kakalistiq.com reports that the 70th Anniversary celebrations of Epe Grammar School reached a grand finale with a dinner party that brought together dignitaries, alumni, and stakeholders. Among them was Hon. Wale Raji, Member of the House of Representatives for Epe Federal Constituency, who pledged the alumni’s unwavering commitment to transforming the school into one of the best in Nigeria.
In his address at the Dinner Party held at the Jubilee Chalets, Epe on Friday 22 November 2024, Rep. Raji lauded the school’s pioneer set, including Elder Odebiyi, Chief Shanu and others, for laying a solid foundation, noting their efforts and those of prominent Nigerians from the school have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s development. While highlighting notable alumni, he reaffirmed the alumni association’s dedication to improving the school.
“We study to serve,” he said, emphasizing the school’s motto. “Our guiding principle is to make the school greater than we met it. This dedication informs our interventions and transformation projects on behalf of all Old Students.”
Speaking about the importance of an enabling learning environment at the Dinner Party, Rep. Raji echoed sentiments shared by the event chairman, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on the need for infrastructural upgrades in schools nationwide.
“But we need to create an enabling environment, a conducive environment for learning,” he stressed.
“With the type of intervention ongoing at Epe Grammar School, students will be proud to return to school. Projects such as tarred roads, remodeled dining halls, new staff quarters, Principals’ quarters, a Corpers’ lodge, and two hostels accommodating 100 students each are significant milestones.”
Raji expressed gratitude to the school’s founding fathers, established in 1954, for their vision. “Without them, many of us would have been denied the opportunity to be educated. We are grateful and will ensure Epe Grammar School becomes greater than they left it.”
The lawmaker who was honored with the Lifetime Support Platinum Award by EGOSA also commended Senator Obanikoro and GAC Leader Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu for their support and contributions to the event.
During an interview, he highlighted the school’s impact on Nigeria’s socioeconomic development through its production of accomplished alumni, including professors, retired military generals, politicians, and civil service leaders. He noted that the anniversary created opportunities for alumni to reconnect and give back to their alma mater.
Reflecting on the celebration at the Grand Finale on Saturday 23rd November 2024 at the Epe Grammar School Sports Complex, he acknowledged the efforts of the EGOSA Executive Committee and Planning Committee led by Alhaja Olushola Alade-Raji and Mr. Jafar Sanuth respectively.
He also explained the decision to delay the commissioning of new projects for official reasons. “We can’t commission projects that have not been officially handed over to the government,” he said, assuring that the commissioning would be appropriately organized with the alumni association.
Addressing students, Hon. Raji urged them to embrace the spirit of service. “You are being trained not just to be useful to yourselves but to society and, especially, to the school that produced you,” he said.
He encouraged everyone to contribute to societal development, no matter how small. “Nobody is useless. Everyone has something to contribute to the development of our society. That’s the message: make an impact in whatever way you can.”
With a renewed commitment from alumni and stakeholders, the lawmaker reaffirmed their collective goal to make Epe Grammar School a leader in both infrastructure and academic excellence in Nigeria.
