It was awesome and colourful, on Saturday September 29th, 2018, as St. Columba’s/Gbenoba Grammar School Old Boys Association; (SCOBA) Agbor Chapter held their 2018 Annual Dinner and the presentation of awards to deserving members and associates of the prestigious institution, at Golden Cocktail Hotel, Agbor.
In His address, Mr. Micaiah Okoh, the Chairman of the Old Boys Association SCOBA Agbor Chapter, welcomed all to the event. He noted that they were gathered because of the special bond they share, which is the Secondary Education they were privileged to acquire in the same institution saying that though they were in the school at different times and conditions, they have become a united Family, such that they have attracted envy amongst their friends who were not privileged to pass through St. Columba’s Grammar School, which at that time was named Gbenoba Grammar School, Agbor.
Continuing, he stated that he is proud that the institution provided not only the education ladders with which many of them have become Leaders in their chosen professions but a psychological plank to survive difficult times as they grew up. Saying that he was happy too that many of the Old Students have refused to extricate themselves from the success stories and the challenges which the school have been exposed to over the years.
Speaking further, he frowned at the current situation of their Alma mata, which he noted was caused by the return of the school to the mission, a process that was done in bad faith. Emphasizing their resolve that the management and control of the school should be returned to the government, saying that the indices available clearly show that the school was far better under the management of the state government He expresses his optimism that the national Leadership of the Old Boys Association will take up the issue without delay, saying that it is sad to remind them that their school premises have become more exposed to encroachment from all sides, which he noted is encouraged by the inherent assumption that the new owners are unable to take physical control of the property in terms of maintenance, nothing that if nothing is done soon, the entire football pitch will be fully taken over by land grabbers.
Continuing, the association Chairman, disclosed that the only good structures available in the school are those funded by the Old Boys; which include provision of Laboratory equipment. He specifically praised the Lagos Chapter of the Old Boys Association for their contributions. Speaking further, he stated that four persons will be honoured during the event for their contributions to the school and their association. While congratulating he said to the awardees that he hope that the public recognition of their efforts will spur them to do more.
Mr. Okoh, particularly appreciated Mr. Barth Ibegbulem, for his unrelenting motivation and leadership acumen. Continuing, he noted that it may appear strange that they are having their end of year dinner few months before the end of the year, explaining that the obvious reason is that they are graciously confident that they will be alive to celebrate the new year.
Speaking about retirement, the resource person Mr. Moses Peter, urged the gathering to have a positive attitude toward retirement, so that when they plan towards it very well from day one, they will not have problem during retirement, Continuing, he urged them to have a clear vision of the type of retirement they will want; that is having a quantitative retirement plan.
He encouraged them to always endeavour to be involved with something meaningful in order to still exercise themselves and make their mental faculty to function effectively.
He enjoined them to maintain a cordial social relationship with people and in all they do, have a cheerful outlook about life generally.
High point of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to some distinguished members and associates of the association, they include; Chief Andrew Ifeanyi Sonwu (Iron Gate), Sir Tony Obuh, Mr. Ebenezar Onyeagwu and Mr. Alex Onyeagwu.
Members of the association in company of their spouses and guests at the colourful event were treated to sumptuous delicacies and assorted drinks to wet their appetite.
Notable personalities at the event include; Hon. Festus Chukwuyem Okoh (aka Chuky Dandy), Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Tibi, Dr. J.O. Ukadike, Mr. Andy Ojei, Barr. S.O Gbenoba, Chief & Mrs. Andraw Sonwu, Mr. & Mrs. Sunny Sonwu, Augustine Sonwu, Mr. Lucky Ighade and Mr. Eghebi Williams amongst many others.