It was a reunion for old girls of Baptist Girls’ School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, when a book: Idi-Aba Down Memory Lane, was presented to the public in Lagos, at the Shepherd Hill Baptist Church, Obanikoro.
Not even the rain or traffic snarl on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway penultimate Thursday could deter guests from turning up for the launch of a book, Idi-Aba Down Memory Lane, edited by Mrs Oyeronke Lawoyin. It was for her alma-mater, the school that shaped her.
The presentation was the climax of the eight-year journey of the book she began in 2004.
She radiated joy and contentment at the event.
The Shepherd Hill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, was busy with activities as guests made their way to the school hall for the event. The arena of the school was full with various flashy cars. The decoration of the school hall, venue of the event, was simple.
Though held on a week day, the guests’ presence underscored their love for the Lawoyins. Thus, they left their engagements and work places to attend the launch.
They reminisced about the good old days; schoolmates reuniting after a long time was an added reason to rejoice.
Many were from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital and its environs. They were ushered into the hall by some students of the school, who were in their white school gown and green belt.
With the serenity of the environment, everyone paid rapt attention as the opening prayer was said by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Supo Ayokunle.
Mr Titi Durojaiye anchored the ceremony.
The authors’ friends and members of Idi-aba Baptist Old Students Association (IBOSA), who were her classmates and juniors back then in school, wore uniform ankara as she did. They sang gleefully and danced happily. The old girls relived experiences and chatted like the young girls they once were.
For them, life has remained a track of triumphs than trials. Their motto was and still is: ‘A good name is better than wealth and riches.’
Chairman of the occasion and Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo was represented by Deacon Lanre Gbadebo.
He brought greetings from Abeokuta.
Deacon Gbadebo lamented that the Ibi-Aba of today compared to what it used to be, a pride to the Baptist and Christian world.
The father of the day and former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by the Olugbara of Igbara, Dr Jacob Omolade. He congratulated the author.
“The author’s husband taught me while I was in school, so, she was also my teacher. And when I read the book, it just reminded me of my sojourn in the Baptist Academy. It is not just Mrs Lawoyin’s record but that of everyone who passed through the school. It is different individuals telling their experiences in the school,” Dr Jacob said.
Wife of the first governor of Lagos Mrs Funmilayo Johnson delivered the keynote address.
She encouraged parents to go back to teaching their children home management.
Commenting on the aim of the book, Mrs Johnson noted that it serves as a channel to correct the mistakes they have made as parents.
The book was likened to the compendium of the history of the school.
The book, the author said, is to avoid a wrong foundation for the future of this generation.
The reviewer of the ten-chaptered book, Maxim Uzor Uzoatu, described the book as a landmark, chronicling the experiences during the school days.
The facts of the book, according to Uzoatu, are based on historical accounts and not imaginary stories and fictions.
