20th Anniversary: '98 EXMAYS Reunite, Reward Old Teachers In Ikenne

By Wale Abideen/ The spirit of Tai Solarin, founder of Mayflower School was reincarnated recently in Ikenne, Ogun state, Nigeria when Old Students Association of the school who passed out in 1998 celebrated the 20th year’s anniversary of passing out from the school. The association, tagged: ‘98 EXMAYS did not only seized the anniversary to reunite with their Secondary School mates but also mentored the current students on the ideals and virtues of the Mayflower founding hero.

The arrival of members of Organizing Committee, headed by Balogun Olalekan Muri in Ikenne early Thursday to decorate the school with balloons, banners and others signaled the commencement of the three day program held between Friday 22^nd and Sunday 24^th of June, 2018.

Before the end of Thursday ‘98 exmays began to arrive in droves. The atmosphere was that of excitement, nostalgia and camaraderie as old friends reunited with their fellows whom they have not met for the past 20 years since they left the school. Indeed, Thursday evening was dedicated to arrivals, settling in at the various hotels occasioned by sharing of memories and gist.

As early as 7; am on Friday, the ’98 Exmays took turn to address and educate current students at various assembly grounds of the schools.

Frank Danso, Femi Ake and Sola Kayode addressed students at the Mayflower Junior Secondary School (Public). At the Mayflower Public Senior Secondary School. Several ’98 Exmays tutored the assembled students while motivational Speeches were given by Gbenga Wahab, Ayo Mesaiyete, John Sobola, Kenny Ogunnaike and a host of others. Some exmays also pledged to reward any outstanding students who exceeded the performance of 98 sets with the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300, 000)

The Principal of Mayflower Private School appealed to the ’98 exmays to focus on ‘discipline’ in their speeches as there “was indiscipline crisis in the ancient school”. Gbenga Wahab and John Sobola spoke extensively on discipline, its impacts on academic development as well as self-worth.

Friday’s evening witnessed showers of praises and encomium as teachers who labored the ’98 set were hosted at the Teacher’s Appreciation Lunch. Over 30 former teachers who graced the occasion were treated to a delightful lunch as gifts items were presented to the teachers.

Earlier, Mrs Kemi Yusuf, who was a Chemistry Teacher in 1998 opened the launch session with prayers as other ex-teachers introduced themselves in turn. One of the ex-teachers, Late Segun Osiboye was given a post humus special recognition award which was received on his behalf by Pa Fasunon for his “exemplary

Leadership, commitment and values”. A minute silence was held in his honour of teachers and exmays who have passed on. . The event had special meaning for many of the teachers as it became a mini-reunion for them, as many of them had not seen each other for several years. The current Principals of Mayflower Senior School and Mayflower Junior secondary school were present and praised the set for appreciating their older colleagues.

At the wee hour of Friday, a bonfire night was organized to the delights of the exmays and their guests. ’98 exmays danced and sang till late. A large bonfire created the perfect backdrop for the night’s activities. The event served as an opportunity to re-connect and strengthen old friendships.

A football march was organized on Saturday between the 98 exmays and currents students of the school. The football game provided an opportunity for 98 exmays to fraternize with themselves and current students. Jerseys and footballs equipment were also donated by members of the ’98 exmay set. The 1998 set of the school also donated other items such as chairs and table, perimeter fence among others.