The hall of Radisson Blue, Ikeja Lagos State, was full to the brim on Saturday, 19 October, 2024. It was a Gala Night of the 1979/84 set of New Era Girls Secondary School, Surulere Lagos Old Students Association, as they celebrated the 40th anniversary of their set.
It was a night dedicated to fun, not long speeches. It was also an atmosphere of frills and thrills as the old students of the school dined, danced, and exchanged banters, bringing back old memories.
Guests also enjoyed a lavish buffet, with a wide selection of delicious food and drinks, ensuring no one left the celebration hungry.
The Governor of the Alumni Set, Erelu Olubukola Johnson Adeyemi, kicked off the evening with warm opening remarks. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the milestone achievements, including the refurbishment of the Chemistry lab and the donation of desktops to the junior school. She emphasized the importance of committing to yearly reunions to strengthen the bonds within the group.
The evening was filled with exciting activities, beginning with the sale of raffle tickets, where lucky winners emerged. There was plenty of dancing, with vibrant performances from both a live band and a DJ, keeping the energy high throughout the program.
A major takeaway was the red carpet experience, where attendees enjoyed taking pictures, including at the 360 Spin photo booth, capturing fun memories from the evening.
The event was graced by special guests, including the Immediate Past President of the National Alumni Body, Mrs. Nike Bankole, Vice President, Mrs. Jibike Onigbanjo, the principals of both the junior and senior schools and other personal guests of the alumni.
The night continued with the cutting of the anniversary cake, just as guests enjoyed more games, dancing, in an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
The Chairperson of the anniversary, Dr. Folashade Balogun Jose, in her closing remarks, expressed her deep appreciation to everyone, just as she encouraged the old students of the school to be proud of what they had accomplished as a set. Jose, who declared that, “Yes, we did it as a group,” thanked everyone for their participation and wished all attendees safe travels to their various destinations.
The three day event of the school old students anniversary started on Thursday 17 October, with official commissioning and handing over of a chemistry laboratory to the management of the senior class and computer sets to the junior school which was refurbished by the 79/84 set, also known as “The Green Butterflies.”
Speaking at the Commissioning ceremony, Class Governor Erelu Olubukola Adéyemí said the reunion is an opportunity to give back to the institution that gave them so much.
Adeyemi, who expressed confidence that the refurbished laboratory is meant to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, also added that donation of desktop computers to the “Junior arm of the school will equip students with the tools they need to excel in today’s world.”
Friday, October 18, 2024, witnessed a thanksgiving ceremony, where the group held prayers both for those present and those in absentia. Prayers were also offered for leaders of the country as well as the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, which speakers agreed had done a lot for the education sector particularly.
In her remarks, the 40th Anniversary celebrations organising committee chairperson, Dr. Folashade Balogun Joseph thanked the principals of both the junior and senior classes, alumni, students partners, and the Lagos Government for the cooperation, support, and encouragement they received to make the projects a reality.
Balogun also urged the “Green Butterflies” to remain forward looking, adding that “the strength of the school lies not just in its history but also in the opportunities we can create for generations to come.”
