Speaking at the first National Award ceremony by the Alumni Association of the School held recently, the Federal lawmaker, who is one of the pioneer students, thanked the management and the alumni leadership for their efforts in building the school. He also promised to renovate the school’s administrative bloc, and ICT lab and to sponsor the registration of students of the school in their WAEC registration.
Presenting a keynote address on the power of synergy amongst alumni members in the development of their alma mater, the Board of Trustees Chairman of GSSOEAA, Elder Engr. Oko Omaka defined synergy as when the combined efforts of a team produce greater results than the sum of their individual contributions. He noted that the key role of alumni in the sustenance of their alma mater cannot be ignored. He explained that synergy among alumni members stimulates infrastructural renewal, the establishment of developmental projects and the internalization of noble ideals in current students of the school through robust mentoring.
In his address, the National President of Government Secondary School, Owutu Edda Alumni Association, Engr. Ogbonnaya Oko Oka said the homecoming and national award event was organized to recognize personalities who have distinguished themselves in the development of the school and the alumni association.
“This award ceremony was conceived to shine a spotlight on those among us who have exemplified the very best of our values, those whose contributions have left indelible marks on our alma mater, our community, and the broader society. We especially recognize Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey, the recipient of the distinguished infrastructural champion award, whose tireless dedication to the physical and structural development of our school speaks volumes of the kind of leadership our nation needs.”
The GSSOEAA National President called on all the alumni members to reconnect, recommit and rebuild their alma mater, knowing that the strength of any institution lies not just in its past, but in the commitments of those it has produced to shape its future.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Principal of the school, Elder Nwaeze Imo Ibiam lauded the Executive and members of the school Alumni association for their several interventions in the school and for organizing the annual homecoming. He said the gathering was not just a reunion, but also an opportunity to share ideas and chart a progressive path for the rebuilding and development of their alma mater. The principal prayed and wished all the alumni members and guests God’s blessings and journey mercies back to their respective destinations.
Other speakers included the representative of Edda LGA Chairman, Prince Chima Ekumankama, former auditor general for Local Government in Ebonyi state, Barr. George Ukpai among others lauded the initiative to organize the alumni homecoming and national awards. They pledged to in their individual and collective efforts, continue to support the growth and development of the Government Secondary School, Owutu Edda.
High points of the event were the tour of projects and facilities in the school, the presentation of prizes to outstanding students and teachers by the Port Harcourt branch of the alumni body, and the conferment of Alumni national awards to some individuals
The award categories include the Distinguished Infrastructural Champion Award for Rt Hon Idu Igariwey and the Distinguished Public Service Award for Sen.Prof Anthony Ani. Others are DCP Oji Ama Nnanna, Hon Chima Ekumankama, Barr.G.N Ukpai and Mr Michael Oji
Those honoured with the Alumni Leadership Award are Elder Engr.Oko Omaka, Mr Osy Okoro Ndukwe and Elder Nnachi Chukwu. Also honoured are the Alumni Meritorious Service Award on Elder (Dr) Egwu E. Nkama and the Alumni Heroes' Posthumous Award on His Excellency Late Chief Francis Oji, Mr Aka Aka Ibiam and Elder (Mazi) Maduagwu Marckay.
