By Esther Onyegbula

Oludaye Grammar School, Oba Akoko, Ondo State, at the weekend marked its 50th anniversary with a strong call for strengthened alumni participation as the institution celebrated five decades of academic excellence, heritage, and community development.

The golden jubilee, which drew together past students from across generations, spotlighted the school’s expanding development drive and honoured distinguished alumni whose contributions continue to shape the institution.

The strongest moment of the celebration was the recognition of Prince Adejugbe Tony Ademuyiwa, President of the Class of 1982, who received the Distinguished Old Student Award for his leadership and sustained commitment to the school’s growth.

A son of the royal household of the late Olukun of Ikun, His Royal Highness Oba Timothy Adelusi Ademuyiwa II, Prince Ademuyiwa was celebrated for embodying the school’s values of integrity, service, and community responsibility.

The event also highlighted the various development projects executed by different alumni sets in recent years—projects organisers described as evidence of the school’s growing culture of giving back.

Among the projects were: a solar-powered borehole donated by Oba indigenes in the diaspora; a 3.5KVA inverter from the Class of 1988/89; five laptops from the Class of 1982; refurbishment of the school dam by the Class of 1998; salary support for two teachers by the Class of 1993; renovation of three classrooms by the Class of 1984; and 40 new lockers and chairs donated by the Class of 1981.

The Class of 1982 received additional praise for sponsoring two NYSC corps members, fully funding their monthly stipends and providing accommodation throughout their service year.

The anniversary ably coordinated by Elder Rotimi Olanrewaju and his assistant Chief Ododo also featured colourful displays of class identity. The Class of 1981 recorded the highest attendance, while the Class of 1982 drew admiration for appearing in the original school uniform—an act that triggered widespread nostalgia among guests.

This year’s awards honoured alumni whose impact reflects the values on which the school was founded. Recipients included Prince Tony Ademuyiwa and Hon. Ade Adeogun (both Class of 1982); Hon. Ayo Ajana; Elder Jasper Abiodun Ologunore; and Chief Richard Arohunmolase (Class of 1981). Posthumous recognitions were given to former principal Mr. Akinkugbe, and late mathematics teacher Engr. Felix Igbekele Oki, among others.

Tributes poured in for Prince Ademuyiwa from classmates and mentors, including Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Ogunsakin, the Iya Ewe of Ikare Land, who described him as “a child of promise” whose leadership has remained consistent since his school days.

Members of the Class of 1982—Mr. Felix Olotu, Mrs. Florence Sule, Mrs. Lydia Olowolayemo, Mrs. Idowu Ayodele, Mrs. Funmi Fadowo, and Mr. Rotimi Bola—also commended his humility and commitment to uniting the set.

Speaking after receiving the award, Prince Ademuyiwa urged alumni across the world to reconnect and contribute to the school’s development.

“We are who we are today because Oludaye Grammar School gave us a chance as children,” he said. “These classrooms and teachers shaped our futures. Our school needs us now more than ever, and I encourage all old students to actively support the Association.”

The 50th anniversary ended with renewed pledges from alumni to sustain the school’s legacy, as stakeholders expressed optimism that with continued collaboration, Oludaye Grammar School is poised for greater milestones in the years ahead.