By Funsho Arogundade
It was indeed an epic reunion of glamour, laughter and legacy at the much-anticipated Corona Schools’ 70th Anniversary Black Tie Gala held Saturday June 14 in Lagos. Set against the glittering backdrop of Jewel Aeida, Lekki, the celebration was far more than a school reunion. It was an epic celebration of seven decades of educational excellence, enduring friendships, and unbreakable bonds.
The grand affair welcomed alumni from every branch — Apapa (now Corona College of Education), Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ebute Metta/Yaba (now Gbagada), Agbara, and Lekki — each one representing a proud piece of the Corona Schools’ tapestry. Neither rain nor weather could dampen the spirit. Elegantly dressed alumni, faculty, friends, and family filled the hall, ready to relive cherished memories and create new ones.
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It was indeed a parade of distinguished alumni as the room glittered with the presence of former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who playfully reignited the friendly branch rivalry by proclaiming Yaba as “the first and best,” drawing laughter and cheers. Other luminaries are the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Yemi Cardoso, (Ikoyi) former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, (Apapa), Prof. Keem Belo-Osagie, (Ikoyi) Sahara Group CEO Dr. Tony Cole, (Victoria Island) NELFUND MD Akin Sawyerr, (Apapa) Dr. Yemisi Odubayo, MD Lagoon Hospitals, (Apapa) Bose Ogulu (Mama Burna), proudly representing (Agbara) among many others.
The formal programme opened with remarks by Alumni Association President, Adebayo Ademiluyi, followed by a solemn moment of silence honoring departed members.
Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Roland Abiola Odukomaiya, captured the evening’s sentiment: “Tonight, we honour not only the past but the promise of the future. Corona has gifted us values that transcend generations. We are products of excellence, resilience, and a legacy that continues to impact the world.”
Mrs. Adeyoyin Adeshina, CEO of the Corona Schools Trust Council, unveiled one of the anniversary’s ambitious legacy projects – a state-of-the-art N200 million Tech Hub designed to future-proof students for the digital age. Beyond rallying VIP attendance, Ms. Caroline Olaseinde and the fundraising committee have been tirelessly working at successfully raising significant funds towards building the Tech Hub and establishing a scholarship endowment fund.
Significantly, Fred Ijewere set the funds rolling on behalf of Corona School Victoria Island Alumni and committed a substantial amount to the shortfall for the Tech Hub. The bidding on exclusive artwork by Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya added further momentum, bringing Corona closer to its ambitious legacy goals.
Amidst a vibrant camaraderie with conversations, laughter, clinking glasses, and networking over exquisite meals, the evening’s flow was guided with grace, humour, and nostalgic storytelling by Nollywood icon, Keppy Ekpenyong and veteran broadcaster Toun Aderele. Their chemistry, wit and warmth beautifully bridged generations of alumni, evoking memories that resonated with every guest. The electric atmosphere was preceded by a well-orchestrated media campaign by the media & publicity committee led by alumnus Ayoola Sadare, CEO of Inspiro Productions. The red carpet was a visual spectacle, filled with laughter, poses, interviews, and dance — instantly immortalizing the magic of the night. The Magnifico Band soon had guests swaying, while DJ Cheflon ignited the dance floor well into the night.
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