Dr Femi Bakre
Ago-Iwoye Secondary School, Ago-Iwoye, in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, was established in 1954. The school, which ranks as one of the first generation and foremost secondary schools in Ogun State, has turned out men and women who are movers and shakers in the society, and by dint of their successes in their various careers have put Ago-Iwoye Secondary School on the world map as an alma mater to reckon with.
Flowing from the school’s contributions to education development and achievements recorded in its 70 years existence, Ago-Iwoye Secondary School Old Students Association (AISSOSA), has decided to roll out the drums to celebrate the great milestone attained by the school. In order to give the school a befitting celebration, a planning committee known as Platinum Anniversary Celebration Committee (PACC) has been emplaced to give the school a befitting celebration.
The Platinum Anniversary Celebration Committee has as its Chairman a renowned and astute banker, Oluomo (Dr) Femi Bakre, the Pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Parallex Bank. Dr Bakre, in an interview with Great Achiever Magazine, speaks on a wide range of issues concerning Ago-Iwoye Secondary School, as well as his plans to deliver a successful Platinum Anniversary Celebration.
Excerpts.
The 70th Anniversary Celebration of Ago-Iwoye Secondary School is taking place soon. As the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, please tell us what people should expect.
As we commemorate 70 years of excellence, this celebration is about transformation and unity. First, we are focused on changing the face of the school—upgrading its infrastructure, reviving its facilities, and creating an environment that fosters quality education for current and future generations.
This milestone also presents an opportunity to bring together all the stakeholders—students, teachers, alumni, parents, and well-wishers, to collectively contribute to the growth and development of our beloved school.
In addition, a major highlight of the celebration is the mobilization of an endowment fund, with the target of raising a minimum of N500,000,000. This fund will serve as a foundation for long-term sustainable developmental projects that will ensure the school continues to excel as an institution of learning and character building. It is also incumbent on us to keep the dreams of the founding fathers of Ago-Iwoye Secondary School alive, and this anniversary celebration offers a veritable opportunity for us to keep the flag flying.
In the 70 years of Ago-Iwoye Secondary School’s existence, tell us some of the things that people could be proud of about the school.
Ago-Iwoye Secondary School has an impressive legacy that we are proud of. Over the decades, the school has produced numerous eminent personalities who have excelled in their various fields—academia, business, politics, science, arts, to mention but a few. These individuals have contributed immensely to the sustainable growth of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large.
Moreover, the school has consistently nurtured champions and talents, fostering excellence both within and outside the classroom. From academic achievements to extracurricular success, the school has made its mark as a cradle of exceptional individuals. So, Ago-Iwoye Secondary School, being the oldest school in its locality, served as role model to upcoming secondary schools in the area who tapped from the template already established by the school.
The 70th Anniversary Celebration is being organized by the Old Students Association. What are the significant contributions of the Association to the school’s development?
The Old Students Association has been a beacon of hope and support for Ago-Iwoye Secondary School over the years, throwing the resources at its disposal to bring about lasting development of the school. The contributions included funding infrastructural projects, providing learning materials, awarding scholarships to deserving students and supporting the welfare of the school’s teaching staff.
The Association has also played a pivotal role in galvanizing resources and expertise from alumni across the globe to improve the school’s standard of education. This 70th Anniversary Celebration itself is a testament to the Association’s commitment to sustaining the school’s legacy.
Would you say Ago-Iwoye Secondary School has lived up to expectations since its establishment in 1954?
Absolutely. The school has not only lived up to expectations, but has surpassed expectations, especially when you consider the eminent personalities it has produced over the years. People are the greatest assets of any system, and Ago-Iwoye Secondary School has excelled in this regard without an iota of doubt. Its alumni continue to make significant contributions in their various fields, both locally and internationally.
That being said, there is always room for improvement. While the school has a rich legacy, there is a need to enhance its infrastructure and learning facilities to ensure it continues to produce talents that can compete globally. This anniversary celebration will definitely attract the presence of more Old Students who would want to contribute their quota to the development of their Alma mater.
Some public schools are always complaining of government neglect. To what extent has Ago-Iwoye Secondary School (a public school) suffered government neglect or enjoyed government support?
Government neglect is, unfortunately, a reality for Ago-Iwoye Secondary School, as evident by the considerable dilapidation of its facilities. Basic infrastructure has suffered for years due to inadequate attention, while the absence of a boarding facility and quality education that we enjoyed during our time also take its toll on learning. All these further limited the school’s ability to claim its rightful place amongst its peers.
This is why the role of stakeholders, particularly the Old Students Association, has been critical in bridging the gaps. But I can assure you that the Old Students Association will not relent in giving its support to ensure a better learning environment.
What is your message to your fellow Old Students of Ago-Iwoye Secondary School as the 70th Anniversary Celebration kicks off soon?
My message to all my fellow Old Students is simple; let us come together to ensure the sustainable development of our alma mater. This is a crucial moment to reaffirm our commitment to the school’s future by contributing generously to its growth and advancement.
I encourage all of us individually and collectively as alumni associations, to continue supporting the school through donations aimed at upgrading its infrastructure and fostering academic excellence in order to securing its position as a beacon of hope for generations to come. Together, we can build a legacy that will endure for another 70 years and beyond. Our modest river must not forget its source! Individually we are just one drop, but together we are an ocean.
