PHOTOS: Ibadan Agog As St Luke’s College Old Students Hold Reunion

2-Day Reunion Anniversary of St. Luke’s College, Molete, Ibadan Old Students’ Association.

Tunde Adeyemo,
Ibadan, Oyo State.

The ancient city of Ibadan came alive as old students of St Luke’s College, Molete, Ibadan, gathered for a 2-day reunion anniversary. The event, which took place on Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29, 2024, brought together alumni from various sets, including those who had left the college over three decades ago.

DAY 1 (Friday, 28th October, 2024).

The Old Students converged at Molete Underbridge in the morning. They all dressed in School Uniforms, customised T-Shirts and other attires. They all processed and danced towards the School entrance in carnival like event. The Team which was led by the National President of Old Students’ Association, Dr Isiaka A. Salami were received with songs of praises by the properly lined and organised Pupils and Teachers of the College.

Venerable Joseph O. Alamu, the National Patron of Old Students’ Association commissioned two significant Projects on behalf of the Millennium Sets of the College Old Students’ Association namely: Front Image with Entrance Main Gate of the College and newly renovated Academic Block of Classrooms. He eulogised the organiser of the Reunion Programme. He emphasised that these laudable projects have brought back the glory of the College and enjoined all Old Students  also known as LUKAN to always be proud of their Alma mater.

Also in attendance at the Projects commissioning were Rotarian Femi Adaramodu, National Vice President and Chief (Mrs) Adeola Oladiti, National Treasurer. Others are Dr (Mrs) Deborah Salami, Principal, St. Luke’s College 1; Mrs Alice Oyekanmi, Principal, St. Luke’s College 2 (Senior) and Mrs Taiwo Adeyemo, Principal, St. Luke’s College 2 (Junior) among other dignitaries and well wishers.

Career and Health Talks were delivered to the Students at the Assembly ground in well coordinated arrangement by the following Old Students: Mr A.S. Olayemi, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration; Mr Olaniyan Ayodeji George, Assistant Superintendent at Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Mr Lukman Yekeen, Oyo State Commander of Man O War; Dr Adewale Onasanya; Mr Shakiru Mustapha of Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO); Mr Asuni Abass FCA (Senior Prefect, 1980 Set); Mrs Bukola Alabi; Alh. Rilwan Alarape (Lecturer, Arabic School) and Mr Dapo Martins Oyewole.

Highlights of the event was the planting of the Reunion Unity Trees by the duo of Venerable Alamu and Dr Salami. Students were also given gifts of customized writing materials.

DAY 2 (Saturday, 26th October, 2024).

Grandfinale and Special Luncheon was held at a renowned event Center in Ibadan. The event, which was a perfect reunion of students who had left the College over three decades ago, was well attended.

In his Keynote Address, the National President of Old Students’ Association, Dr Isiaka A. Salami on behalf of the first, second and third (millennium) generations of the College deeply appreciated members of the Millennium Sets that packaged this most remarkable Reunion in the annals of the School. He then encouraged all members of St. Luke’s College Old Students’ Association to keep the flag flying and also continue to render their relevance to the call of the Association.

Venerable Alamu narrated the history of the School which was founded in 1948 after end of second World War. He said the CMS (now called Anglican Church) gave birth to the Teacher’s Training College at Yemetu, Ibadan which was  metamorphosed to Anglican Grammar at Kudeti, Ibadan and later to St. Luke’s College, Molete, Ibadan. He then appealed to the Government and all stakeholders to retain the school name as St. Luke’s College as that’s the real identity of the School.

The Chairman of the Reunion Planning Committee, Mr Shakiru Mustapha has earlier welcomed all the guests to the epoch making event and used the opportunity to ask the guests to observe a minute silence in honour of the departed members of Old Association most especially ex-Principal and Lukan late Mr ‘Sokan Ajayi. He also specially appreciated one of us, Mr James Anaku who freely gave us the usage of his Hotel facility for meetings and other activities prior to the Reunion day. He gave kudos to his members of the Reunion Planning Committee who worked tirelessly for the success we are witnessing in the last two days events.

While delivering her goodwill message, the Principal of St. Luke’s College School 1, Dr Deborah Salami on behalf of her colleagues eulogizes the organizer of the 2-Day impactful events. She made a request and appeal to the alumni (both at home and in the diaspora) in the  following areas: stoppage of students unrest/fighting with neighbourhood school’s students; provision of security for lives and properties; management/maintenance of existing Vocational Center; promotion of Academic/Sporting activities such as Quiz, Debate, Essay, Spelling Bee, Football/other Sports and Talent Hunt  Competitions.

The School Security Task Force was inaugurated under the leadership of Mr A S. Olayemi.

The following four distinguished personalities were awarded for their exemplary services to the Association and impactful Academic activities to the students: Venerable J.O. Alamu, National Life Patron; Dr I.A. Salami, National President, Chief (Mrs) Adeola Oladiti, National Treasurer (ably represented by Mr Sunday Adeyemo) and Mrs Ogundeji, former Principal (ably represented by Mr Idowu Adejare).

The following Set leaders also made their comments at the Luncheon: Mr Fatai Muideen (1992), Mrs Iyabo Adebanji-Ossei (1993), Prophet Seun Apena (1994), Mr Kazeem Adeyemo (1995), Mr Dapo Martins Oyewole (1996), Mr Olaniran Ayodeji Gabriel. Mrs Bimpe Bello (1999), Mr Ayofe Mufutau (2001), Miss Karimat Oladosu (2003) and Hon. Obama (2008).

The Reunion activities were given adequate pre-event publicity through the relentless support of the ace broadcasters Mr Temitope Falanu and Prince Saheed Akere. The 2-Day events were also livestreamed.

Vote of Thanks was given by Mr Femi Adaramodu while Alh. Mumeen Lawal gave the closing prayer.

The story was compiled by:

Deacon Ademola Alabi JP and Hon. Omowale Kazeem Oladepo (A.K.A. Honourable Ologo).