From Francis Sadhere
The Hussey College Warri Old Students Association, Class of 1995, has concluded its 30th anniversary celebrations with significant contributions to its alma mater, earning praise from the school’s management and national alumni body.
As part of its giving-back initiative, the Class of ’95 donated 21 sets of classroom chair with desk, paid WAEC enrollment of 13 students and installed Solar light for the Girls’ Hostel.
Speaking at the event, the President of the association, Paul Ojelede, described the milestone as “a day we have long looked forward to,” noting that the gathering was not only a reunion but a celebration of life, love and enduring bonds built over the decades.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for sustaining members of the class and making it possible for them to reunite three decades after leaving secondary school. According to him, though the journey of life has brought challenges to everyone in different ways, the class has remained united and strong.
The President paid glowing tribute to all members of the Class of ’95 for their unwavering support, sacrifices and commitment to keeping the group together, describing the journey as “beautiful, long and memorable.”
“I cherish all the moments we have shared creating special memories, and I know we will yet create many more even as we grow older,” he added.
He further appreciated the board members of Hussey College Class ’95 for their leadership and guidance, singling out individuals such as Chinedu Njoku, Arit Igogo, Dr. Ufuoma Umuago, Miebi Borgu, and Oluyimide Toritshe for their dedication to the group.
Special commendation also went to the executive committee for their teamwork and loyalty. He acknowledged his Vice President, Dien; Secretary General, Famous; Assistant Secretary, Shegun; Financial Secretary, Mamuzo; Treasurer, Vera; and PRO, Ghalo Tunde, describing them as an “amazing team.”
Similarly, he applauded the 30th Anniversary Planning Committee chaired by Pastor Odhe for their diligence in putting the event together, noting that their efforts ensured the success of the celebration.
Also, the Chairman of the 30th Anniversary Planning Committee, Pastor Sunday Odhe, said the anniversary was organized not only to reunite old classmates but to meaningfully invest in the school that shaped their formative years.
He noted that although the class was unable to celebrate its 25th anniversary due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its members were grateful to be alive and successful enough to undertake impactful projects three decades after graduation.
“We had a target before today, and everything we set out to achieve, we achieved,” Odhe said. “This celebration is not just about eating and dancing. It is about giving back. We have been blessed, and we are passing that blessing on to the school that made us.”
He praised the class executive for their support and commended committee members for the dedication that ensured the success of the anniversary activities.
Principal hails Class of ’95 as “talk and do”
In her remarks, the Principal of Hussey College, Mrs. Justina Wategire, applauded the set for its consistency and reliability, describing them as “talk and do.” She noted that while many former students make promises, few return to fulfill them — but the Class of ’95 had distinguished itself.
She recalled that students were particularly excited about the innovations introduced during the anniversary activities, adding that the set brought dignity and pride to the school.
“Hussey College today is overpopulated because of our success stories,” she said. “We are winning in science, sports, debates — everywhere. We even won the Delta Broadcasting Service debate four years in a row. This year they told us to come only as observers because they believed we would still win.”
She noted recent achievements, including victory at a Warri-wide science debate where the school won N1 million, with students’ pictures displayed on a public billboard in recognition of their excellence.
She thanked the Class of ’95 for their investments and reminded them that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
National alumni leadership commends the set
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Hussey College Old Students Association, Mr. Benjamin Akpasubi, praised the Class of ’95 for setting the pace for other sets through their executed projects and unity of purpose.
He urged them to continue supporting the main alumni body, noting that although sets operate independently, they remain part of the central association that oversees all old students.
“From all ramifications, you are setting the pace,” he said. “Continue in well-doing because you will reap it in the near future.”
Celebrating impact and legacy
The three days 30th anniversary events began on Friday 21 November with a Seminar, Presentation of Projects to the school and games. On Saturday 22 November was Red Carpet Even, Dinner Night and Reunion. The celebration climaxed with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 23.
Members of the Class of ’95 say the anniversary is not only a celebration of survival and success but a reaffirmation of their commitment to the growth and excellence of Hussey College, Warri — a school they describe as “always at the top and destined to remain there.”
