The Seminary Saint Anne’s Old Girls’ Association has urged the Oyo State Government to support its drive to launch St. Anne’s School, Ibadan back to glory by showing greater commitment to the development of the school.
The alumni association also stressed the need for the government to mark the school’s boundary so as to enable them construct perimeter fence round it for the security of the girls.
In her speech at the induction ceremony of the national officers of the Old Girls held alongside the dedication of various projects and the group’s extraordinary general meeting on Monday, the National President of SSASOGA, Similolaoluwa Onabanjo, harped on the importance of securing the environment as well as fostering quality education.
Onabanjo, who listed series of projects embarked upon to restore the school to an enviable standard, called for urgent intervention from the government and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Making particular reference to the situation at Saint Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, she said that SSASOGA remained committed to keeping alive the dream of the missionaries to making the school a leading light in moral, fear of God and quality education.
She said, “We want the government to come in areas of safety and security. If they define our boundary, we know how to secure it. Now, we don’t know where to build walls to prevent intrusion, so we cannot fortify ourselves against the enemy.”
She described the return of schools to the missionaries as a lofty idea, saying that missionary schools give sound education and good moral upbringing to learners. “In our own case, our missionaries were young women without husbands and families. They sacrificed their lives for us and that is why we are so passionate. That is the driving force for us to do better. They died of malaria because they were foreigners. That is why we are trying to uplift their legacy so that they would not die in vain.
“The missionaries brought quality education and fear of God, but they also brought religion. We want to continue the way the missionaries wanted it. Education without the fear of the almighty is nothing, so I support the return of schools provided the mission is able and willing to take the responsibility,” she said.
Lauding SSASOGA on its efforts on on the occasion, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State, Rahman Abiodun, said, “We would do the needful to ensure that you get the best from the government. By the time we got to this place, we noticed positive developments.
“The current administration is determined to leave the stage better than it met it.
“We have to thank God for sparing our lives to witness today’s occasion. Allow me to appreciate the leadership and members of SSASOGA for their previous contributions to the development of education in this great school and in the state in general.
“Old Girls associations like theirs played significant roles in complimenting government’s efforts in the achievement of educational objectives in the state. Some of them have constructed classrooms, rehabilitated dilapidated school buildings, donated books to schools’ libraries, engaged the services of ad hoc teachers for our students, awarded scholarship to deserving students and sometimes construct befitting toilets for the use of our students.
“We believe that government alone cannot fund education, therefore, it is imperative that the private sector, philanthropists, missionaries, other associations and stakeholders partner with government to get the desired result.
“Let me assure you that the present administration in the state will continue to give education the needed priority. We see your contributions as great opportunity towards promoting the efforts of the Oyo State Government at making quality education accessible to our future generations.
“I would like to congratulate Seminary-St. Anne’ School Old Girls Association for the construction and donation of the staff room blocks to St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan. There is no doubt that the facility will make teaching and learning activities in the school easier and improve the academic and infrastructural developments of the school. It is our prayer that Almighty God shall continue to bless all the members of this great association with good health and the material resources to do more for our children in the state.”
Addressing the Girls, the Chairman of Teaching Service Commission in the state, Akinade Alamu, said, “You have done us proud today and it would be unfair to just leave like that. About three months ago, I remarked that there is no limit to the power of a good woman and you have shown that. Just three weeks ago, some women prevented Jagaban from entering the National Assembly; that is the power of women.
“I will say that SSASOGA will continue to have its way. God has raised somebody that I can describe as an activist (Onabanjo). She is active and hardworking. She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it. She wants best teachers for the school and she wants an old girl to be the principal. She wants more; she wants better things for the school.
“Regarding Government College and St. Anne’s School, Ibadan, the boys and the girls of those days are still working very hard. We know what you are passing through; we know what is at stake here on the issue of land boundary. We are experiencing tough time in the world today as regards Russia and Ukraine. Despite this situation, the world would still sit down and dialogue. We are intervening regarding the issue of land as touching the school. I want you to continue to work together. In an atmosphere of peace, there will always be progress.”
In her address, the Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Grace Olabisi Oderinde, urged SSASOGA to remain resolute in its vision by continuing to turn challenges to stepping stones for greater impacts.
Other officials of the state government in attendance on the occasion were Aminat Atere, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; and the Director of School, Mrs CO Bolaji.
