Alumni reminds Sanwo-Olu of land request, as New Era 79/84 girls celebrates 40th anniversary ...Donates Chemistry lab, Computer Sets to Alma Mater

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The New Era Girls Secondary School Alumni Association has reiterated their  request for a parcel of land to help build a new one from the Lagos State Government in the name of their Alma mater.

The Association has during its 75th anniversary in 2023, asked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to give them a parcel of land, anywhere in the state to enable them build another school, citing the 1974 decision of the government to locate the Teslim Balogun Stadium on more than 75 percent of their school premises. 

Mrs. Nike Bankole, National President of the association who made the call in 2023, reiterated the request over the weekend, after the 1984 graduating set of NEGSS donated a Chemistry Laboratory and some desktop computer sets to their Alma mater.

It was to mark their 40th graduation anniversary celebrations. 

A three-day celebration started on Thursday 17th October, with the handing over of the refurbished laboratory and PC sets, followed by an interreligious thanksgiving service held inside the Lady Kofoworola Ademola Memorial Hall. 

Class Governor, Erelu Olubukola Adéyemí, speaking during the Thursday handing over said that the group started with about four of the members in 2017, thanking God for sparing lives of members and making it possible for them to maintain the bond on sisterhood created over forty years ago.

Erelu Adéyemí said the reunion is an opportunity to give back to the institution that gave them so much. She expressed confidence that the refurbished laboratory will inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. 

She also added that donation of desktop computers to the "Junior arm of the school will equip students with the tools they need to excel in today's world".

Friday, witnessed a thanksgiving ceremony, where the group held prayers both for those present and those in absentia. Prayers were also offered for leaders of the country as well as the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, which speakers agreed had done a lot for the educational sector particularly. 

In her remarks, the 40th Anniversary celebrations organising committee chairperson, Dr. Folashade Balogun Joseph thanked  Principlals  of both the Junior, and Senior  partners and the Lagos Government for the cooperation, support and encouragement they received to make the projects a reality.

Balogun also urged the "Green Butterflies" to remain forward looking, adding that "the strength of the school lies not just in its history but also in the opportunities we can create for l generations to come." 

The event continues on its third day on Saturday, 19th October with a gala night at the Radisson Blu, VI, with the Class Governor kicked off the evening with warm but brief opening remarks, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the milestone achievements, including the refurbishment of the Chemistry lab and the donation of desktops to the junior school. 

She emphasised the importance of committing to yearly reunions to strengthen the bonds within the group.

The event was graced by special guests, including: Immediate Past President of the National Alumni Body, Mrs. Nike Bankole, The Vice President, Mrs. Jibike Onigbanjo, the principals of both the Junior and Senior schools and other personal guests of the alumni

In her closing remarks, Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Dr. Folashade Balogun Jose expressed deep appreciation to members for their contribution to the success of the celebrations encouraging them to to be proud of what they had accomplished as a set.