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AKOGRAMS ‘75 Set @50: Aregbesola Reiterates Importance Of Giving Back To Alma Mata

ByKazeem Badmus

PublishedJuly 14, 2025

The interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated the importance of old students giving back to their alma mater.

Aregbesola stated this on Saturday during the 50th anniversary reunion of the 1975 set of the Arigidi Akoko Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State.

The former Governor of Osun, who graduated from the school, urged his colleagues to continue to contribute to the school’s development in their little ways, adding that the school is “our collective memory and eternal reference.”

Aregbesola, while delivering his speech titled “We Are Fulfilled,” said that reflecting on the past 50 years has made him appreciate the period he was in school, which he described as the most important period of his life.

The former two-term governor of Osun State while urging his colleagues to remain steadfast, said although some of them are facing challenges, “it is the courage we bring into it that is important.

“We are a resilient people and natural survivors. We thrive, in spite of the adversities we face; and that we are alive today is an indisputable testimony of that.”

Aregbesola, who prayed for those who have passed on among them, urged his colleagues not to give up on their hopes and aspirations.

Aregbesola said, “It gives me great pleasure to be here with you once again for the 50th reunion anniversary of our alma mater. The last time I was with you like this was in Akure in 2023, after my stewardship as federal minister, when you hosted me to a reception. I hold very fond memories of that warm and cordial welcome.

“We met in secondary school as innocent teenagers, but left as adolescents. We were full of hopes and aspirations, with fires in our eyes, determined to take the world by storm and change it.

“In the journey, there have been smooth, rough, dangerous, and deathly bends. We all had moments of great accomplishments, disappointment, fulfilment, pain, sadness, and joy.

“In some ways, great or small, we have all changed and been changed by that world. But we are still standing and have earned an M.Sc. (Master of Situation and Circumstances) in the course of life. Glory be to God!

“Those among us who have passed on, may God rest them. While we have not given up on our hopes and aspirations and the goodness that life will still yield for us, we can all say that we have witnessed life in its varieties and feel largely fulfilled by the outcomes.”

“Those of us still alive should appreciate the mercies of God for keeping us thus far. May God keep giving us good health and things to be joyful about concerning our families, our community, and our nation.

“Each time I reflect on the journey these past 50 years, I come to greater appreciation of the period I was in the school and I can say it was the most important period in my life. Though I hardly see any of you again, except occasionally and at moments like this, be assured that you are always in my thoughts. Your memory with me will be eternal.

“Some of us may be going through some challenges of health, finances, concerns about our children and grandchildren, the state of our nation, and other matters individual-specific. But I want you to know that challenges are temporary, it is the courage we bring into it that is important,” he noted.

Kazeem Badmus

Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.