By Divine Sam
The atmosphere at the prestigious Comfort Akinfenwa Multipurpose Hall, Police Post, Ibadan, came alive on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as old memories, laughter, emotions and enduring friendships filled the air during the grand 40th anniversary celebration of the St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan Class of 1981–1986.
The week-long reunion activities, which commenced on Friday, May 22, climaxed with a special thanksgiving service held at the Anglican Diocese Headquarters, Molete, Ibadan, bringing together old classmates from across Nigeria and the diaspora in a remarkable celebration of sisterhood, legacy and enduring bonds.
Speaking during the anniversary ceremony, the Class Coordinator, Barrister Folasade Aladeniyi, delivered an emotional reflection on the journey of the set, describing the gathering as a nostalgic reminder of their childhood days in the famous purple and lilac St. Anne’s uniform adorned with green berets.
According to her, the reunion felt like yesterday when they were “little girls in oversized cotton dresses proudly representing St. Anne’s Girls.”
“We formed little clusters of friendships that have lasted till today. We became godmothers to one another’s children, helpers, encouragers and lifters of one another. The friendship has remained sustainable both in good and difficult times, which is what true friendship stands for,” she said emotionally.
Barr. Aladeniyi noted that some members had not seen each other for over four decades, expressing gratitude to God for preserving their lives to witness the historic reunion.
“We are back today. Some have not seen others for over 40 years, but we thank the good Lord who has given us the opportunity to reunite once again,” she added.
The legal luminary and former NBA president Oyo state branch further emphasized that the anniversary transcended social status, wealth or achievements.
“Today, we have come to celebrate ourselves whether poor or rich, educated or not, high-fliers or mid-fliers all expectations and excitement of seeing one another again have erased every difference,” she stated.
She warmly welcomed all classmates home, including members from the diaspora, the national body of SSASOGA, invited guests and dignitaries, praying that none of the members would ever fall behind as they continue to strengthen their friendship and support system.
Also addressing the gathering, the Set Chairperson, Chief Mrs. Monisola Adeleke, described the reunion as a privilege and a fulfilment of a long-held dream.
“It is a privilege to lead this great set especially this second tenure and at such a historic celebration of our secondary school reunion. We are not only celebrating 40 years of inseparable bond, but also appreciating the grace and privilege of life which we do not take for granted,” she said.
Chief Mrs. Adeleke noted that although the gathering was heartwarming, the set deeply remembered members who had passed on, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.
She proudly disclosed that under her leadership, the association had grown into one of the largest and most active alumni groups within the St. Anne’s School Old Girls Association, boasting over 118 active members on its social media platforms.
According to her, the success of the anniversary celebration was made possible through unity, dedication and the collective spirit of the members.
“The idea of this 40th anniversary was conceived by like minds within the association, and I was optimistic from the beginning because of the excellent bond we share,” she explained.
She commended the Central Working Committee and members of the planning team for their commitment and sacrifices toward the success of the event.
Highlighting some of the projects executed by the set, Chief Mrs. Adeleke listed donations and developmental contributions made to the school, including:
Cash donations during Children’s Day celebration in 2023
Distribution of exercise books in 2024
Renovation of three classrooms in the old quadrangle
Donation of chairs and tables to the school on December 16, 2024
Donation of girls’ kits during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration
Sponsorship of toilet maintenance services from 2022 till date
She thanked all members for their unwavering support and prayed for greater accomplishments ahead.
Goodwill messages poured in from dignitaries and prominent personalities, including Chief Mrs. Olayinka Latinwo, the Yeye Bobagunwa of Oduduwa, who was represented by Prince Adebayo Olukoku.
In her message, the chairlady congratulated the class set for sustaining four decades of friendship and unity, assuring them of her continuous support in all future endeavors.
She particularly commended the group for contributing immensely to the development of St. Anne’s School, noting that their gesture had inspired other alumni groups to rise and contribute meaningfully to the institution’s growth.
Chief Mrs. Latinwo further demonstrated her love and support for the association by donating the sum of N5 million toward the successful hosting of the 40th anniversary celebration.
The glamorous event attracted dignitaries, de-la-creme from traditional institutions, business circles, professional bodies and the corporate world.
Highlights of the occasion included a procession with the school anthem, red carpet appearances, cake cutting, cultural exchanges, dance presentations and memorable reunion moments.
The celebration continued on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the Anglican Diocese Headquarters, Molete, where members of the class appeared elegantly dressed in white lace attire with purple head accessories, occupying the front seats of the magnificent cathedral.
In his homily, Anglican cleric Ven. Obaweya OOB preached on the topic, “The Weapons of Our Warfare,” drawing biblical references from 2 Corinthians 10:4, Psalm 90:2, Jeremiah 32:17 and Acts 1:10.
The cleric emphasized that the power of God remains eternal and cannot become obsolete.
“God’s weapons can never be outdated because God Himself is ever current,” he declared.
He urged Christians to rely on spiritual weapons such as prayer, the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in confronting challenges and spiritual battles.
According to him, the existence of counterfeit spiritual powers only confirms the authenticity of the genuine power of God, cautioning believers against false doctrines and deceptive spiritual influences.
“The season we are in demands that Christians draw closer to the ultimate power of God for guidance and protection,” he warned.
Special prayers were later offered for members of the class set, after which Chief Mrs. Monisola Adeleke led the thanksgiving procession to the altar amid joyful songs, dancing and heartfelt appreciation to God.
As the curtains fell on the historic reunion, one message echoed strongly throughout the celebration that true friendship, sisterhood and shared memories can withstand the test of time.
Indeed, the St. Anne’s School Class of 1981–1986 reunion was more than an anniversary; it was a powerful renewal of love, unity, legacy and lifelong sisterhood.
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