Emede Grammar School Old Students celebrates 44 years Anniversary.

* Donates generator, TV and commissioned bore-hole

By Kelvin ohoror

Emede Grammar School Old Students Association (EGSOSA) recently celebrated their 44 years anniversary at the school compound, donates generator, television and borehole for the school and vow to return back the school boarding system.

Speaking at the 44 years anniversary/re-union ceremony, the President of Emede Grammar School Old Students Association (EGSOSA) Mr. James Okpighe asserted that, “today Emede Grammar School has attained the age of 44 years, a child born who has attended the age of 44 years is no longer a child. When my set were graduating from the school the late E.L.O Iloh challenged me in this very dining hall that James Okpighe as you are graduating kindly liaise with the previous two sets and form the Old Student Association, it will bring beneficiary result, if you people come together”.

Emede Grammar School Old students Association cutting their 44th anniversary cake

Mr. Okpighe noted that, “I promised the then Principal that as we are leaving the school, the Old Students Association will be formed. But it has been a difficult task, it took us 44 years to achieve the dream of Emede Grammar School Old Students Association (EGSOSA).

Mr. Okpighe also reiterated that, it took a monumental effort from all of them to come together, and berate lack of telecommunication over the years made reaching out to Old Students difficult. But he is happy that what was elusive for the past 44 years has materialized, at this point the Old Students Association will grow from strength to strength.

The President of the Old Students further asserted that, the significance of this re-union has re-awaken our consciousness to the need of Emede Grammar School. We are back to see the decay of the infrastructure of the school, security implications and it has pricked our conscience that our school can never be like this.

On the challenges facing the school he also stressed that, “we have Old Students who are in the government, we will partner with the government using the current template that is existing and key to it to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the school, Mr. Nathaniel Khama in his address stated that, the gathering of the day is not without a mark. The commissioning and presentation of water bore-hole, generator and television to the school will go down in history and it is a thing of joy. This feat could not have been achieved without a collective effort. Therefore, let us cultivate and establish a climate of enthusiasm, openness and concern for one another.

Mr. Khama further said that, as technocrats, captain of industries and society movers in their different areas of endeavor, the old students homecoming will act as a catalyst of change to the entire school community.

The Principal of Emede Grammar School also highlighted some of the areas of needs to the old students which include: A school gate, sport equipments, burglary proof for the science laboratories, re-electrification of the building technology laboratory, water distribution network, manpower-security guards and learning/instructional materials.

Mr. Khama also called on the old students not to relent in their effort despite the current economic downturn in ensuring the survival and sustenance of the tempo of actualizing a formidable Old Students Association EGSOSA.

physical challeged girl of Emede grammar school Oghenemairo German pose with Mr. Tom Joe Efedhoma who gave her a scholarship

Also speaking, Mr. Amos Iwary who narrated a brief history of the school noted that Emede Grammar School was founded February 15, 1973, that at his inception the school started from the old town hall, the present school compound was a very thick forest. The community rendered self-help and labour to clear the place, from there the state government took it upon themselves to provide earth moving machines to excavate big trees.

Mr. Iwary also noted that Emede Grammar School excel in various fields of endeavour because of the quality of teachers and lectures they received and that is why in every aspect of the economy Emede Grammar School has a product, stressing that today Emede Grammar School has produced Pilot, Engineers and Philosophers.

He also noted that the school continued until the collapse of education in Nigeria, because the school system is not as it was years back.

The highlight of the ceremony was the award of scholarship to a disable student Oghenemairo German by Mr. Tom Joe Efedhoma. There was also cultural dance by the students of Emede Grammar School anchor by Mrs. Gladys Athewe.

Old Students present at the ceremony were: Rev. Jephtah Odharo, Barr. (Mrs) Josephine Emiaso, Elder Alex Oboma Pioneer Senior Prefect, Chief Andrew Iborogu, Mr. Dan Odharo, Mrs. Fortune Etim, Mr. Emarita Ifoghale Christopher, Mr. Tom Joe Efedhoma, Elder David Agboro, Mr. Denilson Okakaso, Chief (Mrs) Deborah Arausi amongst others.