Abeokuta Agog as AGGS Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Glamour and Pageantry

By Omolola Adeyinka/ NewsContinental 

All is set for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of a great and notable school of dignity and excellence, Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School, Onikolobo, Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Founded in 1955, February, 14th,
the school has produced many accomplished women of value in various professional fields, making positive impact in the global space.

The excellency of the school is still thriving under the able leadership of the present Global President of the school Old Girls Association, (Aggsoga), Mrs Elizabeth Ajibola and her team.

According to a release signed by the Global Secretary, Mrs Omolola Adeyinka, various captivating events were slated for the Anniversary event by the Global Committee in charge of the celebration.

The program of event kicked off on wednesday, 12th February 2025 by 10am with the arrival and registration of old girls, introduction,
greetings and backslapping, followed by arrival cocktail by 4pm
Sponsored by Mrs Kusamotu, former President of the Association.

On thursday, 13th February, 2025, by 8am the Medical team will start outreaches to the general public and the students for free medical tests and consultation at the School Premises. And
by 10am – 2pm there will be awareness movement through Abeokuta. From the governor’s office, Oke-mosan through the invited commissioners, the Osile Palace and Alake Palace with the school band. The take off venue is Aggs, onikolobo.

The dress code for the event is T-shirts and Caps. Later in the day, there will be a Film Show for all Old And Current Girls Of Aggs, invited schools and Teachers by 4pm, the venue is Aggs onikolobo playing ground.

On Friday, 14th February, 2025, which is the D-Day at Aggs, Onikolobo, firstly, there will be a Special Prayer and Thanksgiving Service as organized by both Senior and Junior School by 9am. Two selected old Girls will admonished the current students on any Topic of interest, follow by the redition of Aggs First School Anthem by the elders led by Mama Onayiga, the First Head girl. The current school anthem will be taken by everyone. Cash Gifts will be given to Four best teachers, two each from both Schools. The commissioning of knitted sisters (81SET) Project will be done by the Aggsoga Global President, Mrs Elizabeth Ajibola.

After which the Old Girls will spiced up the day with Match Past by various Year Sets and Aggsoga Branches. The dress code for the event is the formal AGGS School uniform with beret or T- Shirts and face Cap.

The Event of the day Continues with Anniversary Dinner and Dance by 2pm
at the Aggsoga Multipurpose Hall, the Old girls will be adorned with their
Customized Ankara Specially made for the 70th Anniversary.

On Saturday 15th February, 2025, in continuation with the 70th Anniversary, there will be a Gala Night and Fund Raising event for the proposed 250m naira project for the School at OOPL Event Center, NNPC Road, Abeokuta.

The Chief Host of the event is the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Commissioner for Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu and Hon Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs Adijat Adeleye; Royal Fathers of the day are: Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland and Oba Adewale Tejuoso, Osile of Oke-Ona Egba. Other notable dignitaries are also invited to Grace the occasion.

The event will also feature Awards of Recognition Ceremony for Outstanding Dignitaries, Old Girls and teachers.

On Sunday, 16th February, 2025, there will be a Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral Church Of St Peters, Ake Abeokuta, by 10am to round off the almost one week event.

The Dress code for the day is
Champagne/gold attire under Global Aggsoga Aso-oke.

In a statement credited to the Old Girls, ” it is worth knowing that celebrating AGGS at 70th is not over emphasized but a great privilege for those that are still alive to witness the event, while praying for the departed to rest in Perfect Peace. On this occasion, the anniversary of Abeokuta Girls Grammar School (AGGS) on February 14, we remember the countless conversations that praised the school’s academic and sports excellence. The iconic blue and white checkered uniform commands respect, symbolizing a legacy of achievement.

“Founded in 1955, AGGS has consistently produced accomplished women who make a lasting impact in various fields. The school’s alumni, scattered across the globe, remain committed to giving back to their alma mater. The Abeokuta Girls Grammar School Old Students Association (AGGSOGA) has been instrumental in driving the school’s growth, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

“The association’s members, comprising distinguished professionals in various fields, embody the school’s anthem, striving for excellence and honoring their alma mater. Notable among them are respected professionals like Dr Bolanle Hammond, who is a retired Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, former Nigeria Ambassador to Spain, Ambassador Susan Aderonke Folarin,
Mrs Amope Ajibola Chokor, former Head of Service, Ogun State, Chief Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Ogun State Chief Judge and Mrs Funmi Adesoye, former Head of Service, Lagos State
Others are Lagos State High Court Judge, Justice Toyin Odusanya, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola who held sway as Executive Secretary, Oyo State Board for Technical &Vocational Education (2013-2015), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State (2015-2017), Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board: SUBEB (2017-2019) and Mrs Risikat Foluso Sali, another retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Oyo State.

“Elder Adedoyin Onayiga, the school’s first Headgirl, who graduated in 1960, beams with pride as she witnesses this milestone anniversary. Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire.

“Under the visionary leadership of past and present National and Global Presidents, including Chief Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Yeye Otunba Adetola Hassan, and Mrs. Elizabeth Olusolape Ajibola, AGGSOGA, has introduced initiatives that promote unity, expansion, and growth. The association’s impact is a testament to the enduring legacy of AGGS.

“As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we celebrate the countless achievements of AGGS and its remarkable alumni. We honor the school’s tradition of excellence, its dedicated staff, and the unwavering commitment of its students and alumni.

“The third stanza of the AGGS anthem remains an enduring bond, resonating deeply with all who have passed through the school’s hallowed halls:

‘Dreaming of the days we spent here,
Lingering will renew
Still with love and hope
We’ll cherish memories of thee.’ the old girls claimed”

The release stated further that, under the visionary leadership of Olusolape Ajibola, the school has witnessed significant transformations over the past two years. Infrastructure upgrading have been a major focus, with new buildings, renovations, painting, electrification, and access to extramural classes for final-year students in key subjects.

A complete library was also donated by the NNPC Foundation. Alhaja Bankole’s sponsorship of two less privileged students is another goal.

Ajibola has also spearheaded a successful membership drive, establishing additional branches both locally and internationally. Her unifying efforts have yielded impressive results.

Also, several year sets have invested in extensive hostel refurbishments under Ajibola’s leadership. Today, the 70-year-old institution boasts a state-of-the-art digitalized hall, positioning it to compete with world-class learning institutions.

A notable legacy of Yeye Otunba Adetola Hassan’s tenure, among several others, is the introduction of a bespoke blue and white checkered traditional fabric, Aso Oke, which has become the social uniform for AGGS alumni, beautifully complementing the school’s iconic uniform.