It was a day of excitement, nostalgia, and giving back, as old students of LA Nursery and Primary School, Okeyinmi, Ado Ekiti, reunited to mark the 70th anniversary of their alma mater.
Dressed in customised T-shirts, the alumni shared fond memories of their time at the school, reconnecting with classmates after several decades.
The event featured the commissioning of a newly constructed borehole water facility with a powering generator and the unveiling of a prominent school signboard at the entrance; the projects were initiated by the old students to support the school’s development.
As part of the celebration, awards were presented to some retired teachers in recognition of their contributions to the lives of the students and the growth of the school.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Old Students’ Association, Mr. Dapo Akinyemi, expressed gratitude to the school for laying the foundation of success in their lives.
He said the projects were the alumni’s way of complementing the government’s efforts in improving infrastructure in public schools, assuring that more developmental projects would be carried out by the alumni shortly.
While commending the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for renovating some of the school’s buildings, Engr. Akinyemi appealed to the government to rehabilitate the access road leading into the school.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Femi Akinwumi, the Board’s representative, Mr. Olufemi Dada, lauded the Oyebanji-led administration for its commitment to revamping the education sector, especially through infrastructure upgrades and improved welfare for teachers.
Mr. Dada encouraged the pupils to stay focused on their studies, reminding them that they too would one day become alumni who could contribute to the school’s progress.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Ado Local Government, Chief Bosun Osaloni, praised the alumni for their initiative and urged other old students’ associations across the state to emulate the gesture, emphasising that such community-driven efforts are key to achieving sustainable development in local schools.
The Education Secretary for Ado Local Government, Mr. Toyin Omotosho, applauded the alumni for organising the anniversary celebration and encouraged the pupils to be proud ambassadors of the school while charging the teachers to remain committed to imparting knowledge that will prepare the children for future leadership.
Representing the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the Odogun of Ado Ekiti, High Chief Festus Abegunde, noted that LA Nursery and Primary School had produced many successful individuals in society, calling on the pupils to avoid truancy and other negative behaviours that could hinder their future.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs. C.O. Oki, appreciated the old students for their kind gesture and also thanked the Ekiti State Government and other stakeholders for their contributions to the growth of the school. She pledged that the school would continue to nurture credible pupils who would contribute positively to society.
The 70th anniversary celebration ended on a high note, with a renewed sense of pride and a collective commitment to the continued growth and development of the school.
