OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO
Chief Andy Osawota, former Secretary, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Comr. Victor Okpomor, chairman , NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel among others have been elected as national president and national secretary respectively to pilot the affairs of Okotie-Eboh Grammar School Sapele Old Boys Association(OGSOBA)at the national level for the next four years.
In his welcome address, Mr. Samuel Okporu, chairman, National Convention Planning Committee disclosed that the Committee consulted all the branches as well as the out going national executive led by Chief Joe O. Omene to give a nod to the election.
While commending Chief Omene, out going National President of the Association for his support to the Committee to carry out a successful National Convention, Mr. Okporu enjoined all Old Boys to work in unity with those to be elected to work for the overall development of their alma mata.
In his address, Chief Christian Ometan, chairman of the ceremony and Food Prefect of 1966 Set called on members to help develop and sustain the standard of the school adding, “let’s challenge ourselves to do more for the school.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Obarugbi Ighokpozi Enakeno, Principal, Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele gave a long list of what different Sets and branches of Old Boys have done for the school adding, “this shows that the Old Boys of this school are very much concerned about the development of the school as well as the welfare of the students.”
The Principal of the school like the proverbial Oliver Twist disclosed that they are still bothered by other needs, she appealed to OGSOBA to help support the school with another long list of needs, saying, “we are still bothered by a number of needs because government alone cannot do it all. We still solicit your support.”
In a keynote lecture titled, “The Role of Alma Mata Associations in Nation Building”, Prof. Nyerhovho Tonukari of the Delta State University(DELSU), Abraka disclosed that the most sustainable means of contributing to nation building is through collective enterprise such as profit oriented ventures and voluntary organizations including old students associations.
Prof. Tonukari added, “our meeting here today is a testament of the critical role that associations can play in national development as well as improvement of our alma mata. Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh is a special personality who devoted his time and resources to community development including the establishment of this school. We all here are also special and what we find difficult to do individually (like Chief Okotie-Eboh) can be easily achieved collectively as OGSOBA.”
He spoke further, “the rejuvenation of OGSOBA National would give birth to a new and greater identity for Okotie-Eboh Grammar School. We have a wonderful opportunity to lay a new vision to inspire the young OGSOBAians to appreciate the social relationship built over the years. A sustainable and functional database that has the contacts of old students is a must in this digital age.”
In his acceptance speech, Chief(Barr.) Andy Osawota, National President, Okotie-Eboh Grammar School Sapele Old Boys Association(OGSOBA) on behalf of other elected members of the National Exective expressed appreciation to members for giving them the opportunity to serve.
Chief Osawota, an erudite lawyer and former Secretary, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) disclosed that he would work with his team to strategize on how best to move the Association and its members to greater heights as well as uplift the standard of the school.
While soliciting the support and commitment of members, Chief Osawota promised on behalf of other members of the executive not to betray the confidence reposed in them.
According to Chief Osawota, “I assure you that my team and I will meet shortly to fashion out fantastic plans for our noble school and to lift it above its current status. We shall not let you down but will work assiduously to improve the standard and quality of not only the school, but of the Association . This being so, I call on the Old Boys in different parts of the country and in the Diaspora to give us the much needed support and cooperation which will rebound to our joy and give us deep down satisfaction.”
Those elected includes Chief Andy Osawota, National President, Mr. Victor Okpomor, National Secretary, Dr. Anthony Eguvbe, Treasurer, Mr. Francis Ariemugbor, Assistant Secretary, Mr. Precious Omene, Public Relations Officer(PRO), Mr. Joshua Dorsu, Assistant P. R. Sello Momoh, Financial Secretary, Akpobaro Elvis A., Legal Adviser, Chief Richard Okotie, First National Vice President, Engr. Felix Brinemugha, National Vice President among others.
