By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Southwest Public Relations Officer of the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP and Financial Director of Bullion Records, Hon. Kilamuwaye Oladayo Badmus, joined his former classmates from Rev. Kuti Memorial Grammar School, Abeokuta, for the 22nd Reunion Funfair of the KUTITES 1996-2002 set. The event took place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at ANAN House, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Rev. Kuti Memorial Grammar School, originally established by Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s father, Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, and his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, holds a significant place in the history of education in Nigeria. Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, an Anglican minister, school principal, and the first president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and his wife, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent anti-colonial feminist, laid the foundation for the school’s commitment to quality education. Though the school was eventually taken over by the government, it has remained a symbol of academic excellence and social responsibility.
The reunion, themed “Memory Rekindle,” brought together old students who reminisced about their shared experiences while celebrating their achievements over the years. Hon. Badmus, who was part of the 1996 admission cohort and graduated in 2002, expressed his excitement and pride in reconnecting with his classmates. “It’s a joy to see so many of my colleagues thriving in their respective fields,” he said during an interview at the event. “The bonds we formed in those formative years remain strong, and gatherings like this remind us of the importance of staying connected.”
Reflecting on the event’s theme, he said, “This reunion is not just about celebrating our past; it’s about rekindling the memories that shaped who we are today. It’s also an opportunity to inspire one another to continue being exemplary ambassadors of Rev. Kuti Memorial Grammar School.”
The reunion featured a range of activities, including a discussion on giving back to the school. Hon. Badmus emphasized the importance of contributing to the development of their alma mater. “We owe it to the school that gave us so much to find ways to give back, whether through mentoring current students, supporting infrastructure projects, or organizing skill-building programs,” he said.
Other attendees shared similar sentiments, with many recalling their time in school as foundational to their personal and professional growth. The KUTITES 1996-2002 set plans to sustain the annual reunion tradition while strengthening their network to make meaningful contributions to their communities and Rev. Kuti Memorial Grammar School. Hon. Badmus reiterated his commitment to this cause, stating, “We have a shared responsibility to preserve the legacy of excellence our school stands for.”
The event was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose among the alumni.
