Prof. Olajide bags Lifetime Achievement Award

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Old Grammarians Society (OGS) of CMS Grammar School, Bariga, has honoured Prof. Olajide Ajayi, former President of the West African College of Surgeons, with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 OGS Merit Awards ceremony.

Ajayi, Patron of the Bloom Cancer& Support Centre, was the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan (1990-98) and the only Nigerian to be appointed to the post in two teaching hospitals simultaneously.

Also honoured included Ven. Yinka Omololu, who got the Posthumous Outstanding Grammarian Award, and 21 others including two U.K.-based alumni in various class sets who were decorated with the Individual Merit Awards.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Ven. B A Adelaja Hall, CMS Grammar School, Bariga, on Saturday, Cyril Ogbekene, President, OGS, said that the idea was to celebrate excellence, consistency and determination of performances.

Ogbekene noted that the infrastructure and other developments in the college were done by the OGS.

“We have always rewarded excellence and we hold this event to celebrate those who have left school and are still identifying with our beloved Alma Mata, using it to inspire those who are still in school.

“This is a culture that we celebrate every year; the criteria is global and that is excellence and we use it to reunite those across the globe. We have OGS from U.K., Europe and OGS America.

“ Every Grammarian has the capacity to be the very best but I describe the awardees as the shoulders and heads above the rest across the globe,” he added.

Earlier, Sen. Akin Odunsi, Chairman of the day, during his speech lauded the event.

He urged the people to embrace the celebration of excellence with enthusiasm, pride and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact in their respective roles, country and world at large.