Commemorative Colloquium: Opening Remark

Dear One! When many argue about whether the President went to high school or not, I wonder why. Perhaps rat ate the files and the Principal at his time was not as proactive as outs who spearheaded the publishing of One and Half Decades of FGC Odogbolu. From that book, and other sources, we were able to compile the Class List for the outstanding group branded today as FGCO 8490. When I reach members of the FGCO 8490, it is foremost to celebrate life and living... We spent 1-6 years together in FGCO and that counts for family and/or familiarity. The slogan “mates, senior mates and junior mates” was derived from the disparity in age, when we resumed or when we left, yet life classed us together in one season for a reason. I joined the set in January 1985, the very day Mr. Tunde Adefolaju joined the school. Many in our set, other sets or other schools may not be where you mapped out for you - you may be ahead or approaching, but you are definitely not stunted in the bridge self you were as many packed portmanteaus to leave Odogbolu this week, many years ago. For this, I give God thanks and I celebrate with you 30 years of becoming. We are in an extraordinary season when many are unsure of surviving, I only by the grace and glory of God survived till now, hence for me every milestone is worthy of being celebrated. I welcome you to this Special Edition of Inspire to Excel in commemoration of the day I formally left Odogbolu. This colloquium, like other physical career conferences we have held in FGCO is an initiative of Cares Global Network. This commemoration was planned by Participants in the Excel Leadership Academy Mentoring Programme. A number of them recently became ex-students of FGCO. It has been a pleasure working with them since June 2020 to grow them as excellent leaders. Beyond the colloquium, I encourage us to make today Saturday November 14, a day to reach out to FGCO 8490 set members to celebrate them. You can post your messages to the flyer for this programme on the alumni or set Facebook page. While few have left this side of life, many continue to make strides and contribute to local and global development in different spheres as leaders, educators, consultants, professionals and entrepreneurs. Life and living are two things that can be celebrated on this side of the divide. I pray God will keep us for many more years in good health, great peace and grand achievements... I celebrate with other set members and I specially welcome those who have joined us. Ages, level of education and social class vary but one unifying factor is that at one time or the other all participants here today belonged to the tribe of secondary school students. To this population, the theme of UNITY is important especially at a time like this. We are elated to have the blessing and the participation of the President, FGCOOSA - Mr. Vincent Abulu. Participating in this special colloquium in various roles are members of the FGCOOSA, members of the Pro Unitate Groups and others. The theme of UNITY is common to all especially those who attended unity schools, where we were groomed to recognise one tribe - the tribe of students. Isokan (Unity), Anoko Onu (Togetherness) and Zaman Tare (One Tribe) is what we are called into to ensure the world serves peace and progress in our sides of the globe. This well thought out programme is to celebrate UNITY as One Tribe. The emcee Osiebugie Okhuemoi was my school son. I am not surprised that he towed my line in the area of career and calling as a leader; I believe he is the President for his set. The Panel includes a Representative of the oldest (1977) who retired as a director as well as the youngest set (1999) in FGCO. My school father and closest pals in FGCO are also here with us. This exemplifies the importance of Family Life to the discourse of Unity. Should this be a successful programme, it is my hope that we can collaborate with FGCOOSA to host this annually. I also hope that this would spur you as an individual or set rep to think of how to give back to your school, contribute to national narratives and foster oneness wherever life leads. It took one person in 2007 to bring together members of the 1990 set, it took one idea to bring all of us together on this platform, it could take you to do the same for your school, your nation or the world. I share with you my class list and pages from my set’s 20th year anniversary especially my speech and the president’s speech. Feel free to read at your convenience. My name is Dr. Omolola Omoteso FAMUYIWA. I belong to to the New Tribe of Nigerians who are set to change the world with unity of purpose. On this note, I welcome you all, as I look forward to the progressive moderation by the emcee, messages by our special guests, well rounded deliveries by our esteemed panelist and of course your Pen Point Stories and wide range of well researched music from Way back during the After Party! God bless Nigeria, God bless FGCO AND God bless YOU! Dr. Omolola Omoteso FGCO 1985-1990