Old students of Mayflower School, Ikenne, Remo, Ogun State, founded by foremost social critic and educationist, late Dr. Tai Solarin have lined up activities to mark the 30th anniversary of his demise.
Solarin, a notable newspaper columnist and Chairman of the defunct Peoples’ Bank of Nigeria (PBN) died on July, 27th 1994. He was at aged 71.
In a statement, the President of the Mayflower Old Students’ Association (MOSA), Mr. Wale Abdul described Solarin as an icon who spoke truth to power, noting that Nigerians, especially the down trodden would never forget Solarin’s impact on national development.
He reasoned that Mayflower School, founded by Solarin has distinguished itself from inception till date, by producing national assets who continue to excel on a global scale because of the dream and ideals of its founder.
According to him, the late critic and educationist would be remembered by generations unborn for the impactful life he lived, which was defined by hardwork, discipline, integrity and personal sacrifice.
Abdul added that though Solarin was not perfect, his legacies remain enduring, untainted and impactful, despite failed attempts by his traducers who are ignorant of the chemistry Solarin was made of.
As part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of his passing, the MOSA President disclosed that the events would start with a walk by students of Mayflower School and their private school counterparts on the morning of July 23rd, while a lecture with the theme “Who is Tai Solarin?’’ would be delivered by an erudite old student, Ex-May Akin Aloba at noon.
“This will be followed by a marathon race in honour of Dr. Tai Solarin and his wife, Sheila by the students from 7am to 10am of Wednesday July 24, to be followed by a football match at the school field from 2pm.
“The grand finale holds on the morning of August 3, with a walk by Ex-Mays from the school emblem to the Solarins’ residence and their grave sites, while a lecture with theme “Tai Solarin’s Philosophy: 30 years after“ is expected to be delivered by a renowned human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, (SAN)” from noon, Ex-May Abdul, a chartered accountant said.