By Cally Ozolua
After seventy years, old girls of Lagos Anglican Grammar School, Surulere, held an inaugural global reunion themed Cherished memories, reunion and fundraising, to give back to the alma mater that nurtures generations of women. The gathering, which also witnessed the launch of 250million naira endowment fund, recently provided opportunities for the old girls to reconnect with one another while sharing fond memories of school days. Venue was the Arcade Hall, Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos,
For the first one hour, the camaraderie at the Arcade Hall, Eko Club Surulere, Lagos, was palpable as many engaged in backslapping, hugging, group and individual photo shoots including ‘selfies’ and exchange of pleasantries. The joy on their faces was immeasurable as many were seeing for the first time in decades after leaving school. Despite these years of going separate ways to different parts of the globe, they literarily put forward their ‘best in everything’ to honour their past, strengthen their present bonds and build a brighter future for their beloved alma mater. Their beautifully designed purple attire made from tie and dye fabric did not only symbolise strong bond, but also accentuated the aesthetics of the hall decorations and lightings. And it was a field day for phone camera users and professional photographers that dotted the expansive hall.
Welcome to LAGGSOGA Global Reunion and launch of 250million naira Endowment Fund, which was also the 70th founder’s day anniversary of Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School, organised by the old students association in partnership with the school management.
President, LAGGSOGA, Mrs. Grace Ben-Okezie described the gathering as not just a reunion but a ‘call to action, and commitment to raise the banner higher by giving more back to the institution that nurtured us and continues to mold generations of young women.’
She said for 70 years, Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School stood as a beacon of excellence, shaping young girls into women of integrity,
resilience and purpose, lady-warriors designed to gracefully confront and vanquish challenges. She noted that every student carries cherished memories of ‘our time within our school’s walls memories of friendship, learning, and the values that have become the foundation of our lives; memories of corrections and guidance; memories that at times bring tears to the eyes.’
According to her, the launch of the endowment fund was more than an expression of gratitude, but also a demonstration of their resolve to empower the school to meet the evolving challenges of modern education ‘as we raise more young girls of today to become graceful lady-warriors that will conquer tomorrow and in turn contribute to sustaining and embellishing the legacy.’
“Our contributions today will help preserve this beautiful legacy and equip it to indeed inspire and shape future generations of leaders who can hold their own against the best anywhere and anytime,” she added.
In her key note address, the former Lagos State Head of Service, (HoS) Mrs Josephine Oluseyi Williams, urged the alumni to encourage one another to serve as ambassadors of the school by promoting its values, mission, and achievements. She stated that the association can also amplify the institution’s achievements, hopefully, by educating our alumni that make it a white light in their previous endeavors. This, she said, would ensure that the school legacy remains strong.
Mrs Williams, a 1967 set, said the reunion provided opportunity to write a new chapter in the life of the association, which calls for members to harness their collective power. “It is not just as leaders, but as a united force under the banner of our alumni association. Empowering this association means empowering one another as well as our institution and the generation that will follow on our footsteps.
“We should encourage one another to serve as ambassadors for the alma mater by promoting its values, mission, and achievements with their respec
