Nigerians in London, UK: Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School Old Girls in London celebrate fundraising event in style

Morin Okenla with Mrs Labode, the former principal of Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School, Suru-Lere, Lagos

LONDON, UK - The Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School, Suru-Lere Old Girls Association (LAGGS OGA UK) in London celebrated their first fundraising event recently.

As an old girl, I was proud to be part of this great event. There are many old students from various schools in Nigeria who reside abroad but not many have been able to carry off a feat like this.

The celebration cake


More goodies

The flyer designed by iShine Media & Design

I remember meeting up with Ms Yetunde Odebiyi about five years ago. Her dream was to bring old girls in London together. Yetunde and I had been class mates at 'Anglican' as we called it way back then and her idea sounded refreshing.

Ms Yetunde Odebiyi, Director at Healthier Lifestyle Options (HLO)

Yetunde had tried for a few years before we met up and she told me how hard it was to get people involved. I think it wasn't about the people, it was just the wrong time. We girls six to seven years ago were knee deep in childcare issues. We met up a couple of times with Senior Oluyinka Olumide and a few other old girls, and I must say, Yetunde really tried her best to pull it along.

Pictures of the original school badge, the LAGGS OGA logo and a redesigned school badge. Digital designs by iShine Media, Design & Publishing.

The raffle ticket

The LAGGS OGA event theme logo - Steel Magnolias -Woman of Substance

The highlight of the event was the arrival of former principal of the school, Mrs Oluyomi Labode. Mrs Labode was the principal from 1982 to 1996 and she flew in from Lagos Nigeria specially for the occasion. Also with her was the president of the Nigerian chapter of the LAGGS, OGA.

Mrs Labode's presence was not an ordinary one as she is one of the best loved heads of the school. And so, everyone was looking forward to welcoming her. Once she arrived, an entourage of excited old girls including Vice President, Ms Adetutu Kujore and head of Hospitality, Ms Yetunde Odebiyi met her at the door and walked her to her seat.

Mrs Labode flanked by old girls. Morin Okenla, that me - first left!

Most old girls from the 1980s remember phrases used by Mrs Labode to nurtur and raise us such as, "pick it up," "tummy in," "shoulders high," "heads up," walk upright," and these I believe have molded our early life and helped us develop into the successful women that we are today.

LAGGS OGA UK at the event

Some old girls meet up for the first time in ages!


Morin Okenla, owner iShine Group

LAGGS OGA UK, singing the school

Some of the night's fun activities included a three course meal, 'correct' music by DJ Omo Whyte, an American auction which raised some money (I donated one of my paintings) and Hajia Lara also donated beautiful jewellery. There was a raffle draw and a lucky fellow won the top prize...a washing machine!!!

The best part was the end, when Mrs Labode stood up to encourage us and give us words of advice. She thanked us for all our hard word and prayed for us. When she finished, all old girls gave her a standing ovation and sang, "Iya ni wura iye biye" to her and she cried! It was tears of love, joy, appreciation and as a teacher myself, I guess she was crying tears of relieve that all her efforts had not been in vain! Thank you ma!

The three course meal was served in the beautifully decorated hall

It was a lovely night...representatives of other schools attended such as, CMS Grammar School OGA, Regan Memorial OGA, old friends met up, the music was good and we all danced the night away. Kudos to all officers and the organising committee and to Ms Yetunde Odebiyi, Senior Olubusola Olumide and Ms Adetutu Okunoren and others whose dream it has always been to make the LAGGS OGA a reality!

Here are some more pictures from the event courtesy of Le Kafe photography. The number one photo agency in London. Visit the website for offers.