Reunion is an excellent way of reconnecting individuals with former peers and reignites a sense of school spirit. The 50-year reunion is a golden opportunity to welcome back alumni in a nostalgic celebration of such a milestone.
In merriment of this golden jubilee, Saint Margaret’s School, Ilesa Old Girls Association (SMOGA), 1975 has organized a grand three-day celebration of fostering connections and strengthening the school community.
The anniversary which began on Friday 24th to Sunday 26th October, 2025, was filled with dignitaries, alumni, and stakeholders from across the country including those in the diaspora, and those who would not present physically but joined the celebration via online platform, Zoom.
The first day’s activities of the 50th reunion of SMOGA 1975 Set was highlighted by the engagements that featured courtesy call on the school Bishop, Rt Rev Emmanuel Dapo Asaju, homage to the school principal, Mrs. Clara Bolaji, donation and dedication of 250 party chairs, distribution of gift to vulnerable aged and tour to key places in the school.
While the second day featured presentation of Golden Jubilee Lecture by Mrs. Ibiyemi Ilesanmi on the theme ‘Education as a pathway for women’s empowerment’, presentation of awards to outstanding alumni, cultural performances by the students to create a nostalgic celebration and cutting of anniversary cake and gala dinner, the third day of the anniversary featured thanksgiving service at St Margaret’s Anglican Church.
In her welcome address, the set Coordinator, Mrs. Iyabosola Onibokun, appreciated God for the gift of education, the bonds and the memories shared, which she said have made them to remain strong. She expressed her deepest gratitude to members of the set, for their generosity and commitment to their alma mater.
“I am filled with immense pride, gratitude and hope. Fifty years of excellence, fifty years of impact and fifty years of transforming lives- what a remarkable journey it has been! Today, we come together to reminisce about our past, to revel in the present and recommit ourselves to shaping a brighter future for our institution. As we look to the future, we are reminded that our institution’s greatest asset is not its building, its resources, or its reputation- but its people.”
Presenting the 250 party chairs to the school, Mrs. Onibokun said that the gift is to foster a sense of community and belonging between the set and the school.
“As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, the SMOGA 75 Set is proud to present an anniversary gift to our beloved school, 250 party chairs. These chairs will undoubtedly enhance the school’s event-hosting capabilities, providing a comfortable seating arrangement for students, teachers and guests alike. The gift will foster a sense of community and belonging, allowing the school to host various events, gatherings and functions with greater ease and convenience.”
The SMOGA 75 Set Coordinator enjoined the students focus on their education to become good ambassadors of the school. “To the students, as you learn and grow within these walls, dream big, work hard and believe in yourself. Your time here is a foundation for greatness. Embrace knowledge, nurture friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Presenting the anniversary lecture tagged ‘Education as a Pathway for Women’s Empowerment’, Mrs. Ibiyemi Ilesanmi, who is also one of the alumni, described education either formal or non formal as a globally accepted process of acquiring knowledge, skills and values. She added that antecedents, interactions, experiences and exposures are all products of education.
“If the primary purpose of education is to gain knowledge in various subjects, develop skills that will stimulate critical thinking, crisis resolution, financial management etc, enhance individual growth with regard to self esteem, emotional intelligence and character shaping in the area of moral codes, values and ethics, then the society must ensure that women’s empowerment through education is prioritised. It is the tool for individual, corporate, national and global development.”
Highlighting societal and cultural values, preference for a male child, low esteem, early marriage and pregnancy and insecurity as some of the factors working against women access to education and empowerment, Mrs. Ilesanmi appreciated the initiative that led to the establishment of Saint Margaret’s School and some other to boost female children education in Nigeria.
She disclosed that empowerment of women through education would help in the aspect of making informed decisions, enhance job prospects and career development, contribute to societal development, reduce gender inequality and promote social justice.
Alumni Outstanding Awards were presented to Mrs. Olabimpe Sariyu Uwadia, Mrs. Adesola Oluyomi Fakolade, Chief (Mrs.) Kofoworola Adesola Akintokun, Pastor (Mrs.) EOM Okunade and Mrs. Iyabosola Onibokun.
Expressing her happiness for the success of a grand three-day event, a member of the Planning Committee, Hajia Bolatito Adebisi, described the SMOGA 50th anniversary as an event enmeshed with joy, happiness and emotion.
Mrs. Bolatito Adebisi Adebisi (nee Yusuf), who sponsored the news package, disclosed that the success of the event was as a result of collaborative efforts of all members of the 1975 Set of Saint Margaret’s School, Old Girls Association (SMOGA).
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