The Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) 1970-74/76 Class Set recently announced exciting plans to transform the school’s newly constructed tennis court into a key sporting hub in Lagos State. This announcement was made during a presentation ceremony for the tennis facility at the prestigious institution in Obanikoro, Lagos. The state-of-the-art facility was presented as a gift to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation, reinforcing the school’s motto, “Deo Duce,” which translates to “God as Guide.” This initiative reflects the alumni’s commitment to both their alma mater and the community, aiming to foster a culture of sports that complements academic excellence.
At the ceremony, Lanre Idowu, the immediate past president of BAOSA, discussed the project’s significance and its historical context. He mentioned that the initiative began five years ago and is part of a broader effort to restore the school’s sporting legacy. Idowu noted that in their time, the school had two standard tennis courts, with one being used as a basketball court, but those facilities have unfortunately diminished over the years. He emphasized the association’s ongoing efforts to create well-rounded educational opportunities, highlighting that sports are vital for students’ development. The ambition entails further phases of the project, with additional fundraising efforts anticipated to ensure its continued success.
Tony Egoegonwa, the Class Set Chairman, shared the challenging journey of bringing the project to fruition. He recollected the initial hurdles faced when they sought to establish the court, including land disputes that arose even after they were allocated a plot. Egoegonwa expressed gratitude for the collaboration and support they received, particularly as their 50th anniversary approached, which provided an impetus to complete the project. The team’s determination and hard work, combined with the pressing timeline, ultimately led to the accomplishment of this vision, marking a significant milestone for the alumni group.
A pivotal aspect of the tennis court’s role is the intention to open it to the surrounding communities in Lagos. As stated by Idowu, the goal is to develop the facility into a central hub for tennis, poised to host significant competitions. This inclusive approach signifies the association’s desire not only to benefit Baptist Academy students but also to contribute positively to the broader community. The alumni envision a future where aspiring athletes can attribute their success to training at this new facility, potentially nurturing national and world champions.
The presentation event also featured an exhibition match that showcased both former alumni and current students, signaling a vibrant connection between various generations of the academy. Participants included BAOSA’s former chairman, Yemi Gbenro, active Lagos State coach Oluwaseyi Stephen, and current students Ayomide Olalere and Adeyemo Emmanuel. Noteworthy absentees included key donors associated with the project, such as Mr. John Momoh and Dr. Kehinde Adegoke, reflecting the broader community’s investment in this initiative.
As the association looks forward, work on a second tennis court is set to commence shortly, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing the facility and its offerings. The BAOSA is actively seeking further support to ensure the completion of this project, reflecting both the necessity for ongoing funding and the alumni’s dedication to investing in the future of the school and its community. Overall, this initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of alumni engagement in fostering a culture of excellence, bridging past experiences with future opportunities for students and community members alike.
