By Correspondent in Ilorin
The 2000 set of the Ilorin Grammar School (IGS), Alumni association, Kwara state, has called on the state government to build perimeter fence around schools in the state for security reasons.
Speaking during the 20th reunion ceremony of the Class 2000 of the school in Ilorin at the weekend, the chairman of the set, Mr. Shola Lawal, said that lack of perimeter fence had encouraged vandalization of school property by miscreants.
“The major problem we are facing is the fence demarcating IGS. Many people are trekking through the school to different places. These are the people who vandalise property of the IGS,” he said.
Lawal commended the state government for giving approval for the building of dinning hall, boarding facility, laboratory in the school among other requests of the association.
The chairman of the set who, noted the delay in implementation of the projects, attributing it to the recent economic recession in the country, expressed the hope that the projects would come to fruition before the end of first quarter of 2021.
He said that members of the group, who started membership with WhatsApp group, said the set had renovated six class rooms, constructed one, supplied 49 computer sets, and furnished the computer room, adding that, “we are still looking forward to do more.”
“We started with renovation of the school gate at about N30,000 when we tasked ourselves between N1,000 and N2,000 because we saw the gate had dilapidated,” he said.
He canvassed for endownment or trust fund among members for emergency or for members in need, “to keep the flag flying, preserve the name and remain good ambassadors of the school.”
Also speaking, the National President of the old students association, Alhaji Alabi Folorunsho Owolabi, urged members of the association in advantaged positions to extend their hands of fellowship to others.
“Some of us are in advantage position why some are still looking for the glory of God. Please, let’s extend our hands of fellowship. I want to implore some of us who say I do not have Lexus Jeep, I will not go to old students meeting to have a change of mind.
They say if others are parking cars, I will park motorcycle. I will say let us go, may be you may find your helper there.
“Those of us that came with Lexus Jeep should remember those that came with motorbike. Those that came with motorbike can also render assistance to those that came with Lexus jeep. For the fact that we have Lexus jeep, today, does not mean that we won’t need the assistance of those who dont have anything.
” What is essential is oneness. It is through oneness that we will be able to get the full advantage of being in the same environment”, he said.
Owolabi, who said that the school had about 45 sets of old students’ associations, noted that the 2000 set had been very special, adding that not because members of the set had money but their commitment to the aims and objectives of the association.
According to him, this is exemplified by what they had been able to donate to their alma mater.
The Principal of the school, Alhaji Abubakar Toyin, who was represented by Mrs Ibrahim Alifa, expressed gratitude to the old students of the school for their efforts in improving the physical infrastructure of the school, one of the earlier secondary schools in the state.
Our correspondent reports that highpoint of the programme was the presentation of gifts to six senior secondary school students of the school who distinguished themslves in academic activities in their various classes.
Miss Aminat Shola, who spoke on behalf of awardees, expressed gratitude to the old students for their gesture.
