Follow Us on Google
From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
Students of Government Secondary School Afikpo (GSSA) in Ebonyi State are to get a brand-new refectory, courtesy of the House of Representatives member for Afikpo and Edda Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey.
The lawmaker made the disclosure during the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1975/80 Class of Government Secondary School Afikpo.
The ex-students gathered from various parts of the world to reconnect and celebrate their iconic Alma Mata. They used the opportunity to commission a standard basketball court constructed by the Class.
Addressing the old students, the legislator praised the alumni association for establishing an effective partnership with the Ebonyi State Government in rebuilding the school and maintaining the quality of education.
He said: “The commitment of old boys of Government Secondary School Afikpo in rebuilding the school is exemplary. I’m particularly proud to be associated with your efforts, and I will continue to support this beacon of learning in my constituency.”
He also made a cash donation of N5 million to ongoing projects in the school.
Chairman of the 50th anniversary committee of the class, Ewah Eleri, thanked his classmates for the friendship and love of the brotherhood that has spanned five decades.
“By coming together after our paths crossed 50 years ago, we reaffirm our commitment to each other, and to our Alma Mater. Wherever in the world we find ourselves, may we continue to look out for each other, and the school that shaped our lives,” Eleri urged fellow old boys.
The 50th anniversary event tagged “public private partnership for improved quality of education,” was heralded by a keynote speech by former president of the GSSA Old Boys Association, David Nwachukwu.
Nwachukwu stated that “education is too important to be left to the government alone. We must strengthen the partnership between the government, parents, alumni, and traditional institutions. All hands must, therefore, be on deck.”
A delegate from Connecticut, USA, Lloyd Eze, expressed his excitement over the reunion with old friends and classmates.
“This is a real homecoming for me. Afikpo is my second home. This school not only moulded my character, it built enduring friendship that has lasted a lifetime,” he enthused.
In their separate messages, another ex-president of the GSSA Old Boys Association, Ifeanyi Eleje, and the current president of the GSSA USA Branch, Professor Ogbo Oko Elechi, congratulated the class of 1975-80 for their resourcefulness in upholding the values of discipline, excellence and commitment to nurturing new leaders through the school. They urged the class to keep the spirit of love, sacrifice, and generosity to the school alive.
Highlights of the four-day anniversary event included a session of reflection on the life journey of each participating classmate, novelty football match, an excursion, panel discussions, commissioning of the basketball court legacy project, and a gala.
