AGGSOGA celebrates 70 years of Excellence: A Week of Joy, Gratitude and Reunion, by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, Ottawa, Canada
It was a week-long celebration of excellence, sisterhood and nostalgia as the Abeokuta Girls Grammar School Old Students Association (AGGSOGA) marked the 70th anniversary of their beloved alma mater.
The festivities began with a Community Walk and Health Checks, followed by sporting activities, a cocktail party sponsored by Mrs. Kusamotu, gala night, and a special thanksgiving service at the historic St Peter’s Church, Ake. The service, attended by the paramount ruler, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, featured a Bible lesson taken from 1 Samuel, 17, verses 32 to 50, read by AGGSOGA Global President, Mrs. Olusolape Ajibola.
Bishop Oludaisi Adekunle delivered a sermon, urging the old girls not to relent on their efforts to groom the current students. He acknowledged their good deeds and likened it to the exemplary lifestyle of Dorcas in the Bible, according to Acts 9:36-43. He added that women should covet the wisdom of Abigail, Dorcas, and Mary Magdalene.
The Thanksgiving service was a grand finale to the anniversary celebrations, with the old girls turning out in stunning attire, complete with uniform blue and white headties made from the iconic Aso Oke fabric. Their voices echoed through the church as they sang hymns and praises, filled with gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate this remarkable milestone.
Former teachers, including Mrs. Sobukunola and Miss James were also in attendance. The immediate past Global President, Yeye Otunba Adetola Hassan, was in high spirits as she danced and reunited with old friends and classmates. The first Headgirl, octogenarian Mrs. Adedoyin Onayiga was practically bouncing with joy as the younger year sets and current students milled around her.
The gala night, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, featured award ceremonies, cultural performances, and a surprise honor for Mrs. Ajibola, who received a wooden gold-plated plaque in recognition of her unrelenting passion and unshakeable commitment to the causes of the old girls and their alma mater.
Throughout the celebrations, the atmosphere was filled with nostalgia, laughter, and tears of joy, as the alumni reunited and celebrated their shared heritage. It was a truly unforgettable experience, one that will be etched in their hearts forever.
