Baptist Academy alumni call for collaboration to sustain legacy of mission schools

…Hold thanksgiving, remembrance service

Jeremiah Abidemi Shittu, Methodist Bishop, Diocese of Ado Ekiti and a member of Baptist Academy Old Students Association, has reiterated the need for strategic collaborations between old students, school management and government in sustaining the divine legacy of mission schools for the socio-economic growth of Nigeria.

Shittu said that there is need to acknowledge the divine legacy and role that mission schools such as Baptist Academy play in shaping the destinies of Nigerian youth across several geo political zones.

Speaking at the 2026 evening of thanksgiving and remembrance service organised by the Baptist Academy Old Students Association in Lagos with the theme: ‘A legacy of gratitude, bond of remembrance,’ Shittu emphasised the significance of giving thanks to God in all circumstances in life.

He described gratitude as a service to God and humanity, adding that gratitude is a tool for personal well-being and has a feel-good emotion.

According to him, while these are valid aspects of life, biblical gratitude transcends mere transactional facts. It is an unconditional, proactive, and spiritual posture of acknowledging God’s goodness in all circumstances.

The clergy man while commiserating with the families of the deceased, said that God has kept everyone alive for a reason, not because they are better than those who have gone, but to keep their legacy on.

“Gratitude helps us to highlight God’s reliability across generations, it speaks of God’s faithful provision, protection and providing stability in a world of constant loss.

“So, in our personal lives many of us from diverse backgrounds have faced moments of uncertainty, career shifts, personal trials, emotional upheaval. Yet, God has been our dwelling place? If not for God, many of us would have gone. But God has kept us alive,” he said.

On his part, Olumide Ajomale, president of BAOSA, while commenting on the significance of the programme, said the significance of this service is that it helps the old and current students to develop the capacity and consciousness to help others, adding that the lives, service and sacrifices of members, classmates, teachers and administrators remain woven in the fabric of their alma mater.

The annual event is a solemn gathering designed to express gratitude for the living and honour the memory of departed alumni and faculty. It had the theme: ‘A Legacy of Gratitude, A Bond of Remembrance.’

Ajomale said in remembering them, the association reaffirms a bond that transcends, and legacies preserved through gratitude, service and continuity.

“We gather first in thanksgiving, as an Alumni of Baptist Academy, we are grateful for the solid foundation of learning and character we received, the lifelong friendships forged and the opportunities that have flowed from our shared heritage. Above all, we thank God for sustaining us and for granting us the privilege to give back to the institution that gave us so much,” he said.

The event also allowed old boys to share fond memories they cherished of the 23 departed old students and prayers for the families of the late members. Those in attendance at the event includes; Kayode Denloye attended in honour of late Pastor Femi Denloye of the 1976 Set, while Damilola Ademiluyi was present in honour of late David Ademola Ademiluyi of the 1956 Set.

Among the departed are: Seni Akinmola (2004); Taiwo Olubamiwo Williams (1980); Olabode Emmanuel (1946); Oluwole Adedeji Olusi (1976); Olumuyiwa Jaiyeoba (1973); Femi Denloye (1976); Anthony Olatunji Taiwo (1958); Canon Bolarinwa Osineye (82/84); David Ademola Ademiluyi (1956); Olanrewaju Johnson (1978) Abayomi Kayode Adebesin (1979). Other are: Olusegun Olowolabi (1977); Abiodun Otaiku (1964); Muritala Tolagbe Animashaun (72/73) Olukayode Arawole (1979) Taiwo Ola (1996); Bola Bakare1975, Olusegun Onasanwo,1992; Ekundayo Thomas (1988), Ifiemi Adigio (1975), Ikemesit Okonna(1975), Charles Duru (1992) and Thomas Ihebom Idubor (1958).