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65TH ANNIVERSARY: SACRED HEART SEMINARY AKURE ALUMNI LAUNCH ULTRA-MODERN REFECTORY PROJECT
…Honour 25 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactors at 2026 Reunion
The Sacred Heart Minor Seminary, Akure has held its 65th anniversary with lecture and awards ceremony attended by stakeholders from within and outside the state.
The events held in the school premises in the Ondo State capital was an opportunity for the school authority, the old students as well as other stakeholders to reflect on the past, assess the present and project into the future.
The anniversary began with a media briefing addressed by the President of Sacred Heart Minor Seminary Old Boys Association, Mr. Dominic Alade.
He acknowledged the roles of the past and present administration in the school as well as the Proprietor, Most Revd Jude Arogundade who has always shown a great degree of commitment to the growth and development of the school.
The Rector of the School, Fr. Val Akindiose expressed happiness at the roles being played by the old students association which he said have been a great encouragement for both the school authority and the students.
Father Akindiose also assured that the school has always been secured, stating that all structures and processes are also being put in place for a more secure premises.
Other activities marking the 65th anniversary included evening prayers and the Annual General Meeting where participants reviewed the progress of the association and charted a course for future interventions.
The second day featured a Requiem Mass for deceased alumni and staff celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese and Proprietor of the Seminary, Bishop Jude Ayodeji Arogundade.
In his homily, the Bishop commended the alumni for their unwavering support for the seminary over the years and urged them to remain active contributors to societal development.
Following the Mass, wreaths were laid on the tombs of deceased priests, alumni and staff members buried within the seminary cemetery.
The Bishop thereafter laid the foundation of the Alumni Development Project an ultra-modern refectory and kitchen complex and urged members to ensure its timely completion.
He disclosed that he had earlier donated a trailer-load of 900 bags of cement as a demonstration of his support for the project.
Earlier, the Rector of the Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Valentine Akindiose assured stated that the school authority will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders towards improving the status of the school.
The President of the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary Old Boys Association, Mr. Dominic Alade assured that the alumni will continue to play their part in ensuring that the standard set by the founding fathers is sustained.
In his words, “It gives me great pleasure to stand before you today the 11th day of June, 2026 to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of our great institution Sacred Heart Minor Seminary Akure”.
“Just like yesterday, the seed that was sown 65 years ago has grown and blossom and the impact has spread all over the world. Special thanks to the founding fathers, rectors as well as the members of staff that helped to nurture this seed, we pray that their efforts won’t be in vain Amen”.
“As we know that Sacred Heart Minor Seminary is not just any secondary school, but a specialized school on a specific mission dedicated for the training of a younger generation with the hope that they will become responsible adults in their various fields of human endeavours”.
“65 years down the lane has become one success story or another about the school and its products, Today as we gather to celebrate the institution, we are also celebrating the association as well as her members who has achieved one feet in one way or another ranging from academics, business as well as politics”, Alade added.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Education Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Very Rev. Fr. Valentine Omolakin, and the Parent-Teachers Association Chairman, Professor Marcel Onyiboh, both of whom praised the alumni for their enduring commitment to the institution.
A major highlight of the reunion and anniversary was the Alumni Lecture and Awards Ceremony, where 25 distinguished alumni and benefactors were honoured under four categories.
The prestigious Commander of the Order of SHSAOBA (COS) was conferred on Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Ifetoye Ajayi (1993 Set), Principal of Aquinas College, Akure, and Architect Chuks Nnadi Mmaduabuchi (2011 Set).
The Member of the Order of SHSAOBA (MOS) category was bestowed on Mr. Attah Clement Adegboyega (2000 Set) and Barrister Anthony Tosin Ademo (1984 Set).
Recipients of the Advocate of the Order of SHSAOBA (AOS) included Prince Augustine Akimbamiji Tamale (1999 Set), Mr. Michael IfeOluwa Adenejolu (1999 Set), Engineer Felix Okotete (1979 Set), Mr. Franklin Ade Aladenika (2006 Set), Mr. Colman Bayo Akinwolere (1979 Set), Professor Lawrence Tumininu Gbore (1980 Set), Mr. Samuel Bamidele Ozekwereobi (2000 Set), Engineer Dr. Patrick Adeniyi Adesida (1997 Set), Mr. Peter Medunoye (1992 Set), Ambassador Ifedayo Clinton Omodara, Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Oloruntosin Akinseloyin (1980 Set), Very Rev. Fr. Barrister Dominic Babatunde Agbara, Honourable Justice John Olajide Abe (1980 Set), Pharmacist Simon Olugbenga Ilesanmi (1979 Set), and Mr. Victor Obamara (2010 Set).
The Associate Member of the Order of SHSAOBA (AMOS) category, reserved for benefactors and non-alumni who have made significant contributions to the seminary, was conferred on Mrs. Ireti Anne Ketiku, Professor Marcel Ikechukwu Sunday Onyiboh, Barrister Cyril Olorunwafunmi Akinola Gbogi, Mr. Olajide Olufemi, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ikwu, and Mrs. Mary Magdalene Olasumbo Ijabiyi.
The award recipients were recognised for their outstanding service, leadership, mentorship, philanthropy and commitment to the advancement of Sacred Heart Seminary and society at large.
In his lecture titled Bond Forever: Towards A Virile Alumni Association, Anthony Tosin Ademo, Esq emphasized the place of alumni associations in sustaining the glory of any school and used the opportunity to commend SHSAOBA for its numerous interventions.
Stakeholders described the reunion as a resounding success that strengthened alumni bonds, celebrated excellence and reaffirmed SHSAOBA’s commitment to supporting the seminary’s mission of academic excellence, spiritual formation and character development for future generations.
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