Dimeji Bankole to attend Baptist Boys’ High School centenary colloquium

Dimeji Bankole, former speaker of the house of representatives, is scheduled to attend a colloquium organised as part of activities for the 100th anniversary of Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta.

The colloquium is expected to feature other dignitaries and has as theme, ‘The Role of Education in 21st Century Nigerian Development: BBHS Adventure’.

In a statement on Tuesday by the centennial committee of the BBHS old boys’ association, the colloquium will hold in the school on January 19, 2023.

“Bankole, an old boy of the school, will be joined by other eminent old boys and dignitaries for the centenary celebrations, which will begin 16 January and climax on 23 January, Founder’s Day of the school,” the statement reads.

According to the committee, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an alumnus of the school, will deliver a lecture, titled ‘BBHS Value’.

Also expected at the event are Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who will deliver a “special anniversary lecture on January 17”, and Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

“The activities will also see a number of school projects facilitated or executed by the old boys’ association. These include Sir Kessington Adebutu Alumni Building, built by Sir Kessington Adebutu; the N43m main access road funded by the 1984 set, the Centennial Park built by the old boys’ association and the 500-capacity new sports complex,” the statement reads.

“The celebrations will also see the presentation/launch of BBHS, Abeokuta: Inter-Generational Reminiscences, a compendium of old boys’ recollections across generations and the school history book, BBHS: 1923-2023; Jumat and church services, career talks by professional bodies, as well as dinner and Distinguished Centennial Old Boys and Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony.

“Established on 23 January 1923 by Baptist missionaries, the school has a reputation as an assembly line of distinguished Nigerians.

“Aside Obasanjo and Bankole, BBHS also produced Justice Bola Ajibola, retired World Court judge; Chief Funso Kupolokun, former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State; Oba (Dr) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BBHS Old Boys’ Association; Dr Onalapo Soleye, former Federal Commissioner of Finance; and Professor Olukayode Oyesiku, former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education and National President, BBHS Old Boys’ Association.

“It also produced the late Chief MKO Abiola, Professor Adeoye Lambo, renowned psychiatrist and Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organisation; his brother and alternative medicine icon, Chief JO Lambo; and Chief SMA Afolabi, Minister of Internal Affairs under the Obasanjo presidency.”