The much-anticipated Corona Schools 70th Anniversary Black Tie Gala unfolded as a dazzling spectacle, exceeding the buzz that had preceded it for months. Held at the elegant Jewel Aeida in Lekki, the event transcended a typical school reunion, marking a vibrant celebration of seven decades of educational excellence, enduring friendships and unbreakable bonds.
The grand affair welcomed alumni from all Corona Schools branches, including Apapa (now Corona College of Education), Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ebute Metta/Yaba (now Gbagada), Agbara, and Lekki. Each alumnus represented a proud thread in the rich tapestry of Corona Schools’ history.
Neither Rain Nor Weather Could Dampen The Spirit.
Even the persistent Lagos rain couldnโt dim the electric atmosphere. A well-orchestrated media campaign by the media & publicity committee led by alumnus Ayoola Sadare (Shaddie Bobo) CEO of Inspiro Productions across print, broadcast, online, and social media had already set the tone weeks ahead. By the time the red carpet opened, excitement had reached a feverish pitch. Elegantly dressed alumni, faculty, friends, and family filled the hall, ready to relive cherished memories and create new ones.
A Venue Befitting the Occasion
Jewel Aeidaโs opulence perfectly mirrored the elegance of the occasion. The hall sparkled under ambient lighting, draped fabrics, and floral centerpieces that paid homage to Coronaโs rich heritage. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance โ warm, regal, and celebratory โ echoing the schoolโs legacy of combining discipline with grace for 70 years.
An Immersive Multimedia Experience
Guests were warmly welcomed by smiling, graceful hostesses, setting the eveningโs tone of hospitality. Multiple camera crews captured candid interviews; a buzzing 360-degree photo booth and playful selfie stations offered endless social media-worthy moments. The red carpet was a visual spectacle, filled with laughter, poses, interviews, and dance โ instantly immortalizing the magic of the night.
A beautifully curated souvenir brochure became an instant collectorโs item, packed with cherished memories, alumni profiles, branch histories, and stories of impact. Demand was so high that even non-attendees requested the digital e-copy. The entire event was also live-streamed globally, ensuring that alumni worldwide could share in the magic.
A Feast for the Senses
The culinary experience did not disappoint. Guests enjoyed a seamless flow of premium drinks, colorful cocktails, and gourmet canapรฉs. The main course featured an impressive selection of local and continental delights, curated by four top-tier catering outfits. Conversations, laughter, clinking glasses, and reunions over exquisite meals created a vibrant camaraderie that carried through the night.
The Perfect Hosts
Guiding the eveningโs flow with grace, humour, and nostalgic storytelling were Nollywood icon Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey-Inyang and veteran broadcaster Toun Aderele. Their chemistry, wit, and warmth beautifully bridged generations of alumni, evoking memories that resonated with every guest.
A Parade of Distinguished Alumni
The formal program opened with heartfelt remarks by Alumni Association President Adebayo Ademiluyi, followed by a solemn moment of silence honoring departed members.
Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Roland Abiola Odukomaiya, captured the eveningโs sentiment:
“Tonight, we honour not only the past but the promise of the future. Corona has gifted us values that transcend generations. We are products of excellence, resilience, and a legacy that continues to impact the world.”
The room glittered with distinguished alumni:
Former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo playfully reignited the friendly branch rivalry, proclaiming Yaba as โthe first and best,โ drawing laughter and cheers.
CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, (Ikoyi) Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, (Apapa) Sahara Oil CEO Dr. Tony Cole, (Victoria Island) NELFUND MD Mr. Akin Sawyerr, (Apapa) Dr. Yemisi Odubayo (MD Lagoon Hospitals), (Apapa) Bose Ogulu (Mama Burna), proudly representing her Agbara-graduate children among many others.
Sounds That Stirred the Soul
The Corona School Choir led a moving rendition of the school anthem, while younger pupils from Ikoyi warmed hearts with nostalgic school songs. A soul-stirring performance by talented saxophonist Saratu El Samaila โ whose mother is also an alumna serenaded many. Her parents traveled all the way from Minna to Lagos to attend the event and also witness her performance.
Former Governor Donald Duke reminisced: “Corona has always been more than academics. Itโs about mentorship, nurturing values, and preparing minds for leadership. Thatโs its real legacy.”
A Vision for the Future
Adding forward-looking momentum, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adeshina, CEO of the Corona Schools Trust Council, unveiled one of the anniversaryโs ambitious legacy projects โ a state-of-the-art Tech Hub designed to future-proof students for the digital age: “Education must evolve. This Tech Hub will prepare our children for a rapidly changing world filled with possibilities.”
Justice Bukunola Adebiyi, Chair of the Corona Trust Council, added: “Seventy years is not just a number. Itโs lives transformed, dreams birthed, and a commitment to excellence that remains unshaken.”
Mr. Akin Sawyerr MD Nelfund also reminisced about the schoolโs foundational role in shaping future leaders.
A Legacy of Giving
A highlight of the evening was the ongoing โฆ200 million fundraising initiative, passionately driven by Caroline Olaseinde and the fundraising committee. Beyond rallying VIP attendance, her tireless efforts successfully raised significant funds towards building the Tech Hub and establishing a scholarship endowment fund.
Significantly, Fred Ijewere set the funds ball rolling on behalf of Corona School Victoria Island Alumni and committed a substantial amount to the shortfall for the Tech Hub.
The bidding on exclusive artwork by Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya added further momentum, bringing Corona closer to its ambitious legacy goals.
Also speaking on the schoolโs pioneering legacy, Keem Belo-Osagie, Chair Metis Capital Partners and Ikoyi alumnus, reinstated the fact that Ikoyi Creche โ known then as Corona Day Nursery โ set the pace for the other Corona Schools by being the very first.
A Night That Refused to End
As speeches concluded, Co-Chairperson Sola Alamutu (The Green Queen) led organizing committee members on stage to thunderous applause:
“This night is proof of what love for an institution can achieve. And it all started 70 years ago with the birth of Corona Nursery School, Ikoyi โ the first of all branches.”
The Magnifico Band soon had guests swaying, while DJ Cheflon ignited the dance floor well into the night. The celebration lingered in hearts long after the final song.
A Night to Remember, A Legacy to Celebrate
Corona@70 was not merely a reunion โ it was a living, breathing testimony of community, legacy, and excellence. For every guest privileged to witness it, this night will remain etched as a glittering affirmation that after seven remarkable decades, Coronaโs best chapters are still being written.