Thursday, June 30, 2022, marked a significant moment in the history of Government College Ibadan (GCI) as the 1972 Set of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association planted the seeds for the GCI Sports Hub. 

This proposed sports hub will feature a variety of games and an Indoor Sports Complex. As part of this initiative, the 1972 Set is constructing a Standard Lawn Tennis Court complete with toilet facilities.

Located opposite the Vitafoam court along the GCI Access Road, the project was officially launched with a flag-off ceremony held at the GCI Museum building, GCIOBA House. The event was led by Ayo Akingbade (2426, Grier House), Chairman of the Golden Set, and included notable attendees such as Olawale Babalakin (Grier, 1971), represented by Akin Orowale (Field, 1968), Dapo Sonola (Carr, 1970), Chairman of the GCIOBA Asset Management Committee, and Mr. Peter Awodiran, Principal of GCI.

During his welcome address, Akingbade expressed gratitude to the members for their long-standing support and enthusiasm for GCI, emphasizing that 50 years of camaraderie is worthy of celebration. Seun Mabogunje (2462, Swanston House), Chairman of the Set's Golden Anniversary Planning Committee, reflected on their preparations that began before the COVID-19 pandemic, thanking God for their resilience in overcoming the challenges.

Kolade Folorunso (2459, Grier House), Chairman of the Project Committee, acknowledged the Asset Management Committee for their guidance on the anniversary project. He assured the GCIOBA family that the project would be completed with quality standards and proper maintenance.

Akin Orowale commended the 1972 Set for their timely contribution of #1,000,000.00 for the 2022 National Reunion, along with their sponsorship of the 2022 Novelty Match and advertisement in the anniversary brochure. He conveyed a goodwill message from the National President and congratulated the golden celebrants.

Dapo Sonola praised the 1972 Set for bringing exceptional sporting infrastructure to GCI, noting that no other secondary school in Nigeria could match such contributions. He urged all sets to ensure high-quality projects that would require minimal maintenance in the future, reiterating the policy that donors should monitor and maintain their projects for at least five years.

Principal Peter Awodiran lauded the 1972 Set for their passion for sports and their support during the 2022 Interhouse Sports competition, thanking them for facilitating the mini sports hub for the benefit of the school community.

The event was also attended by Segun Olubowale (2482, Powell), Chairman of the 1972 Set 50th Anniversary Logistics Committee, along with other members in their beautiful golden anniversary attire. Distinguished guests included Dele Jegede (Grier, 1988 Set), a member of the GCIOBA Assets Management Committee, along with senior school management and students from GCI.