admin The Scorpio club of U.I’s recent reunion is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and brotherly bond that has endured over the passage of time -five decades- and still counting. And ‘like play like play’, old school mates, their spouses and adult children all came together to celebrate this remarkable friendship that remains forever green and fresh.
Scorpio Club was founded in the University of Ibadan, in 1974. According to the Founder of the club, Hon. Victor Osarenren, the objective was to bring “Young minded men together, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional inclinations”.
The venue of this recent reunion was Koltotel Plaza and Suite, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, a hotel with a somewhat homely feel. The 3-day event spanned Friday, 29th November to Sunday 1st December 2024. The choice of November/December was poignant for two reasons: the club was named after the Zodiac sign of Scorpio which is symbolic of those born in the month of November; while December is a festive/holiday period, a time of reflection, warmth and nostalgia, perfect for such an occasion.
The second day, Saturday, was an exciting blend of a tour and picnic. A bus conveyed the reunion group through the University of Ibadan for sightseeing. There was palpable sense of excitement mixed with anticipation as the old school mates picked out and recognized various iconic landmarks, locations and spots that held found memories of their university days. The most notable moments were visits to their former halls of residences: Mellanby, Zik, Sultan Bello, Independence, Kuti hall.
What Some Members of The Reunion Group Had To Say:
The Founder of Scorpio Club, Hon. Victor Osarenren, was happy that a club founded 50 years ago is still living on, and that members continue to share the spirit of mutual respect, love, care and compassion.
The Chief Coordinator of the reunion Mr. Lekan Falana, who resides in Canada, explained the reason for organizing the reunion “Is to keep us together as friends, to celebrate ourselves while we are still here and to keep the bond between all of us.”
Dr. Wole Adeyemi a Scorpio member who came all the way from the UK, recalled that as an undergraduate in the university, Scorpio club was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy camaraderie with great friends. The reunion weekend was a time to relax and appreciate the blessings they have all had since 50 years ago.
Young Scorp: Kiki Ayodele Malomo-Paris, daughter of Scorpio Don Malomo-Paris, came from the USA specifically for the event. The last time she visited Nigeria was 25 years ago. For her, she considered it an honor to be with the Scorpio family. ”The Scorps have been like a background character in my life growing up. I am happy seeing my father open up and in a much lighter mood among his brothers”, she said.
Scorpio Wife: Prof- Dupe Arowojolu (wife of Scorpio Ayo Arowojolu). “It is a very good legacy that Scorpio members created 50 years ago and it is still thriving. I’m happy to see all of them in high positions doing well.”
Scorpio Wife: Mrs. Constance Alawode, (wife of Scorpio Tunde Alawode) “The organization was wonderful. It was nice meeting my husband’s old school mates, their wives and some of the children who were in attendance. The most beautiful thing about the reunion is to know that life is in our heart. When you watch them dance, crack their jokes, you realize that life is beautiful.”
Scorpio Wife: Mrs. Yemisi Balogun (wife of Scorpio Dele Balogun) “I feel so happy to be a part of this reunion. It is a good one. I have known Scorpio members since their university days. It is a good thing for the wives and children to come together. I have gained more friends and the children have gained siblings. It is fantastic.”
All in all, the words of C.S, Lewis ring true on the enduring value of friendship for these old schoolmates: “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art. It has no survival value, rather it is one of those things that give value to survival”. There is no doubt that members of the former Scorpio Club of U.I. and their families will continue to enjoy a fulfilling life, made richer through friendship.
By our Reporter
