The Corona Schools’ 70th Anniversary Black Tie Gala was not just a gathering; it was a well-deserved celebration that epitomized what a diamond jubilee should look like. As soon as the red carpet was rolled at the exquisite Jewel Aeida in Lekki, it was obvious that Corona@70 was about to be a memorable reunion of class, laughter and a lasting legacy.
It was far from just a regular coming together; the gala was a gathering of different generations, uniting alumni from different corners of the Corona Schools’ empire – Apapa (now Corona College of Education), Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ebute Metta/Yaba (now Gbagada), Agbara, and Lekki.
Every alumnus represented Corona’s 7 decades of educational growth, and they all showed up in style to make it a night to remember.
Despite the rainy weather and Lagos downpour, nothing was going to ruin the well-planned festivities, and the atmosphere at Jewel Aieda remained electric.
The superb media and publicity committee delivered a brilliantly orchestrated media blitz, under the effective leadership of alumnus Ayoola Sadare (Shaddie Bobo), CEO of Inspiro Productions, and that increased anticipation for the event.
As the guests, esteemed faculty, and friends showed up in their dazzling attire, excitement filled the air as everyone looked forward to revelling in beautiful memories while creating new ones.
The venue was everything to write home about. Jewel Aeida delivered the precise kind of ambience that mirrored the gathering’s sophisticated feel. The hall shone under ambient lighting, fantastic fabrics, and floral centrepieces that showed off Corona’s rich heritage.
It was the perfect mix of warmth, regal charm and pure bliss, which reflected an educational institution that has blended discipline with grace perfectly, for several decades.
Red Carpet Memories & A Captivating Memory Machine:
As soon as guests walked in, they were immersed in the delights the building had to offer. Stunning hostesses with endearing smiles set the tone for the evening with commendable hospitality.
Various camera crews captured the laughter and emotional embrace, while a unique 360-degree photo booth and playful selfie stations offered the right platform for social media gold.
As expected, the red carpet was home to lively conversations, bold poses, and different dance moves.
And for guests who were craving a tangible piece of the night, a specially curated souvenir brochure became an immediate collector’s item. Filled with memorable pictures, insightful alumni profiles, compelling branch histories, and motivating stories of impact, the demand for it increased rapidly that even non-attendees requested the digital e-copy.
For alumni all over the world, the full event was live-streamed, ensuring nobody missed out on the fantastic experience.
A Culinary Carnival & Professional Hosts:
Edibles were aplenty with a smooth flow of premium drinks, vibrant cocktails, and exquisite gourmet canapés. The main course was a rich spread of local and continental dishes, carefully curated by 4 top-tier catering outfits.
Animated convos, regular clinking of glasses, and heartfelt reunions over amazing meals made it a night to never forget.
Popular Nollywood guru, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey-Inyang, and veteran broadcaster, Toun Aderele, also delivered seamless grace, unforgettable humour, and brilliant storytelling that attendees couldn’t get enough of.
Their obvious chemistry, applaudable wit and consistent warmth resonated greatly with different generations of alumni, and the duo definitely left the building with more fans than they already had.
A Constellation Of Stars: Distinguished Alumni Dazzle:
The formal program started with heartfelt remarks by Alumni Association President Prince Adebayo Ademiluyi, which was followed by a thoughtful moment of silence to honour departed members.
Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Roland Abiola Odukomaiya, had this to say, “Tonight, we honor 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 was filled with prominent Nigerians who owe an important phase of their educational journey to the great institution that is Corona.
Ex-Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo jokingly reignited the friendly branch rivalry, declaring Yaba “the first and best” to lots of laughter and cheers.
Other important guests include 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), and Dr. Yemisi Odubayo (MD Lagoon Hospitals) (Apapa).
Mr. Ayo Subair, LIRS Chairman, was unavoidably absent but ably represented by his wife, Mrs Yemisi Subair, and Bose Ogulu (Burna Boy’s mum) was proudly represented by her three Agbara-graduate kids, among several other luminaries.
Melodies & Moments: Echoes Of The Past, Promises Of The Future:
The Corona School Choir didn’t fail to move everyone with its rendition of the school anthem. Younger students from Ikoyi dazzled the crowd with beautiful school songs, which brought smiles to many faces.
Superb saxophonist Saratu El Samaila also wowed the gathering with her compelling musical performance, which was witnessed by her mother, an alumnus who came all the way from Minna to attend the ceremony.
“Corona has always been more than academics. It’s about mentorship, nurturing values, and preparing minds for leadership. That’s its real legacy,” Former Governor Donald Duke said.
CEO of the Corona Schools Trust Council, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adeshina, then launched a state-of-the-art Tech Hub designed to future-proof students for the digital age.
According to her, it was one of the anniversary’s most ambitious legacy projects that had to be unveiled in grand style.
“Education must evolve. This Tech Hub will prepare our children for a rapidly changing world filled with possibilities,” she disclosed.
Mr. Akin Sawyerr, MD NELFUND, emphasised the school’s vital role in shaping future leaders.
“Seventy years is not just a number. It’s lives transformed, dreams birthed, and a commitment to excellence that remains unshaken,” Chair of the Corona Trust Council, Justice Bukunola Adebiyi, added.
The Legacy Of Giving: Fueling The Future:
To wrap up the incredible evening, the powerhouse ₦200 million fundraising initiative, championed by Caroline Olaseinde and the steadfast fundraising committee, began.
Without inconveniencing VIP guests, Caroline did more than enough to secure a substantial amount for the new Tech Hub and a key scholarship endowment fund.
Fred Ijewere led the way by contributing on behalf of Corona School Victoria Island Alumni, a significant amount, to ease the Tech Hub’s shortfall.
The initiative progressed with a live bidding on exclusive artwork by Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, which further reiterated Corona’s ambitious legacy goals.
Keem Belo-Osagie, Chair of Metis Capital Partners and an Ikoyi alumnus, displayed the school’s pioneering spirit by saying that Ikoyi Creche – previously known as Corona Day Nursery – was the very first branch that set the pace for every other Corona Schools.
A Night That Refused To End!:
As the inspiring speeches ended, Co-Chairperson Sola Alamutu (The Green Queen) led the organizing committee members onto the stage to a deserved standing ovation.
“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—the first of all branches!” she said.
The brilliant Magnifico Band did their thing and had guests dancing and singing in no time. DJ Cheflon then took over, forcing all kinds of dance moves out of several attendees, well into the night.
Corona@70 black tie gala dinner cannot be described as a mere reunion; it was a justified celebration of consistent educational excellence.
For every guest who was fortunate enough to be part of the experience, the night will definitely remain locked in their memories for a very long time.
The gathering will always be remembered because it proves that after 7 successful decades of existence, Corona’s best years are still very much ahead.
