As I sit to write this appreciation note, the timeless words of Gladys keep ringing in my ears. In one of her oft-quoted sayings, she said, _”Silent gratitude is of no good to anyone.”_
Consequently, on behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 50th Founder’s Day Anniversary of Community Grammar School, Otan-Ile, I register my profound appreciation to all who contributed to the success we recorded today.
Indeed, posterity will record that history was made today when we gathered to celebrate the 50th Founder’s Day Anniversary and Reunion of our alma mater, Community Secondary Grammar School, Otan-Ile.
To begin with, I am deeply grateful to Almighty God for granting us the grace to witness this day and for the huge success of the programme.
We appreciate our Kabiyesi, Oba Tolulope Aderogba Michael Adetona Adeyanju II, the Owa Olotan of Otan-Ile, for finding time out of his very busy schedule to honour our invitation with his gracious presence. Kabiyesi, _omo le fi je oye, e o fi agba lo. Oba a pe lori ite, ninu alaafia ati igbega ilu Otan-Ile._
The Chairman of the day, Chief Isiaka Ayeni, the Obanla of Otan-Ile, an alumnus of this great school. I pray that the Almighty God will continue to be your backup at all times and in all places.
I must also express our unreserved gratitude to our Anniversary Guest Speaker, one of the pioneer students of this school, Prince Aderemi Oluranti Awogboro, the son of Alademure of Ibokun, for gracing this occasion all the way from the United Kingdom. We appreciate his thought-provoking speech, with didactic essence and finesse in delivery. Sir, I pray that the Most High God will continue to bless and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and your household continually.
To our old teachers who honoured our invitation, we appreciate you more than you can ever know. You laboured, and this is your harvest season. We earnestly pray that the Almighty God will grant you the grace to enjoy the fruits of your labour in good health.
Our Special Guest, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, though unavoidably absent, we thank you for the interest you have shown in the fortunes of this school. I pray that the Almighty God will do for you what only He can do.
I also appreciate my dear _aburo_, Dr. Funke Ogundare, for delivering a very thoughtful and inspiring speech. I pray that every element of greatness in your life will continue to receive the anointing to prosper.
To all other dignitaries who graced the occasion, _lokunrin, lobirin, lomode, lagba – ni mo ki patapata o. E seun, e seun._
At this juncture, permit me to appreciate and congratulate the entire Otan-Ile Community Old Students Association on the huge success recorded today by organizing a very successful 50th Founder’s Day Anniversary and Reunion. I pray that the Almighty God will replenish, promote, preserve you, and increase your sources of income a zillionfold.
Let me specifically thank the 1981 Class (the First Set). You demonstrated to us in all ramifications that you are indeed the leaders. The Almighty God will continue to promote and preserve you.
To the Organizing/Planning Committee under the unassuming, patriotic, versatile and caring Chairman, Pastor Adelola Olusanya, I am very grateful to you all for allowing the Almighty God to use you for the huge success we recorded today. I pray God will reward you abundantly.
In conclusion, I enjoin us all not to regard Community Grammar School, Otan-Ile just as a school, but as *A LEGACY*, one to be jealously protected and preserved.
*It is our duty! We own it! We will do it!*
On the whole, I thank you for being part of this beautiful journey and thank you for making history.
Long may Community Secondary Grammar School, Otan-Ile, which symbolizes our unity and oneness as a family, continue to grow from strength to strength.
May God grant you journey mercies back to your respective destinations.
We thank Almighty God.
*Prince Adeoye Segun*
_For: Organizing Committee_
APPRECIATION! APPRECIATION!! APPRECIATION!!!
