Old students honour 94-year-old ex-school principal

The Old Students’ Association of Timi Agbale Grammar School, Ede, Osun State, has honoured one of their former principals, Chief Joseph Opatola, 45 years after he left the school.

Chief Opatola, who is the Ekerin of Awe, Oyo State, served as principal of the school from 1975 to 1980.

In appreciation of the work done during the period, the old students named the refurbished school hall after Opatola.

Speaking at the event held at the school hall on Saturday, the Old Students’ Association’s President, Dr Bola Adewara, described the 94-year-old Opatola as a “mentor and father figure to his students.”

Adewara added that the association resolved to honour Opatola in appreciation of his impacts during his time as the Principal of Timi Agbale Grammar School.

“Today, we honour our principal, Chief Opatola, who was in our school from 1975 to 1980. We realise the contributions of this man to our lives.

“Ever since the formation of this association in 2011, we have been discussing how we can honour him and that is what we are doing today.

“This man did so much for us and it showed in the testimonies people gave here today. This man is not just a principal, he was a mentor and a father in our lives.

“Most of the students who went through his mentorship are now in places of authority and we are so happy to have him in our midst today looking as healthy and happy as we expected.

“On behalf of the alumni association, I want to appreciate Chief Opatola for being forthright and for contributing so much to our lives. We give glory to Almighty God for his life also,” Adewara said.

In his acceptance speech, Opatola said he was happy to be alive to witness the occasion, where his activities, exploits and relationship with the school, 45 years ago were still being appreciated.

He commended the alumni association, describing the recognition as “a rare honour and privilege.”