LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Members of the 1989 set of Aguda Grammar School (AGOSA ’89) gathered in Lagos for a historic reunion, marking their first independent assembly in over three decades, in what participants described as a deeply emotional and fulfilling experience.
The reunion, held on Easter Monday at Kanu Ndubisi Park, Alausa, Ikeja, drew alumni from across Nigeria and beyond, despite the park being filled with holiday crowds.
Undeterred, the group maintained a vibrant and well-decorated space, creating an atmosphere of celebration, nostalgia, and renewed connection.
Declaring the event open, President of the association, Ajayi Gani, expressed profound joy at the reunion, noting that it represented a significant milestone for members who last saw each other over 35 years ago.
“Thirty-five years is no small journey. Life has taken each of us on different paths, careers, families, challenges, and victories, but today, we come back together as one family,” he said.
Reflecting humorously on the passage of time, Gani who was known as Aje2 during his school days added that while many may have wondered if they would still recognise each other after so many years, the reunion proved that their shared history remained intact.
“We remember those days, the morning assemblies, friendships, laughter, cultural dances, and even those little troubles we don’t want to mention today,” he said.
He commended members of the executive committee for their dedication in bringing the reunion to life, describing the event as not just a gathering, but “the beginning of something new,” a platform for renewed unity, stronger networks, and future collaborations.
READ ALSO: Aguda Grammar School Alumni Set ’89 Announces Grand Reunion in Lagos
Speaking further in an interview, the president revealed that this was the set’s first standalone reunion, having previously participated in general alumni events. He admitted that he was initially skeptical about the idea.
“I was one of those against it at first, but I have discovered that it is very necessary, first to see each other again, then for reconnection. When we connect like this, we enlarge our network,” he said.
Also speaking, the Financial Secretary of the association, Olufunke Okolie, described the reunion as long overdue, noting that planning had taken considerable time due to financial and logistical challenges.
According to her, the event was funded through collective contributions from members, including strong support from those in the diaspora, with an estimated cost of about ₦2 million.
“It has been about 38 years for some of us. Since 1989, some members have not seen each other, and sadly, we have lost some along the way,” she said.
Okolie emphasised that beyond social interaction, the reunion serves broader purposes, including networking, mutual support, and giving back to the school.
“We want to be a support system for one another and also reach out to the school.
There are indigent students who need help, and we intend to identify key areas where we can contribute meaningfully,” she added.
She further disclosed that the group is already laying plans for a more elaborate 40th anniversary reunion in two years.
Vice President of the set, Mrs Kehinde Adesola, revealed that the idea for the reunion was conceived about seven to eight years ago, stressing its importance, especially as members advance in age.
“If we don’t have this type of gathering, old age can be boring. But when you have your old friends around you, it brings joy and comfort,” she said.
For many attendees, the reunion was a deeply personal experience. A member who travelled from Abuja, Kehinde Rashidat Oni, said reconnecting physically after decades apart was invaluable.
“It’s been 35 years since we last saw ourselves physically. I wouldn’t miss this for anything. My old friends are very important to me,” she said, encouraging others to take alumni gatherings seriously.
READ ALSO: Lagos Rolls Out HOPE Programme To Boost Education, Healthcare, Services
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Titilayo Omowunmi Kaku, attributed the success of the reunion to dedication, love, and a strong desire to reconnect with people who played formative roles in their lives.
“These are people who knew me from the beginning, people I grew up with. The memories we shared, even the little things we did as students, helped shape who we are today,” she said.
Kaku highlighted the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots, noting that revisiting the past can help shape a better future.
She also raised concerns about declining societal and educational values, urging a return to discipline and character-building practices.
“We must recognise where we went wrong and make efforts to correct it, especially for the sake of the next generation,” she said.
The reunion was not without fun and lively activities.
Members engaged in games such as Scrabble, Ludo, and quiz sessions that tested their memory of events from their school days, sparking laughter and friendly competition.
Despite the busy Easter holiday atmosphere at the venue, participants described the event as highly enjoyable, with many reliving old memories through storytelling, music, and shared experiences.