilding these schools the way they should be. It’s our turn to do the same.”

Central to his administration’s agenda is the establishment of a $1 billion endowment fund aimed at long-term sustainability.

“We may not achieve it in one or two years, but we need a target,” he explained.

“From the fund, we can allocate resources to infrastructure, scholarships, welfare, and alumni operations.”

He also highlighted plans to: Upgrade school infrastructure, including hostels and dormitories; expand student capacity; build an amphitheatre for modern learning; and develop an event centre to generate internal revenue.

“These are things the school cannot do alone. The alumni must step in to ensure sustainability,” he said.

Ogunsola credited his formative years at Command Secondary School for shaping his character and leadership style.

“The army system instills discipline. I joined at age 10. I wake up at 4 or 5 a.m. naturally—it’s part of me now,” he shared.

“I entered as a soft person but came out independent, confident, and goal oriented. Those are the building blocks for success.”

On strengthening ties between past and present students, Ogunsola stressed the importance of structure and unity.

“Different sets are doing good things individually, but we need to come together for greater impact,” he said.

He called for a coordinated approach where thousands of alumni can pool resources and expertise.

“Imagine 5,000 alumni working together—we can do much bigger things. That’s the level we want to reach.”

Addressing concerns about managing such a large responsibility, Ogunsola revealed plans to decentralize operations. “You cannot expect 10 people to run an association of 20,000 to 30,000 members,” he said.

“We will create centres of excellence—groups focused on infrastructure, healthcare, welfare—so responsibilities are shared among professionals within the alumni network.”

Recalling his school days, Ogunsola spoke humorously about how the experience transformed him.

“When I got into Command, I couldn’t even wash my clothes,” he said. “By the time I left, I could cook and take care of myself. The system made us rugged—it prepared us for life.”

Offering guidance to current students, he emphasized three key principles:
“Put God first. Many of us didn’t discover that early enough. Then discipline and vision—the rest will follow.”

Beyond his new role, Ogunsola brings a wealth of leadership and professional experience to the position. He is a former Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), UK Chapter.

He previously served as General Manager and Deputy Director for Business Development and Investment (Finance) at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, an Executive MBA from Cranfield University School of Management, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Information Systems Design from the University of Westminster. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Europe.

With a bold vision, structured approach, and a deep sense of responsibility, Ogunsola’s leadership signals a renewed push to elevate Command Secondary School Lagos through collective alumni action.

In her remarks, Vice President Hawa Iyamabo emphasized that the viability and growth of the national alumni are the foremost priorities of the new executive committee, a goal she pledged to Support the President within her capacity as VP.

She praised the commendable efforts of the past executive committees which has enhanced and sustained the steady progress of the alumni. “Building on this foundation, the new committee will aim to work systematically with the alumni community and the school to identify effective strategies for continuously raising the bar and upholding the high standards for which the institution is known.”

She also outlined her vision for a more unified and values driven alumni body that reflects the Camaraderie and culture that shaped us, one of respect, discipline, and integrity that bridges across generations and geographical locations., where members feel connected, empowered and proud to be Commandos.

“COMLAG is not just where we came from, it is who we are and called on all Command Ipaja Lagos Alumni who are yet to signup to rerun home to their alumni community,” she said.