The credit for founding SMAGOGA goes to Evelyn Okunbor, nee Asemota (1973 set). In the late ’80s. Evelyn and I lived near each other in Ikeja, Lagos. Whenever we met, our conversations often centred on the profound impact St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School had on our early lives, as well as the dedication and commitment of our principal, the late Rev. (Dr.) Sister Henrietta Powers.

Evelyn and I discussed how wonderful it would be to establish an Old Girls association in Lagos, which would provide a platform for us to reconnect and give back to our beloved school. and give back to our old School. One day, Evelyn ran into her former classmate, Bridget Ali, nee Jituboh (1973 set), at Alade Market, Ikeja. Delighted at their reunion, Evelyn shared this encounter with me and pushed forward the idea of starting an Old Girls meeting. Our inaugural gathering took place at my home, 32 Ogundana Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Five of us attended this first meeting: Evelyn Okunbor (1973 set). Philomena Imohe, nee Ikpowonsa (1969 set), Bridget Ali (1973 set), Yemisi Akinrinade, nee Alonge (1971 set), and myself.

Initially, the meetings were held at my home, but later, hosting shifted to Evelyn Okunbor’s house. As our group expanded, we were joined by several Old Girls, including Dorris Omoh-Eboh, nee Enabaifo (1968), Moina Adekanye, nee Okojie (1969), Grace Ukpo, nee Eigbe (1969), late Christy Iruobe, nee Akagbosun (1970), Vicki Eikhomu, nee Esangbedo (1973) and many others. Eventually, we decided to rotate the meetings among our various homes.

Our objective was to support the School, ensuring it continued to provide future generations with the same educational and spiritual opportunities we had as students, while also fostering strong bonds among Old Girls. Our vision remains to restore our Alma Mater to its former glory, empowering young girls to positively impact on their communities

The history of St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School is closely tied to its longest-serving principal, the late Rev. (Dr.) Sister Henrietta Powers, who led from March 1962 to 1985. A firm believer in holistic education – spiritual, physical and vocational, she shaped the lives of many. Those of us fortunate enough to be under her guidance owe much of our success to the positive influence she had on our formative years. Like many Old Girls, I attribute my success in life largely to her impact.

SMAGOGA was officially inaugurated at the Ikeja Sheraton Hotel, with our late principal, Rev Dr Henrietta Powers in attendance. Mrs Caroline Sodeinde, nee Thomopulus (1965 set) was elected as the first President of SMAGOGA Lagos.

Subsequently, Benin branch was formed and following deliberations, both branches decided to unite under a national executive. In 2003, Mrs Osaretin Demuren, nee Lawal (1967) was elected as the first National President of SMAGOGA – the rest is history.

We thank Almighty God for the significant initiatives and support SMAGOGA has provided to the School over the years. There is still much to be done, lets all continue to join hands in supporting our Alma Mater and restoring it to greater heights.

Engr(Mrs) CHRISTY ADELOWO FNSE, FAEng

SMAGOGA branches still counting…

1.SMAGOGA Lagos
2.SMAGOGA Benin
3.SMAGOGA Portharcourt
4.SMAGOGA Warri
5.SMAGOGA Abuja
6.SMAGOGA Asaba
7.SMAGOGA Jos
8.SMAGOGA Ibadan

Diaspora Branches
9.SMAGOGA North America
10 SMAGOGA Ghana
11.SMAGOGA UK.
12.SMAGOGA Europe
13..SMAGOGA Ireland