Third Annual Convention – California 2016

The following summary of event was provided by the host:

The 3rd Annual Convention of Notre Dame Grammar School Usi, Alumni Association North America Chapter was held in Comfort Inn Hotel from July 15th, 2016 through July 17, 2016 in the city of Fontana, Southern California. Host families were Dr. (Pastor) Segun Olayele, Professor (Superior Evangelist) S. F. Adeniyi, and Dr. Pius Omolewa. Prior the event, all alumni home and abroad were informed through social media such as WhatsApp, twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. As the event drew nearer, those in need of Visas were sent invitation letters to facilitate issuance of appropriate travel documents from consular offices. Most members look excitedly with vigor and vitality toward the reunion as a reminisce of the past experiences in the school highly esteemed.

The annual convention creates avenue to share life experiences as we retrospectively pave the way to a greater future in relation to making our alma mater the best school not only in Ekiti State but the whole of Nigeria within the continent of Africa. Every event since its inception in Baltimore, Maryland 2014 has witnessed remarkable improvements, not only in coordination and explanation of the association’s vision and goals but attendance of worthy and esteemed alumni from Nigeria. The association under the unfaltering executive members and able leadership of indefatigable Dr. A. Adelugba has progressed over the years. Previous events in Baltimore and Rhode Island were attended by pastors and top government officials. However, it was in California where we had Bishop Dr. Kayode Fanilola and Professor (Rt. Rev. Father) Adeola Olaogun. In addition, Sir Chief Egunjobi the ex-principal of the school also attended with his daughter Mrs. Bukola Egunjobi-Ojo.
The First day of event on Friday July 15th, 2016 started at 6pm with registration of members and families. The reception at the conference room was electric as members shook hands and bear hugged one another. It was a light but meaningful opening that ended with dinner. The second day was divided into three sessions namely morning, afternoon, and evening.

Morning session started from 8am till 12 Noon. Pastor Jide Dada was the moderator, while Professor (Rt. Rev. Father) J. A. Olaogun said the opening prayer. The president’s opening remarks commenced after all alumni and their families were introduced. Mr. Joseph Omoremi reviewed the agreement reached in Rhode Island, and matters related to the school’s growth and development were discussed inclusively. Bishop (Dr. Fanilola) appreciated the hosting families, Dr. Pius Omolewa made the closing remarks, and closing prayer said by Deacon Gbenga Oluremi. The morning session ended behind schedule as members wanted to discussed everything necessary.

The afternoon session that should have started from 1.00PM till 6.00PM did not start until 2.15PM. The venue was at Almeria Public Park that was about 3 miles from the hotel. All members were given direction on how to reach the venue. At the venue, alumni had open space picnic with variety of activities such as Ludo/Scrabble, Ayo, and Dominoes games. Light indigenous music played, and finger foods with drinks served under the cool breeze of Pacific Summer weather.

The evening session started late as well due to unforeseen circumstances. Perhaps it had to do with African timing. In spite of the late start all members and invited guests had a good time. The welcome remark was made by Deacon Adeola, while Pastor Wale Familoni said the opening prayer before the president’s opening remarks. A brief presentation titled “Education and Our Alma Mater” by a special guest of honor Professor (Rt. Rev.) J. A. Olaogun was followed by a toast for Sir Chief Lawrence Egunjobi’s 80th birthday, and seconded by his speech titled “Contributions to Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi- Ekiti”. There was dinner and our invited guests donated to the school. Vote of thanks given by Dr. Pius Omolewa. However, the dance, dance, dance time was limited as the hotel was unable to tolerate the DJ’s loud music. In spite of the limitations, alumni had fun, and it was great to be part of the NODACO alumni body.

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