‘The Nation’ columnist, Sekoni, two others launch centenary book on Ondo Boys High School.

As the week-long anniversary of the Ondo Boys High School (OBHS) Centenary Celebrations climaxed yesterday, a book titled ‘One Century of Ondo Boys’ High School: The History of Nigeria’s First Community High School’ was launched in the school premises.

The 174-page glossy compendium was authored by the trio of Prof. Ropo Sekoni(1962 set), a retired Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Lincoln University, USA, and columnist of The Nation newspapers, Prof Festus Adesanoye (1963 set) and Dr Orobola Fasehun(1964 set).

While highlighting the book, Sekoni appreciated those who contributed to the preparation of the historic book, stressing that the interviews conducted were printed verbally without being doctored.

He noted that they were spurred to write the book since the first three oldest secondary institutions in the country in Ibadan, Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode had published their own compendium.

Sekoni recalled that the idea of establishing OBHS was muted two years after the amalgamation of Northern/Southern protectorate and happened to be the first community high school in Nigeria.

The don pointed out that the cosmopolitan spirit of Ondo people contributed greatly to the greatness of Ondo kingdom today

The Lisa of Ondo, High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, who represented the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom , Oba Victor Kiladejo, and presented the book, congratulated the organising committee for the book launch on OBHS, stressing that it was a great privilege which future generations must continue to hold in high esteem.

Eminent dignitaries including High Chief Odunwo Akinkulie and wife, High Chief Sasere Adeduro, Prof Ijilayo Fasehun, Mrs Akinuli and many old students of the school cheerfully launched the book.

The centenary celebration kicked off last weekend with a Jumat service and Anniversary Lecture/Centenary Brochure Launching last Saturday.

Also, the school brochure was launched by the duo of UK-based pharmacist, Andrew Kunle Adeyeye, and the president of Nigerian Tennis Federation, Dayo Akindoju, who both received the OBHS Honorary Alumnus Award alongside Justice Ogunwumiju.