It was a pure atmosphere of celebration in Lagos at the weekend, as MD School, New Oko-Oba, Lagos, marked 40 years of academic excellence and impact.
The colourful event, which brought together current pupils of the school, alumni, parents and dignitaries from across professions including government, featured praise worship, prayers, sermon and cultural displays.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards, where 25 of the institution’s longest-serving teachers and staff members were honoured with life-changing prizes.
The highpoint of the awards, however, was the special recognition given to Mrs. Olusola Akaiso.
Celebrated as the longest-serving teacher and a dependable staff member who rose through the ranks to become Head of School, she led the award recipients, taking home the grand prize of a plot of land alongside other exciting rewards.
Another staff of the school, Mr. James Ugwunali, who previously received a plot of land, was also rewarded with a cash prize to help him complete his building.
A somber moment, however, came during the ceremony, when late Dotun Oladipo, former president of Guild Of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was also honoured with a Posthumous Award.
In a moving tribute, Mrs. Omolara Adedugbe, Executive Director of the school, described him as a reliable partner of the school, who played a very active role in the development of the school.
“Dotun was with us when we celebrated both 20 and 30 years and played an active role. Even this year, he was gearing up for this celebration when he succumbed to the cold hands of death,” she said while praying for the repose of his soul.
Mrs. Adedugbe, while expressing her gratitude for the success and growth of the school through the years, attributed it all to the grace of God and the support of people, including her family – especially her late husband, who she revealed stood firmly with her and supported her vision.
“When God beckons and gives you an assignment, he does so in several ways. When you truly hear him, and heed his call, he empowers you and ensures he alone takes the glory because he never leaves nor forsakes you, even when the journey becomes tough.”
She disclosed that MD School was birthed on an idea she had with her husband as a result of a need that came from his clinic in Ibadan.
The idea she recalled, became a vision that was “tenaciously pursued and jealously guarded from Inception,” and “has now become a legacy by the special grace of God.”
Mrs. Adedugbe also paid glowing tributes to the contributions of staff of the school, both past and present, describing them as “heroes of our story, no vision succeeds without enablers.”
“MD School has been propelled to where it is today because of the efforts of people who contributed in one way or the other, and that is growth through people,” she declared.
Some of the notable dignitaries at the celebration were Chief Akin Olujimi, former Attorney General of the Federation who was the Chairman, while Dr. Suleiman Ogunmuyiwa, Director Office of Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education was Special Guest of Honour.
Also present was the traditional ruler of Ijebu-Ijesha, Oba Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye, and other notable personalities.
