Former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, joined fellow alumni of Arigidi Akoko Grammar School (AKOGRAMS) on Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary reunion of the 1975 graduating set.
In his address titled “We Are Fulfilled,” Aregbesola reflected on the shared journey of the group over the past five decades, highlighting the resilience, strength, and perseverance that have come to define them.
“We met in secondary school as innocent teenagers but left as adolescents, full of hopes and aspirations,” he said. “In some ways, great or small, we have all changed and been changed by that world. But we are still standing and have earned an M.Sc. — a Master of Situation and Circumstances — in the course of life.”
He paid tribute to members of the set who had passed on, prayed for continued strength and good health for the living, and called on alumni to stay connected and supportive of one another.
Aregbesola described the years spent at AKOGRAMS as “the most important period” of his life and urged his colleagues to contribute in any capacity to the continued growth and development of the school.
“The school is our collective memory and eternal reference. We should strive to take it to greater heights so it can continue to produce giants in all walks of life,” he said.
He acknowledged the diverse challenges alumni may be facing—ranging from health and financial worries to family and national concerns—but encouraged them to remain hopeful.
“We are a resilient people and natural survivors. We thrive despite the adversities we face; and that we are alive today is an indisputable testimony of that,” Aregbesola affirmed.
The event, which took place in Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, was marked by nostalgia, reflections, and a strong call for collective support toward sustaining the legacy of their alma mater.
Aregbesola concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with his classmates and pledged to continue participating in future reunions for as long as life permits.
