Choreography, the pupils’ way
In a week-long pot pourri of activities, St. Louis Nursery and Primary School, Akure, in Ondo state, rolled out drums to celebrate its 50 years of existence hence from January 24th through February 3, 2025, the school literally transformed into a hub of entertainment and fun fare.
The festivities kicked off with a road rally that saw a sea of enthusiastic pupils, alumni, friends of Sisters of St. Louis, staff, and proud parents of the pupils with chants and songs including from old school days for the alumni who with all nostalgia relished the event.
United in our diversities we stand
Subsequent days witnessed the likes of sports, games, Talent hunt, beauty pageantry, entertaining novelty matches, candle light procession as well as Quiz competition and other thrilling fun fares. The indoor games, ranged from chess to table tennis.
The events were not only Ondo, the school, parents and alumni events but brought St. Louis schools across the nation to also not just grace the occasion but also partake in the activities. For instance, the quiz competition for several St Louis schools produced St Louis school Kano for first position, St. Louis Ikare second and St. Louis Nursery and Primary School Akure (the host) clinched the third position.
There was also a dinner and award event where benefactors, supporters of the school including teachers who have given in their best were recognized and celebrated. Outstanding among them is Mrs. Funke Eurobodo who has given 35 years service to the school.
His lordship Most Rev. Dr J. Arogundade of Akure Catholic Diocese, Bishop Emeritus-Rev Dr. Alonge, Priests and Sisters of St. Louis after thanksgiving Mass
The grand finale on February 3rd 2025, which marked end of the week-long event was awesome. It witnessed more of the alumni who savoured old experiences. According to a 2001/2002 alumni, Fasan Ayokunle; The sight of old faces, some familiar, some aged by time, was overwhelming. We shared stories, laughed over old pranks, and reminisced about the days spent in those classrooms and playgrounds.
High point of the final day’s event is the captivating cultural display which projected the nation’s cultural diversities yet with unity of purpose, where pupils displayed different Nigerian cultural attires, folktales and dance steps.
The Provincial Team leader of Sisters of St. Louis, Reverend sister Christian Kure SSL, appreciated the staff for their hard work and dedication particularly the head teacher, Rev. Sr. Justina Ihechere in making the 50-year anniversary worthwhile and evergreen. She is grateful to pastoral supports, all the parents, alumni and guests who graced the various events.
Bishop of Akure, Most Rev. Dr J. Arogundade with the Head Teacher, Rev. Sr. Justina Ihechere
Earlier during the opening ceremonies, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic diocese, Most Rev Dr. Jude Arogundade extoled the virtues of the Sisters of St Louis for keeping the vision of its Founding father alive.
As a faith based academy, the events could not have been complete without Benediction and a Thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral.
St. Louis Nursery and Primary school, Akure was officially established on 3rd February, 1975 by Rev. Dr. W.R Field (SMA), the then Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese. The school was established for the total development of the young for future, academic, social and spiritual life. It is administered by the Sisters of St. Louis congregation of the Catholic Church. Its strong moral value include: Discipline, punctuality, hard work, cleanliness, integrity, safety and security consciousness, all of which were not only attested to by friends and parents of the school but also demonstrated by its pupils and alumni during the celebrations.
