LAFROGRAMS old students celebrate 50th anniversary
A cross section of old students at the event
In a colourful celebration and beautifully adorned in green and white, the old students association of the Lagos African Church Grammar School, Ifako (LAFROGRAMS) were full of excitement and in thanksgiving as their alma mater enters the golden year. The old students recently held a three-day event which ended with a thanksgiving service at the African church cathedral, in Ifako-Ijaye also National President Lagos Anglican Grammar School.
According to the National President of the association, Otunba Moses Olawole Paul, who left the school 42 years ago: “I am happy to be here and to be a part of this celebration. We have always given back to our alma mater, we have been doing this all the time and it is a continuous process.”He noted that for this 50th anniversary, they dedicated an anniversary park, which is situated at the entrance of the school. They also built an ICT centre, with 20 computers, and basic equipment needed to function including projectors. “We have also mapped out a site in the school premises for proposed LAFOGRAMS hostel; we have a two-year projection to set up the hostel.
“The school has played a huge role in moulding us to this level and we should be able to give back to a school that has given us this much.”While adding that the line up of events included an anniversary lecture, quiz and debate for the students, Paul said that donations were also made to the students. There was novelty match, aerobics and games between the new and old students.
“Since the event falls on the founder’s day which is March 31, we hold this celebration every five years and we are looking forward to the 55th celebration of the school.”
On his message to schools who are yet to form old student’s associations, he said it is important to continually give back to your alma mater, that way funds can be raised to support the school as it cannot be funded by PTA and the school alone.
Chairperson of the organizing committee, Juliet Kojo-Onwaeze who is a class of 95’ noted that putting up the celebration was tough, but have been worthwhile. While commenting on what the school is known for, she said that during her days, it used to be a government-owned school and was popular in Agege and its environs, “the school is known for academics and sports and till now they still have that record even as their WAEC result speaks of it.” About 20 LAFROGRAMS members received awards, including past and current principals, teachers and workers in the school. The association also cuts across the nation and the Diaspora.
