An alumni group named Osograms Friends of '81 assisted in the rehabilitation and furnishing of a staff room at Osogbo Grammar School, in honor of their friend and classmate, Lofty Alliyu, who passed away in January, this year. The N550,000 project was commmissioned on May 5, 2021, at the school premises by school administrators, teachers, students, the family of the deceased and one of the sponsors, Mrs Mary (Adelakun) Badejo.
The rehabilitation project included repair of leaking roof, damaged ceiling and painting of the entire room, which has now been renamed the Lofty Alliyu Staff Room.
Welcoming the assistance, the two school principals, Mrs. Monisola Ajasegun Aluko and Mrs. Folashade Odunayo Olatunji, commended the donors not just for ameliorating teachers' welfare, but also for showing an example of friendship and care to the world.
Speaking for Friends of '81, Mary Badejo remarked that the classmates resolved to immortalize Lofty because "we hate to see the memory of a selfless classmate go into oblivion." She described the deceased as an extremely brilliant student, a successful entrepreneur, a generous giver and an embodiment of love. "She had a heart that cared, kept an open mind with everyone, discussed freely her prospects and setbacks and remained friendly to all. She also believed strongly in God and served HIM whole-heartedly. Ever smiling, I wonder if she ever got angry."
Friends of '81 hung a poem written by one of them, AN ODE TO LOFTY, on the wall of the staff room to remind all about her contribution to OGS and humanity.
The daughter of a popular playwright, Ray Ejiwumi, Lofty was a brilliant student and an accomplished businesswoman. She graduated with excellence from Osograms in 1981 at the top of her class and immediately proceeded to the University of Ilorin for a degree in Biochemistry. Lofty then worked for the Federal Government before going into private business. She started and owned a vitamins and supplements factory until her death.
In addition to Mary Badejo, the donors include Tunde Tomori, Charles Edonmi, Adejoke (Falade) Dawodu and Tunde Odediran.