IGBOBI COLLEGE UNVEILS NEW BOARD OF GOVERNORS, SIGNALS A FRESH CHAPTER OF STEWARDSHIP

The bells of history rang once again at Igbobi College, Yaba, as the revered institution—founded in 1932 by the Anglican Communion and the Methodist Mission in Nigeria—formally ushered in a new 16-member Board of Governors, reaffirming its enduring legacy while boldly embracing the future.

Against the backdrop of nearly a century of academic excellence and character formation, Sir Babatunde Emmanuel Sobamowo (73/75 Set)—a distinguished Old Boy and seasoned professional—was inaugurated as Chairman of the Board, a symbolical transfer of stewardship of the College into the hands of one of its own, to another.

Sir Sobamowo takes over from another eminent alumnus, Mr. Foluso Olajide Phillips (68/70 Set), whose years of devoted service have now culminated in his elevation to the Supervisory Board of the College—a transition marked by continuity, honour, and deep institutional memory.

An alumnus of Aggrey House, Sir Sobamowo’s journey with Igbobi College began in 1969. His years as a student were marked by academic excellence and sporting distinction, notably as a member of the Aggrey House relay quartet at both junior and senior levels. He graduated in June 1975 with outstanding results, including the best performance in Higher School Certificate (HSC) Geography—a testament to a lifelong pattern of excellence.

Beyond Igbobi’s gates, Sir Sobamowo’s professional trajectory has been equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS). He currently serves as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Global Asset Management Nigeria Limited, a licensed dealing member of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The newly inaugurated Board reflects a rich blend of experience, faith-based heritage, alumni commitment, and stakeholder representation.

Representing the Methodist Mission alongside the Chairman are:
Mr. Jide Coker (OI); Lady Folasade Ogunnaike; Sir Ladi Smith (OI); Sir Kayode Adeluola, SAN (OI); and the Very Rev. Patrick Bamidele.

The Anglican Communion is represented by:
Mrs. Morin Desalu (Deputy Chairman); Dr. Ebun Bangboye (OI); Dr. Damola DaCosta (OI); Barr. Seni Adio, SAN (OI); Lady Chikwue Ochiagha; and Mr. Dele Awokoya (OI).

Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBA) is represented by:
Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya and Mr. Femi Soremekun.

Also on the Board is the PTA Chairman, Mr. Oluwasanmi Falobi, underscoring the College’s commitment to inclusive governance, while ICY’s new Principal, Ven. Joseph Adediji, serves as Secretary to the Board, ensuring continuity between policy and practice.

The inauguration ceremony was formally conducted by the Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Lagos West Diocese, The Rt. Revd. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, whose presence reaffirmed the spiritual foundations upon which Igbobi College was built and continues to stand.

Mandated to serve a five-year term, the new Board has already commenced its duties, carrying the weight of legacy and the promise of the future. As Igbobi College advances toward its next century, the inauguration of this Board stands as a powerful reminder that while generations may change, the College’s commitment to excellence, character, and service remains timeless.

ICY 2025 Carol heralds a new Chaplain and Principal as timeless harmonies ignite Christmas

The Rev. Allen Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba (ICY), resonated with the warmth and spirit of tradition on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as the school hosted its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The event, a cherished hallmark of ICY’s heritage, once again showcased the discipline, talent, and devotion of the ICY all boys Choir, whose timeless harmonies filled the auditorium and lifted the hearts of all in attendance. The event, renowned for its depth, dignity and musical excellence, lived up to its reputation as a true masterpiece of sacred songs, while also marking a significant moment of transition in the life of the school.

From the opening procession to the final benediction, the ICY Choir delivered a moving and sonorous performance that held the audience spellbound. The blend of traditional carols and scriptural readings not only evoked the essence of the Christmas season but also reflected the discipline, heritage and spiritual foundation for which Igbobi College is widely known.

The Carol Service, organised by the 1973–1977/79 and 1997 sets of the Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBA),  attracted a distinguished audience that included representatives of the Anglican and Methodist supervising missions, members of the ICY Board of Governors (BOG), ICOBA members from across generations, school management and staff, parents, students and friends of the College.

Adding to the significance of the occasion was the esteemed presence of Rt. Rev. S. T. V. Adegbite, Bishop of the Ikeja Diocese of the Methodist Church Nigeria, and current Chaplain of Aso Rock, whose presence lent further spiritual depth and institutional gravitas to the celebration. His attendance, alongside that of the ICOBA President, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs.Morin Desalu – Deputy Chairman (BOG), Mr. Foluso Phillips, immediate past BOG Chair who has been elevated to serve on the Supervisory Board of the College and other members of the Board of Governors, underscored the strong alignment between the College’s leadership, alumni body and faith-based foundations.

In short statement while appreciating all that graced the occasion, Bishop Adegbite harped on the need to have hope, noting that that peace will prevail in Nigeria.

“The message I bring is the message of hope, the message of peace that Nigeria will not disintegrate. Nigeria will remain one, so fear not because God is with us. Emmanuel is with us. He will guide us.
……God will see us through, and we shall enter 2026 with His grace….”, he said, among others.

Meanwhile, beyond the music, the 2025 Carol Service provided an opportunity to celebrate institutional continuity and renewal. A major highlight of the occasion was the formal recognition of Revd. Kolade Philips Ilori as the new Chaplain of the ICY Chapel, alongside the announcement of Venerable Joseph Oyewale Adediji as the new Principal of Igbobi College. He takes over from Revd Adedotun Akanbi who had successfully completed the maximum five years tenure as ICY Principal. Ven. Adediji brings with him, several years of experience in the education sector, including proximate experience of serving as Principal of Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja, Lagos.

The success of the ICY Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols once again highlighted the enduring leadership and artistic direction of Mr. Tunji Ogunnoiki, under whose coordination the Carol Service has remained a masterpiece over the years. His attention to detail, musical discipline and deep understanding of the ICY choral tradition continue to sustain the event’s high standards and spiritual impact.

The peak of the event was the candlelight session, when all felicitated and danced while the ICY choir sang historic Christmas songs amidst celebration—re-enacting the living testament to ICY’s legacy, faith, and community spirit.

Indeed, the ICY festival of Nine Lessons and Carols continues to be a masterpiece, a ritual of song and devotion that binds generations together, reminding all that while leadership may change, the melody of excellence and tradition endures.

>>>> Story @Sanmi Falobi; supporting pix @ Emmanuel Ekundayo <<<<

Natures Gentle Touch Trains Next Generation on Healthy Haircare

In a bid to promote proper haircare habits among young people, Recare—makers of Nature’s Gentle Touch and one of Nigeria’s leading haircare brands—has launched an awareness programme focused on best practices for maintaining healthy hair, particularly natural hair.

At a training workshop held in Lagos, Chijioke Anaele, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Natures Gentle Touch Institute, shed light on common hair challenges such as lice infestation. According to her, many young people experience lice due to poor hygiene and close contact with someone who had it.

“Lice is communicable. If you stay near someone who has it, it can easily be transferred,” she noted. “It often occurs due to dirt. We recommend heat for treatment, and products with mint. For relaxed hair, chemical application usually kills the lice, but for natural hair, heat works best. Our dandruff products also help because they contain mint.”

Anaele also explained that hair breakage remains a major concern and can be triggered by ageing, prolonged braiding, the use of rubber bands, and misuse of chemical products.

“As someone ages, hair growth slows down. Women often experience breakage due to childbirth or postpartum changes. Leaving chemicals on the hair for too long causes damage, and rubber bands are not ideal for securing hair,” he cautioned.

To maintain healthy natural hair, she recommended deep conditioning at least every two weeks to restore texture and strength.

On dandruff, Anaele emphasised that although it has no permanent cure, it can be effectively managed with consistent care.

“There’s no absolute cure for dandruff yet. What we do is manage it so it’s no longer visible or embarrassing. Consistency is key,” he added.

Blessing Sunday, Digital Marketing Manager at Natures Gentle Touch Institute, explained that the goal of the workshop was to help young people understand the value of natural hair and how to care for it properly. She described natural hair as a symbol of African identity and pride.

“Today, many young people rely on braids and wigs, but we want them to embrace their natural hair—learn to style it and nurture it proudly as Africans,” she said.

Now in its 18th edition—and the fourth and final session for 2025—the workshop has successfully reached its target audience.

“We’ve been able to encourage the younger generation to appreciate their natural hair in the same way older generations did. This boosts confidence and strengthens cultural pride,” Sunday affirmed.

Participants praised the initiative for its relevance and impact.
Amos Abosede, who previously battled an itchy scalp and dandruff, expressed relief:

“The training has been insightful. My itching stopped after I started using Nature’s Gentle Touch products. I’ll recommend them to anyone—they work.”

Another participant, Anuoluwaposi Bamidele, a student and fashion designer, shared a similar experience:

“I’ve seen real improvement in my hair growth and length. Before now, I didn’t know how to care for my hair and struggled with: dandruff. The training changed everything, and the products have been effectve’