Maale Old Students Stage Historic Homecoming, Roll Out Development Agenda

 

By: Festus Olayemi Oke

In a landmark gathering that blended nostalgia with forward-looking purpose, the Old Students Association of Maale Comprehensive High School, Igbesa (OSAMCOHS), convened its first-ever National Physical Reunion on Saturday, April 25, 2026, drawing alumni from across generations and professional backgrounds.

Held within the school premises and themed “Reuniting to Rekindle the Bond,” the event attracted former students from sets spanning 1982 to recent graduates, alongside community leaders and dignitaries. The reunion marked a significant step in consolidating the association’s structure and strengthening its role as a driver of development for the school and the wider Igbesa community.

Beyond the social excitement, the gathering doubled as a platform for renewed commitment to institutional support. Participants explored ways to deepen alumni engagement, expand mentorship opportunities for current students, and mobilise resources for infrastructural and academic improvements.

A key feature of the programme was a free medical outreach, where attendees benefited from basic health screenings and consultations. The initiative underscored the association’s emphasis on members’ wellbeing and its broader interest in promoting healthy living within the alumni community.

In his address, National President of OSAMCOHS, Mr. Adewale Olatunde, FCA, described the reunion as more than a ceremonial gathering, noting that it represents “a strategic convergence of minds and resources aimed at repositioning our alma mater for greater excellence.”

He stressed that the association is focused on building a sustainable support system for the school through structured interventions, partnerships, and consistent engagement among members at home and in the diaspora.

Also speaking, Chief Lukmon Arinle, an alumnus, commended the leadership for what he termed a “well-coordinated and impactful initiative,” adding that the reunion provides a renewed sense of identity and belonging among former students.

“This is not just about reconnecting; it is about taking responsibility,” he said, urging members to translate their shared experiences into tangible contributions that will benefit future generations of students.

Delivering a goodwill message at the event, the President of the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN), Alhaji Chief Muhammed Olagbaye, applauded the association for sustaining the spirit of unity and collective progress among its members. He encouraged alumni not to relent in their commitment to education, describing it as the strongest pillar for community development.

He further noted that gatherings such as the OSAMCOHS reunion serve as a reminder of shared roots and responsibilities, urging members to continue investing their time, resources, and expertise into initiatives that will uplift both the school and the larger society.

Over the years, OSAMCOHS has executed several projects through different graduating sets, including the installation of a borehole to improve water supply, educational support programmes, and health awareness initiatives. Stakeholders at the reunion called for the scaling up of such interventions through a more unified and strategic approach.

Royal goodwill was conveyed by the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, HRM Oba Akinde Abdulazeez Oluwatoyin, FCA, who was represented at the event. The monarch lauded the association’s consistent support for education and community development, urging members to sustain the momentum.

The occasion was further graced by the presence of the Okanlomo of Igbesaland, Chief Musiliu Akinogun, as well as the Olodan of Odan Land, Oba Engr. Teslim Nosiru, alongside other prominent personalities, reflecting the significance of the gathering within the local community.

The reunion featured a mix of networking sessions, interactive engagements among different sets, and moments of reflection on the school’s legacy. Alumni shared personal success stories, reconnected with old classmates, and discussed collaborative ventures aimed at empowering both members and current students.

As the event drew to a close, participants expressed optimism that the maiden reunion would serve as a springboard for more structured and impactful engagements in the years ahead.

With its successful debut, the OSAMCOHS National Reunion has set a clear tone—one that combines unity, service, and a shared determination to elevate Maale Comprehensive High School to greater heights.