Making your roots proud of you, by Muyiwa Adetiba

The enduring legacy of Igbobi College, a prominent Nigerian institution, is explored through the author's personal reflections on the powerful connections forged among its alumni. A large fruit tree on campus, a long-standing fixture, serves as a potent symbol of the school's history and the many gatherings it has witnessed over the decades.

Forty-five years ago, the author recalls a simple introduction ritual among Old Igbobians that led to a significant compliment, acknowledging his presence at the college. This seemingly small interaction underscored the high moral and intellectual standards the school instilled, suggesting that its alumni were expected to meet these benchmarks. This sentiment, encapsulated in the phrase 'no wonder,' became a recurring theme in the author's interactions with fellow alumni.

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so Muyiwa Adetiba came to Igbobi. No wonder.

Throughout his career, the author experienced the tangible benefits of this shared heritage. Fellow Old Igbobians frequently offered assistance, leveraging their connections or vouching for him to secure difficult interviews. A notable instance involved Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, whose endorsement helped the author interview Chief Justice Fatai Williams shortly after a critical Supreme Court judgment.

More recently, a distinguished Old Igbobian, whom the author admired from afar, approached him to collaborate on memoirs. The potential client was initially hesitant due to the sensitive nature of the stories he wished to share. However, upon learning that the author was also an Igbobi alumnus and a recipient of the school's Merit Award, his reluctance dissolved. The client's trust was secured by their shared Alma Mater, demonstrating the profound and lasting influence of the Igbobi College experience on its graduates' lives and professional interactions.

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oh, that is good enough for me