AFTER THE BREAST AND THE BEARD (FGCI '07 REUNIOIN)

There is an existential tension between young chaps and some older folks. A lot of the latter would consistently strongly suggest that general decadence came with millennials – especially with the advent and ensuing pervasion of gadgets and accompanying apps and social media. An equal lot of the former will, predictably, suggest atrocities have always been this bad – it just had less publicity. I mean, you couldn’t do wire fraud when the internet wasn’t even here, could you? Or make sex tapes without digital gadgets? Anyway, as ever, the answer lies in the grey area. Pitch two random persons from these opposite strata and this frankly pointless argument could stretch on forever. Nobody wants that.


So, it is with delight that I got wind of plans by the Federal Government College Ilorin (FGCI) 2007 set to converge in Ilorin and organize a three-pronged event to commemorate 10 years of their graduation. The first part, which took place on the 7th of July, was a relaxed meeting of individuals at Succoth garden for recreational drinks and wanton abuse of front camera of phones. My dear friend being the chairman of the organizing committee, I (an upcoming turn-up artiste) was present for the small chops. Being the only non-FGCI alumnus there was not awkward at all; as I had met some of them because I schooled in Ilorin too. Saturday started with a yoga session at the KIPDC executive hotel before convergence at Kwara hotels and subsequent movement to school.


10 years! About 8 women came with their babies. Not to be outdone by their female counterparts, the guys also came with beer bellies and full beard.  They were meritoriously welcomed by the Principal; the amiable Mrs. Okpaleke, the Vice principals, teaching, as well as non-teaching staff and hundreds of teeming students. At the commissioning of the furniture to equip the laboratories, the Principal decried the decline in the standards of infrastructure in Unity schools, before copiously lauding the effort of the 2007 set of FGCI towards giving back to their alma mater. To create balance, the ex-students thought it wise to completely rework the plumbing at the food and nutrition laboratory; this made water flow for the first time in 20 years. This phase was followed by the touring of the school as the ex-students jived, reminisced and fraternized with students. Souvenirs in form of jotters and stickers were shared and gifts were given to the principal and her deputies. Ex-students had a late lunch with performing artistes and comedians of the school later in the evening.


Preceding that, a few men without potbellies, and some with, played the current school team. The result was a thrilling 3-3 draw. Backs were patted, photos were taken, lost friendships were rekindled, memories were refreshed and contacts were re-established. In the evening, a modest dinner was enjoyed at the Africa People’s Hall at GRA before an almighty turn-up at the after party which held at #ClubSpartacus with B-Red performing.
From my vantage point, one of the many commendable points of the event was the use and consequent promotion of the crafts of individuals from the ’07 set. These range from the cook, the smallchops lady, the medical personnel (incase of medical contingencies), security operatives, legal advisers, logistic providers, the master of ceremony to the photographer and video guy (with drones, I kid you not!). The evolution is astonishing. The meek ones have come out of their shells. The skinny ones have filled up the spaces. Even the perverted ones are now happily married and off the market.


So. Despite the inertia and the understandable skepticism that greeted the idea at inception, and the funding issues; the raw, green boys and girls have undergone full development -- of the physical sort and otherwise. When some pesky, old people try to bait us with pernicious forecasts and destructive aspersions, the 2007 set of FGCI have set the tone. Be well rounded.
Better yourself.
Progress.
Flourish.
Let your potential manifest.
Do your bit where/when-ever you can. Especially to institutions that have forged you.
To the 2007 set of the Federal College, Ilorin; we say bravo!!!!

 ----CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)