ALCON 2023 — Celebrating 40 Years of Shams‑El‑Deen Grammar School
Forward Looking Leader, Engr. IDOWU Hamed A.
The year 2023 was nothing short of historic for the Shams‑El‑Deen Grammar School Alumni Association. As our beloved alma mater marked its 40th Anniversary, the leadership of the Association intensified efforts to make the celebration truly inclusive, unifying, and memorable for every graduating set.
Building upon the bold progress of previous years, Engr. (Dr.) Hamed Ademayowa once again led the charge toward unity, this time with even deeper engagement, renewed diplomacy, and a clear vision: To ensure that the Ruby Jubilee (40 Years) was celebrated as one SGS family.
A Push for Reconciliation and Inclusion
With the anniversary approaching, the President revisited old bridges and sought to strengthen new ones:
Reconciled With the 1991/92 Branch
The President reached out directly to the leadership of the 1991/92 branch, an influential set whose non‑participation had shaped earlier disunity. After meaningful dialogue, they assured full participation in the 40th Anniversary celebration, marking a major breakthrough in the quest for unity.
Engaged the 1988/89 Set
Determined to leave no set behind, the President personally approached the 1988/89 branch, urging them to join the unity movement and celebrate this major milestone collectively. They expressed willingness but explained they had already fixed a date for their own party and purchased materials for their celebration. In an admirable show of goodwill and unity, the President donated 60 yards of fabric to the 1988/89 set, ensuring they could still be visibly represented at the central celebration of the school’s 40th anniversary.
Widespread Mobilization Across All Sets
Talks continued across different branches, and the efforts paid off remarkably. By the start of ALCON 2023: 17 branches officially joined the central celebration, the highest number since the unity journey began.
40th Anniversary – A Grand Celebration
The 40th Anniversary celebration was done in grand style, befitting the legacy of SGS and the milestone it represented. The event brought together:
- A Lagos State Commissioner
- A serving member of the Federal House of Representatives
- Founding fathers of the Shams‑El‑Deen Society of Nigeria, including:
- Alhaji Sheik Khatib Yahya Olorunosebi Oshoala Ajagbemokeferi (Al‑Samadaani)
- Representatives of the Alashe Itunmaja Community
- Members of the Ayanbadejo Family, the generous donors of the land on which the school was built
The presence of these dignitaries highlighted the deep roots of SGS and the impact the institution has had on its community and nation.
The anniversary cake
The celebration featured: A beautifully coordinated cake‑cutting ceremony, special recognition awards and the presentation of 40 standing and ceiling fans to both the Senior and Junior Schools, a meaningful investment in the comfort and learning environment of current students.
A Major Win for the Association
ALCON 2023 was, by every measure, a landmark success: The highest number of unified branches to date, the reconciliation of previously disconnected sets, historic turnout from VIPs and founding figures, a shared celebration of 40 years of SGS excellence, tangible contributions back to the school and renewed pride and collective identity among alumni.
What began in 2021 as a courageous step toward unity had, by 2023, evolved into a powerful movement embraced by a majority of the alumni community. ALCON 2023 became a symbol of progress, healing, unity, and transformation. It was not just a celebration of four decades, it was a celebration of what we can achieve together.