By our Reporter
The increase in movement of our greatest minds to other countries of the world in search of greener pastures referred to as japa syndrome among our youths has further led to brain drain in our country leaving a huge impact on our society. In the wake of this, Abeokuta Grammar School Old Boys Association (AGSOBA), will be spending quality time to discuss and lead advocacy on this during its 116th Founder’s Day Anniversary.
According to Tosin Adesile,Global Publicity Secretary noted that the Anniversary will hold from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st July, 2024 in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The Seven-day event with the Theme: “Brain Drain & Its Impact on the society“ will organize an anniversary lecture on Wednesday 17th,2024 with the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Olusola Kehinde, deliver a lecture on the theme of the celebration after which the alumni association will commission a couple of projects, recognize outstanding Old Boys, induct the latest set of graduating students into the Agsoba family as well as hold her Annual General Meeting to elect new leaders.
Speaking on the proposed programme of events, the association’s President-General, Agsoba (Chief) Sunday Oduntan, an Egba High Chief and Executive Director of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), expressed confidence at the pride of place of Abeokuta Grammar School amongst the comity of legacy schools in the country. Oduntan said the Alumni’s effort at making sure Abeokuta Grammar School remained the pride of all by continually contributing her resources to the growth and development of the school is non-negotiable.
“Our school has continued to maintain the lead in academics as well as in various extra-curricular endeavours. Over the course of 116 years, the school has delivered matchless excellence in academics, sports and even arts. We have produced some of the finest names across the Nigerian and indeed global space. This is our legacy, this is our heritage of which we are well proud of,” he said.
Going further, Oduntan thanked all old boys home and abroad for their unflinching support in building the school particularly the building of a new hall to support learning in our school.
“From North America to the UK and Ireland; from Lagos to Abeokuta and Ibadan, we have gotten a strong alumni base that has continually given their finances to keep the school on the path of academic excellence.”
The anniversary celebration will be heralded with a press parley on 15th July, 2023 chronicling the activities of the alumni and achievements of the current leadership in the last one year. Other activities include a Valedictory Service and Call to Agsoba, Staff Appreciation Dinner, Anniversary Lecture, a social Variety Night and the Annual General Meeting where new executives will be elected and an award/dinner night. Various projects in the school would be commissioned while Special Jumaat and Thanksgiving Services will make up the rest of the events.
Abeokuta Grammar School was established in 1908 in Abeokuta and has produced a long list of distinguished old students including businessman,Lawyers, Celebrated Medical Doctors and traditional ruler including; Late Oba Oyebade Lipede,Late Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, the Osile of Oke Ona Egba; Afrobeat legend and Activist , Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, his brothers, legendary paediatrician Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and the academic, Dr. Beko Kuti; Professor Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria; Mr. Tunde Kelani, legendary filmmaker; Retd Air Vice Marshal Al-Amin Daggash, former Chief of Defence Staff; Hon. Lanre Laoshe, former member, Federal House of Representatives; Daniel Anidugbe aka Kizz Daniel, popular afrobeat artist amongst others.
