Joy, Gratitude and Giving: Anglican High School 1996 Set Ends Year in Grand Celebration
By Adenike Olowe
It was a day of joy, thanksgiving and renewed friendship as members of the Anglican High School Old Students Association (AHSOSA), Class of 1996, came together in high spirits for a colourful end-of-year party that celebrated unity, gratitude and the enduring bond formed nearly three decades ago.
The well-attended reunion held at Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Hall, opposite NEPA Office, along NNPC–Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday December 13, 2025, attracted old students, former teachers and school administrators, all of whom shared in the warm, festive atmosphere.
The memorable gathering was solely sponsored by the President of the Association, Chief Aremu Oyedele Bamgboye – Ajikiolu, whose generosity set the tone for the cheerful celebration.
Speaking at the event, Chief Bamgboye said the party was organised primarily to give thanks love to God for His mercy, protection and faithfulness over the lives of all members of the Association from the beginning of the year to date. He noted that the fact that every member was alive and able to reunite in good health was a blessing worthy of celebration.
According to him, beyond thanksgiving, the reunion was designed to further strengthen unity, love and mutual support among members, while also rekindling their shared commitment to the continuous growth and development of their alma mater.
The occasion was enriched by goodwill messages from invited guests, including Chief Dele Osungboye, Chief Samsideen Ayoade Adenekan, Mr. Taofik Alani Makinde, Mrs. Grace Atinuke Arinze and her husband, as well as the school’s Principal, Mrs. Modinat Yaya. Most of the guests were teachers who taught the 1996 set about 29 years ago, and they expressed deep appreciation for being remembered and honoured by their former students.
They commended the alumni for organising such a thought programme, describing it as a reflection of sound upbringing and strong values instilled during their school days.
The teachers encouraged the old students to continue to uphold the spirit of unity, love and cooperation, stressing that supporting one another remains the core purpose of any old students’ association. They also urged members to sustain their collective efforts in contributing meaningfully to the development of the school.
Adding a light-hearted moment to the event, the Principal of the Junior School, Mrs. Modinat Yaya, thanked Chief Bamgboye for his consistent kindness and support to the school over the years. In a humorous “Oliver Twist” appeal, she informed the gathering that the school was in need of a laptop to aid its academic and administrative work.
Her request was met with instant generosity, as Alhaji Fatai Osunsanya, an old student, immediately donated a laptop to the school, drawing loud applause and admiration from guests and participants.
The spirit of giving continued as Chief Gbenga Adekanbi (Mayegun) presented cash donations to the teachers, while the Association’s President also empowered the teachers with cash gifts in appreciation of their impact on the lives of the students.
The celebration climaxed with fun-filled activities, including educational games and lively dancing competitions that kept everyone entertained. Winners were rewarded with cash gifts, while food and drinks were generously served, allowing guests to eat, drink and celebrate to their satisfaction.
The end-of-year party was widely described as a successful and heartwarming reunion that not only strengthened friendship but also reaffirmed the Anglican High School 1996 set’s enduring commitment to gratitude, unity and giving back.
