Four distinguished Caroleans recently gathered at their alma mater under the auspices of 715@50 to share memories.
Distinguished Charleans
In the quiet embrace of time’s passage, a sacred circle was formed once more—four men, once boys, reunited in the spirit of memory and brotherhood. These were the pioneers, the brave souls who first walked the halls of St. Charles Grammar School in Oshogbo, Nigeria, in 1965. With hearts full of youthful ambition and minds eager to learn, they laid the foundation for generations to come. Now, decades later,
John Fayenuwo ,
Engr. Thomas Dokun Oyedara,
Vincent Omoarukhe, and
Prof Adeleke Benjamin gathered not merely to recall the past, but to honor it. Their reunion was more than a meeting—it was a rekindling of the flame that first lit their paths, a testament to the enduring power of shared beginnings.
As laughter echoed and stories unfolded, the air shimmered with nostalgia and reverence. Each wrinkle bore witness to trials overcome, each smile a tribute to the joy of enduring friendship. They spoke of chalk-dusted classrooms, of dreams whispered beneath mango trees, of the teachers who shaped them and the lessons that never faded. In their eyes danced the spirit of 1965, undimmed by time. Their gathering was a living archive, a celebration of legacy, and a reminder that the bonds forged in youth—when the world was still unfolding—are among the strongest we ever know. Through them, St. Charles Grammar School lives on, not just in bricks and mortar, but in the hearts of those who dared to be its first.
Caroleans@60 & Charleans715@50 - November 2025 Highlights
Golden Jubilee Dinner – Reflections, Laughter & Legacy
After a day filled with energy and excitement alongside the students, the evening provided a chance to relax, reflect, and celebrate the upcoming decade of achievements.
Our lively and ever-enthusiastic MC, Charlean Leye Odetoyinbo, opened the wonderful evening with his trademark humour and smooth microphone presence. The 715 Kabiyesi and Charlean Martins Oladapo warmly greeted everyone to the Golden Jubilee Dinner.
Next came the main event — The Next Decade Talk. It was profound, engaging, and refreshingly interactive. Charleans covered the *dos and don'ts* of healthy living and graceful ageing — no false information allowed! The message was clear:
✅ Schedule regular medical check-ups
✅ Always get a second opinion
✅ Use trustworthy test kits
✅ Understand your herbs before consuming them!
We were reminded not to apply health advice universally — *what suits one person may not suit another.* Also, we must prepare for the *empty nest* phase of life — when children have left and only the spouse remains to endure your jokes.
Equally important: never hesitate to discuss health issues, and never judge anyone who shares theirs. Real men talk — and live longer!
Then came St. Charles' Memories Reloaded!
Charlean Rotimi Aluko attempted to avoid the famous "Èfon Òffà" tale but instead shared "The Kibuka Resistance of Form 3." The story goes like this — they were ordered to fetch water for seniors, a task beneath their status! The brave group planned a boycott... until IPP Aluko discovered that only he and Charlean Bayo Johnson stood firm. The others quietly fetched their buckets. What followed was repeated beatings — yet the stalemate remained!
We also revisited classics from Daddy Esculentum (Pa Badejo, Agric teacher) with his well-known essay prompts:
"Soil is our heritage. Discuss."
"No water, no life. Discuss."
These memories had the hall filled with laughter!
As the stories continued, so did the pepper soup, rice (in all varieties and from all tribes), amala, and various drinks. Your humble reporter couldn’t resist — I even used rice to garnish my amala!
The evening concluded beautifully, marking the grand finale of a highly successful Caroleans@65 and Charleans715@50 Anniversary celebration.
We raise our glasses to many more years of health, happiness, and unity — for Caroleans@65, 715Charleans@50, and the entire SCOBA family.
