Ilesa Grammar School to Mark 90th Anniversary in Grand Style

By Damola Emmanuel 

For nine decades, it has maintained its prime position among the most sought-after grammar schools in Nigeria, in the West African sub-region and in Africa. For 90 years, it has held its ground firmly and proudly among secondary schools in Nigeria that offer world-class standard of education, producing producing exceptional leaders, world renowned technocrats and legends across all sectors of human endeavour.

Wherever its products are, whether in governance, the academia, legal jurisprudence, corporate world, commerce and industry, media, banking and finance, engineering, sports and recreation, they shine like a million stars flying the flag of Omoluabi with pride and dignity.

That is why all roads will lead to Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa, Osun State, where, for a whole week in February, the old students, eminent Nigerians, and friends of the school from across the globe will gather to celebrate the school’s 90^th anniversary of its establishment and the phenomenal impact it has made over the years.

Yes, roll out the drums! Blow the trumpet! Ilesa Grammar School, the oldest secondary school in Ijesaland and second oldest in Osun State, and a  member of the prestigious AIONIAN elite schools in Yorùbáland is 90!

Announcing the week-long celebration, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 90th Anniversary, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, a former Commissioner of Finance in Osun State, said the activities marking the incredible milestone will start from Monday, February 5, and run till Sunday, February 11, 2024.

“We are set to receive the world,” he enthused.

During the anniversary week, Dr. Bolorunduro emphasized, some landmark projects executed by the Old Students Association will be commissioned. There will be anniversary lecture; special sporting activities including soccer and the school’s annual inter-house sports; presentation of awards to deserving alumni who have flown the school’s flag very high across the world; courtesy visits to the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran II;  community outreach activities including free medicals and charity donation to the School of Handicapped Children, among others.

The National President, Ilesa Grammar School Old Students’ Association (ILEGSOSA), Engr. (Dr.) Obisesan Daramola, underscored the significance of the 90^th anniversary of the great institution, saying it goes beyond just counting the numbers.

Praising the Old Students Association for their gigantic efforts in making the school to stand proudly among its peers, he recalled the years when the wind of government policy sommersault blew the school with the force of hurricane but was made to stand firm by the resolute resolve of the old students who worked assiduously to ensure that nothing diminishes the glory of Ilesa Grammar School.

“Indeed, we have every cause to praise God and celebrate,” Engr. Daramola said, promising eminent Nigerians that will flood Ilesa for the week of celebration an exhilarating experience.

“Our great school, Ilesa Grammar School, is set to receive the world,” Dr. Biodun Oguniyi, Secretary of the Organising Committee quipped. “The anniversary will be a unique experience for all stakeholders, Old Students, our guests, current students, and, indeed, Ijesaland.”

Below is the programme of events as released by Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, Chairman of the Organising Committee:

• Monday, February 5, 2024 (FOUNDER’S DAY)

• Press Conference-10 a.m.
• Anniversary Road Walk-12 p.m
  • Courtesy call on Owa Obòkun of Ijesaland, other traditional rulers and societies in Ijesaland-2p.m

• Tuesday, February 6, 2024
  

• Planting of Anniversary Trees- 9 a.m.
• Courtesy calls-from 11 a.m.
  • Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke;
  • Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly & Chairman House Committee on Education, Chairman SUBEB
  • Commissioner of Education
  • Egbe Atunluse: EXCO and Dignitaries
  • Vice Chancellor, University of Ilesa

• Wednesday, February 7, 2024: 11am-1p.m
  

• Interactive Session with ILEGRAMS 1985 Set
• Theme: Social Media in the 21^st Century: Impacts on Academic Excellence, Moral Values and Way Forward
  

• Thursday, February 8, 2024: 9 a.m.-4p.m.
  

• Students Day
• ILEGRAMS 2024 Inter House Sports Grand finale.
• Novelty Match – Old and Current Students
• Community outreach activities (free medicals and charity donation to the School of Handicap Children)

• Friday, February 9, 2024: Old Students in Diaspora’s Day (OSID)
  

• Lecture, Presentation of Awards, Donations to indigent students (textbooks, notebooks, uniforms)
• Gift to best students (male and female) from JS1 to SS3
• Jumat Prayers at Ilesa Central Mosque

• Saturday, 10th February 2024: GRAND FINALE: From 10 a.m.
  

• Projects Commissioning and Exhibitions by 10 a.m
• Foundation laying of the National Secretariat
• Anniversary Lecture by 12 p.m.

(Title: Stakeholder Involvement: Shaping the Future of Learning; Towards the Future of Work)

• Banquet – Roll of Honour and awards (2pm to 4pm)

• Expected Dignitaries
  

• Special Guest of Honour – His Excellency, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State
  • 90th Anniversary Lecture and Banquet Chairman- Alumnus Chief Wole Olanipekun CFR., SAN, LL.D
  • 90th Anniversary Lecture and Banquet Co-Chairman – Alumnus Pastor E. A. Adeboye
• 90th Anniversary Lecturer – Alumnus Dr. Akin Fapohunda, FNCS.
• Royal Father of the Day – His Imperial Majesty, Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LL. D
  

• Sunday, February11, 2024, by 10 a.m
  • Anniversary Thanksgiving Service @ St John’s Cathedral Iloro, Ile