REMARKS BY S.A. ACHIMUGU (HEAD STUDENT 1974) ON THE OCCASION OF FOUNDATION LAYING CEREMONY OF A NEW ASSEMBLY HALL (SPONSORED) BY 1974 SET) FOR BOYS’ SCIENCE SECONDARY SCHOOL, OCHAJA ON 7^TH APRIL, 2007

 

Courtesies:

   Those who move on in life without the benefit of hindsight are discourteous to history.

    We consider it a privilege and honour to be here today for this foundation laying ceremony. We are gathered here to appreciate in a modest way the institution that gave us so much in the formative stages of our lives. We are here to appreciate the institution, which gave us balanced education both in character and learning.

   Mr. Chairman, Special Guest of Honour, Ladies and Gentlemen, over three decades after graduation from Ochaja a need has arisen for us to look back. It is payback time.

   Before I proceed, may I amuse you on why the class of 1974 from Ochaja Secondary School regards itself as a unique one. It is the set that matriculated when the College celebrated its first decade of existence. It is the first set that came in as double stream. With the entrance of this set at Ochaja, the fetching of firewood hitherto by students was stopped. During this set, the Teachers College section was phased out and merged with the secondary school. With this, a total of 105 of us graduated from the college on the 14^th June 1974. Till date, Ladies and Gentlemen, the cords that binds1974 set together remains intact. Wherever each member of this group sees or hears from another member, the excitement is always high and genuine.

   Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, today’s ceremony marks the second in a series of programmes we have for the College. I wish to report that in October 2005, this class donated an 18-seater bus to the Boys’ Science Secondary School. The bus was handed over to the College Principal by the State Governor in a colourful ceremony at Government House, Lokoja. In April 2006, this class also donated a 12-seater bus to the Girls’ Secondary School. Earlier in March 2005, an ad-hoc committee from the class visited the College to inspect and determine the status of infrastructure on this campus.

   As you saw during your tour of the campus, a lot of changes- some of which are not so desirable- have taken place in our alma mater. The dormitories have lost their aesthetic beauty. The present head boy’s cabin is made of zinc! The majestic all-purpose Assembly Hall is losing its dignity and stability. Indeed the hall is at the verge of collapse. Because of its unique position and importance to both staff and students, we resolve to embark on a rescue mission. The closely-knit relationship and passionate affinity we have for this college gave rise to this ceremony today. By the special grace of God this will not be an abandoned project.

   May I at this point stress that the 1974 products at home and abroad recognize and respect the existence of the central body of Ochaja Old students Association. Our class is an integral part of the association. We have however stepped out to perform today’s ceremony first as a wake up call and as a result of our strong feeling and concern for the plight of our alma mater. We also believe that today’s event will sufficiently sensitize all other old students of this college to give the institution a new lease of life.

   When in 2005 we met with the State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris for the presentation of the bus, we put three vital requests across to him namely: problems of water, light and access road. Although His Excellency is yet to fully redeem his promises, he has however released one transformer to the college.

  By way of reminder, let me recall that the then Qua Iboe Mission had a vision and a mission when it founded both Ochaja Secondary School and the defunct Teachers’ Training College in 1960 and 1962 respectively. The type of teaching given in the colleges was oriented towards:-

(a ) Inculcating the moral and spiritual values in interpersonal and human relations;

 (b) Inculcating virtues and values of discipline, patriotism, selfless service, honesty and leadership in the youth with a sense of direction for the nation.

(c) The mission taught the students to KNOW THE TRUTH, which was believed, would light up their paths and set them free from the vagaries in the society.

  The few students who jettisoned these teachings while at school did not find things easy after graduation.

   Ladies and Gentlemen, before I round up, let me tickle you with one view –that, men of honour are rare. However all old students of Ochaja Education Centre are lucky. They do not need to stress themselves to find one. He is the first Nigerian Principal of the college. He is ELDER (CHIEF) OBADIAH DAUDA TEBU. For this personality, virtues such as honour, integrity, high moral principles are second nature. He is a man of character. Sir, we appreciate you. We welcome you. King Solomon of old asked a pertinent question in his days: “a virtuous woman, who can find?” Mr. Tebu found one in Mrs. Mary Tebu, his dear wife. Madam, with all due respect to your husband, we love you. How can one forget our father on this campus while we were all here at various times? He is Rev. D.M. Akwu, a misunderstood disciplinarian. We have got to acknowledge the vital roles he played in our lives after graduation from Ochaja. Sir, we appreciation you.

   Permit me to express gratitude to the Chairman of this occasion Elder Snr. Michael Achimugu for accepting this role without hesitation. May I recognize and welcome the National President of OOSA, Snr. Elisha Amali and his EXCO members. I thank God for granting you all journey mercies.

   I have the honour to recognize and appreciate the presence of our Royal fathers in whose domain this event is taking place. We consider it a privilege to have you all in our midst. Your presence shows you approve of this event.

   We also specially welcome the chairman and members, Board of Governors of Ochaja Education Centre. Thank you for taking your time out to come. We sincerely welcome all old students, staff, parents, friends and well wishers. May I at this point express appreciation to the Planning Committee whose efforts made today’s event possible.

   Ladies and Gentlemen, let me charge you all to spare a thought for your alma mater. Ochaja is the cradle of civilization. It is the reason we are where and what we are today. Let us join hands to make the budding future of this citadel better and brighter than the withering post.

   Finally, let me leave you to ponder on the biblical saying in Philippians Chapter 4 Verse 8:

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely and whatsoever things are good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.”

   What can be more right, lovely, of good report and noble than looking back to appreciate your alma mater which provided light unto your path?

   Thank you all for your patience and attention.