(UPDATED) 70TH ANNIVERSARY: LAGGSOGA HOSTS GLOBAL REUNION, LAUNCHES N250M ENDOWMENT FUND (PHOTOS)

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By: Ajape Sefiu A.

The Lagos Anglican Girls’ Grammar School Old Girls Association (LAGGSOGA) has marked the school’s 70th Founder’s Day anniversary with a grand global reunion and the launch of a whooping N250 million endowment fund.

The event, held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos, brought together alumnae from across the globe to celebrate the rich legacy of their alma mater and contribute to its continued development.

Founded on January 27th, 1955, Lagos Anglican Girls’ Grammar School (LAGGS) has spanned across seven decades. This highlights the school’s remarkable achievements in academics, discipline, and character-building over the years.

In her welcome address, LAGGSOGA President, Mrs. Grace Ben-Okezie, highlighted the importance of the endowment fund, adding that the initiative is not only a gesture of gratitude but also a testament to LAGGSOGA’s commitment to equipping the school to tackle the evolving challenges of modern education.

According to her, the association’s goal is to nurture today’s young girls into poised and resilient women who will lead and shape tomorrow while continuing to uphold and enrich the school’s legacy.

She added that the theme, Cherished Memories, Reunion, and Fundraising, “encapsulates the essence of our gathering—honoring our past, strengthening our present bonds, and building a brighter future for our beloved alma mater.

The president went further: “For seventy remarkable years, Lagos Anglican Girls’ Grammar School has stood as a beacon of excellence, shaping young girls into women of integrity, resilience, and purpose; lady warriors designed to gracefully confront and vanquish our challenges.

She added, “Each of us here carries memories: cherished memories of our time within our school’s walls; memories of friendship, learning, and the values that have become the foundation of our lives; memories of corrections and guidance; memories that at times bring tears to the eyes.

“This auspicious event is, therefore, a testament to the enduring spirit of our sisterhood, LAGGSOGA. It goes beyond just a reunion; it is also a call to action, a commitment to raise the banner higher by giving more back to the institution that nurtured us and continues to mold generations of young women.”

On her own part, LAGGS Old Girl (1966/70 Set) and retired Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Williams Josephine Oluseyi passionately underscored the critical need for unwavering and comprehensive support for the school.

She said, “Empowering this association means empowering one another, our institution and the generation that will follow in our footsteps.

“If you appreciate what the school has done, you can pay back so that the legacy of that school will continue to grow.

“We should encourage one another to serve as ambassadors for the alma mater by promoting its values, mission and achievements to their respective networks,” she added.

Also speaking to Hotjist, the Chairperson, reunion planning committee, Mrs. Jomion Olayinka Shogbola, said, “The endowment fund is raised not for old girls but for those in school so that we can improve on the existing standard and make sure that all the girls are happy, they are learning in a conducive environment and of course we must enhance teaching as well.”

The president/founder of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria and the president of the LAGGS 1982 set, Dr. Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo, revealed how excited she felt to witness such a great reunion.

She said, “To have all of us in the same room to celebrate our dear school at 70 is exhilarating. It’s been exciting. You see there’s so much excitement; nobody is keeping quiet because we’re so fond, we’re so excited, we’re honored.

“We’re thankful to God that he would preserve our lives to see such a wonderful celebration for our alma mater.

“The school has shown so much in us,” she said.

The event also recognized and honored several outstanding individuals with prestigious awards, with the Lifetime Achievement Award being presented to Lady Olabisi Abiona Abeni, a member of LAGGS’ first graduating set.

A Posthumous Award was given to the late principal, Mrs. Oluyomi Olufikun Labode, as well as to Mrs. Patience Feyintola, both received by their respective families.

The Outstanding Service Award was awarded to Mrs. Jomion Olayinka Shogbola, while the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award went to Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo.

Likewise, Mrs. Adenike Oyefeso received the Excellence in Leadership Award, and Mrs. Olasubomi Iginla Aina was honored with the Award for Positive Influence in the Community Through Services and Initiatives.

In addition, a Generational Award was given to the Ijeoma family in recognition of their legacy, as three generations—grandmother, mother, and daughter—attended LAGGS.

The Honorary Alumnae Award was presented to the Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, as well as to the Nigeria Bottling Company and the Nigerian Breweries.

Also awarded as the Most Turnout Set at the event were the LAGGS 1988/89 and 1986 sets for their remarkable participation.

The fundraising, a key highlight of the LAGGSOGA reunion, featured various graduated sets contributing generously to support the development of their alma mater.

A particularly notable donation of 500,000 naira was made by Lady Olabisi Abiona Abeni, a distinguished member of LAGGS’ first.

Special guests at the event include AIG (Rtd.) Yetunde Longe, the first female Secretary of the Nigeria Police Force; Hon. Iyom Josephine Anenih, former Minister of Women Affairs; Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU); and Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, MD Lotus Bank.

The groundbreaking reunion ended with a ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake, followed by a group photo session featuring all LAGGSOGA sets.