………………. ROLLS OUT ACHIEVEMENTS

By

Joy Amadi

Abuja

 It was a fantastic outing and eventful night on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 as the Abuja Branch of the Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association held their 2023 end-of-the-year dinner at the main hall of the Rockview Hotels, Abuja.

Decked in their sparkly glamorous red-coloured Blazer which is the trademark of the Association, the Old boys brought the usual fanfare to the vicinity of the Wuse II within the Federal Capital Territory as they all appeared with their spouses in large numbers who also dressed gorgeously to match the occasion.

The event served several purposes for the old boys. To some, it was an avenue for a reunion as many of them may not have seen each other physically for years. To others, it was a homecoming for their college mates while others used the occasion to network further and strategize for the development of the Association.





It was also a stock-taking opportunity for the well-performing executive members of the Association under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Chinedum Ahaiwe, having lived up to their mandates in all ramifications.

This year's outing was unique because it was attended by an unprecedented number of dignitaries, captains of industry, highly placed government functionaries, seasoned scholars, former governors and highly respected political leaders, State and Non- State Actors in the development of Nigeria, Security Chiefs as well as opinion leaders.

In his welcome address, the Abuja Branch Chairman of the Association, Dr. Chinedum Ahaiwe, who was visibly elated by the roll of dignitaries at the Celebration, disclosed that the present Executives of the Association came into the Office in July 2021 adding that the event marks about two and half years in office of the current Officials.







He listed some of the goals proposed and ratified by the present Exco to include timely and prompt meetings as specified in the Constitution of the Association, to execute the project for the Umuahian Genre of Arts and Literature, the task of Umuahian Restoration Project, improved welfare for members as well as membership participation and retention.

“We have almost completed all these goals but our members will have to give us our scores”, the Chairman said.

Notable achievements of the Association within the period under review listed by the goal-getter Abuja Branch Chairman include a successful 2022 End of the Year Dinner which had in attendance prominent personalities such as former Chief of Army Staff, former Governor as well as top echelon of the Military among others.







Others include effective representation at the Homecoming Event, advocacy for affordable school fee that is payable by the upper middle class as well as participation at the National Executive Council meeting of the parent body.

The Chairman's speech was frequently interrupted by loud applause from the dignitaries as they were overwhelmed and spectacular.

There were also speeches from other invitees.

The high point of the event was the dinner which featured sumptuous meals that provided avenues for dignitaries to interact freely and classical dancing steps from members.






Dignitaries at the dinner include His Excellency, Okwesileze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State and one-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), His Excellency, Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State, Rea Admiral Nwangwu, and others.