A conglomeration of Old Boys and Girls Associations of 1983 set drawn from 10 public secondary schools in Rivers State have inaugurated their Executive Council.
This follows an inaugural get- together held in Port Harcourt at the weekend.
Members of the Exco include: Mr Harry Tubokomba of Govt. Comprehensive School Borokiri,PH as President, Dr. (Mrs) Stella Daso-Oruebo of Govt. Girls Secondary Okumgba Ama,Okrika as Vice President, Dr(Mrs) Ibinabo Celestine Ogolo of Govt.Girls Secondary School Harbour Road, PH as Secretary-General and Barr.(Mrs) Ngozi Ajayi of Archdecon Crowther Memorial Girls School,Elelenwo, PH as Treasurer.
Others are Michael Wifa of Baptist High School, PH as Financial Secretary, Fineboy Ohaka of Baptist High School ,PH as Welfare Secretary and Joy Idodo of Govt Girls Secondary Harbour Road ,PH as Public Relations / Publicity Officer.
Inaugurating the Exco, President of Coalition of Old Students Alumni Association of Govt Secondary Schools in the Old Rivers State, Barrister Karibi George lauded the group for the initiative, while reminding them that alumni associations go beyond traditional roles of support to their alma mater, but engenders longevity, networking and support for members.
Barrister George urged them to uphold the vision of the coalition by renewing friendship and support to their alma mater.
On why the group was formed , the Coordinator and brain behind the group Dr. Ibinabo Celestine Ogolo said the forum was established to enhance professional and business skills and networking, and to have a unified body to uplift the welfare of members.
The idea, she further explained was birthed last year during the 40th anniversary of Govt Girls Secondary School Harbour Road Set ’83 which had the attendance of other schools’ alumni associations .
With that, she disclosed that she started plans and began to reach out to various schools alumni of set ’83 to foster unity and friendship among themselves.
” The idea has taken off today and we have started with 10 schools both Boys and Girls of 1983 set. We want to use it as a model for upcoming ones,” she said.
Excited with the success of the take off of the forum, Chief Hope Kuku of 1983 set, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri expressed optimism that it will create strong bond, friendship and encourage camaraderie.
” Its a beautiful idea and it will lead to exchange of ideas with my friends and ex students of other schools.
Chief Hope frowned at the quality of education in government schools and urged education authorities to improve on their policies and programmes, as he recalled that during their time, things were much better.
On his part, Mr Joseph Onyema of Enitonia High School said he was elated about the development and urged other schools to organise themselves in a similar manner to improve their networking and friendship.
The body’s membership is drawn from 10 secondary schools that include: Baptist High School, Enitonia High School, Govt. Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Govt. Girls Secondary School ,Harbour Road, Okrika Grammar School, County Grammar School Ikwerre/Etche, Stella Maris College, Govt. Girls Secondary School, Okumgba- Ama, Okrika, Holy Rosary Girls College, Port Harcourt and Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls School, Elelenwo. Many others are expected to join.
