Mayor Princess Bright Applauds St. Monica’s Girls Grammar School Ondo Alumni at London Inauguration
London, United Kingdom – November 1, 2025
Temidayo Awotula.
The Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Councillor Princess Bright, has commended the alumni of St. Monica’s Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ondo (SMAGGSO) for their unity, compassion, and dedication to community service during the inauguration of the UK–Europe–Ireland Chapter of their alumni association.
In her goodwill message, Mayor Princess Bright expressed delight at the alumni’s compassion and collaborative spirit. She commended their efforts to uplift one another and to support humanitarian initiatives, including assistance for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
“I am delighted to see the spirit of unity and compassion among members,” she said. “True strength lies in lifting one another up and walking side by side. I am proud to be associated with women of noble character who are committed to giving back to society.”
The Mayor also took a moment to appreciate her own teachers from primary school through university for their guidance and inspiration, acknowledging their impact on her leadership journey
The colourful event, held at the Palm Tree Banquet Hall, London (E7 9HA), brought together old students from across continents to celebrate decades of friendship, achievement, and shared heritage.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by Pastor John Akinduro, followed by the introduction of dignitaries, including Mr. Amos Babajide Gbenjo (USA), who served as Chairman of the Occasion; Chief Isaac Iwalola Fadoju (Odole of Ondo Kingdom) and Chief (Mrs.) Janet Akinmboni (Yeye Meto of Ondo Kingdom), who acted as Supporting Chairpersons; alongside Chief Iginla and other distinguished guests.
In the keynote address delivered by Mrs Temitope Awosika-Ade-Wahab, National President of SMAGGSO, described the event as a “new dawn” for the association and praised the members for their commitment to unity and progress.
“The seeds planted in the soil of memory at St. Monica’s Girls Grammar School, Ondo, have now blossomed into trees of unity across oceans and time zones,” she said. “This is indeed a glorious moment for us all.”
Delivering the welcome address, Mrs. Mowa Jumokeogundele Bakare, President of the UK–Europe–Ireland Chapter, thanked members for their hard work in making the chapter a reality and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting educational and charitable causes.
In his remarks, Mr. Gbenjo applauded St. Monica’s legacy, noting that the school has produced generations of women distinguished in diverse professions from law and medicine to business, education, and public service.
St. Monica’s has produced women of honour and excellence wives, doctors, lawyers, accountants, psychologists, and communication experts,” he said. “This gathering reflects the enduring spirit of unity and excellence that defines our alma mater.”
The evening featured nostalgic reflections, presentation of gifts to distinguished guests, and a raffle draw that produced ten lucky winners. The atmosphere was filled with music, laughter, and rekindled friendships, leaving guests inspired and joyful.
Prominent alumni in attendance included Mrs. Foyin Agbalaya (1960 set), Chief (Mrs.) Ebiyemi Babarinde (1967 set), Mrs. Abimbola Wilson (1992 set), Mrs. Nicky Iginla (1985 set), Mrs. Toyin Alli (1984 set), Mrs. Doris Akinso (1984 set), Mrs. Ojuolape Ojuri (1978 set), Mrs. Nike Aremu, and Mrs. Doris Akinsomisoye, among others.
The inauguration was a resounding success a celebration of sisterhood, excellence, and the enduring legacy of St. Monica’s Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ondo.
