The Okrika Grammar School Old Boys Association (OGSOBA) has concluded plans to embark on National Re-union/convention with its theme, “National Convention/Re-Union 2012” come November, 2012.
According to a letter of request was duly signed by the chairman of the committee, Engr. Derefaka Daso and sent to all sections (Ancient, Medieval and Modern Old Boys), the content of the letter of request stated that the National Convention/Re-Union would probably mark the 72nd years of OGS from 1940-2012.
According to the letter, programmes of events would include: welcome night, novelty football, courtesy call to the governor of Rivers State, public lecture, among others.
Other events includes class reunion meetings, convention/election, dinner awards night and thanksgiving service. The statement enjoined all well meaning Old Boys of OGS to participate and contribute anything in kind or cash to the account number 20042197588 First Bank Plc Okrika Grammar School Old Boys Association or call Raymond Chinda 08033107478, Barry Eka 07032220978, Hon. M.E. Onwukwe 08039126889 and Engr. D. Daso 08022234414.
Meanwhile, over the years, the Old Boys have been maintaining that the Rivers State government should take the school to its status-quo, pointing out that the handing over of the school to the St. Peter Cathedral was done without due process.
It would be recalled that some years ago, one chief Gladden Ben-Wakama Challenged the state government and the missionary management that even the St. Peters Church was built by the chiefs and people of the 9 clans of Wakirike Bese, adding that the OGS land was provided by one Chief Apiafi George as all and sundry participated in bush clearing without the involvement of the church.
Chief Ben Wakama recalled that the school was later handed over to the missionary by the then Chiefs and people of Wakirike Bese for administrative and disciplinary purposes, as people had full respect and regards for the gospel missions. He argued that such improper way of handing over OGS to the mission without due consultation of the people and chiefs of Wakirike was illegal, pointing out that as it is now the St. Peter itself cannot maintain or renovate the school’s infrastructures, let alone the purchase of science and modern days computer’s equipments. He further said that it is the Wakirike Bese that has right to claim ownership of the said school, including the St. Peter itself as both lands were freely released by then influential chiefs and people of Wakiribese.
We gathered that the present OGS Old Boys Association under the leadership of Prof. Opuwaribo once sent an emissary to his Lord Bishop, Rt. Rev. Tubokosemie Abere to create ways of harmonizing the true position of ownership but the body came with the feed back that ownership of OGS remained sacrosanct.
The Old Boys of Okrika Grammar School are however appealing to the government of Rivers State to revisit the handing over, as the mission cannot manage the school financially, as a result of decaying infrastructure and subsequent invasion of the school premises by the Fulani herdsmen thereby making the school’s premises’ an animal farmland.
Others who have spoken on ownership include Chief Ada George, former Gov. of Rivers State, Sir. G.Toby former deputy Gov. Rivers State, Bishop Friday Nwator, Sir. M.N.K Tamuno, Eze Gideon, HRH Onunwhor and Engr. Onwukwue, among others.
This medium reliably gathered that in preparation of the OGS Old Boys National Convention/Re-Union and in order to mark his 84th Birthday, Eze S.O.L. Amadi Nna has hosted the OGS Old Boys (OGSOBA) at his residence, 19 Okomoko St. D/line, Port Harcourt, as Admiral O.P. Fingesi prepares to host the OGSOBAs on Thursday 1st Nov. 2012, all in a bid to usher in the special guest lecturer, Prof. C. Ogbondah, an Old Boy of OGS.
Prof. Joseph Ajienka will chair the gathering. Guest of honour is Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, while HRM King, Alfred Diette Spiff is expected to be Special Guest of Honour at the event.
Meanwhile in order to realize the levy towards the OGSOBA National Reunion/Convention, the 1985 set (aka OGS kclass 91) has organized a fund raising dinner at Refinery Road, Okrika” on Sunday 28th Oct, 2012. The dinner which was organized by the Kcless 91 Sp, Mr. Papamie Nonju was attended by F. Adubo, president, Bennett James, secretary, S. Achese, financial secretary and I. Sunday.
Others include Difiye Dire, H. Robert, B. Bamieyeofori, Hon. S. Dede, E. Andrew and E. Longjohn, S. Pokubo, among others. ###
By Bennett James
