Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and his Edo State counterpart, Mr Godwin Obaseki, have challenged Old Boys Associations to engage in programmes that will change the decline in the education sector.

The Governors made the call yesterday at the 80th anniversary celebration of Edo College, Benin City. The event which attracted prominent personalities, especially old boys of the college, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, also featured presentation of awards to some distinguished personalities.

Governor Okowa who spoke first remarked that “there is a decline in the education sector, but, members of old boys association can change the trend by getting more involved in the activities of the institutions.”

He continued: “People should contribute to the growth of their alma mater, your contributions to the growth of your alma mater will encourage government to do more for the institution and I thank those who are committed to the activities of Edo College Old Boys Association (ECOBA).”

“There is no doubt that Edo College is famous and prestigious, it was a privilege to be in Edo College and it is the duty of the old boys to ensure that the glorious days are not lost,” Governor Okowa, who was accompanied to the event by political office holders, said.

Mr Obaseki in a speech stated that it was important for all hands to be on deck to revive the education sector, stating that members of old boys associations have a lot to do in reviving the educational sector by having interest in what goes on in their alma mater.

Okowa at the event, bagged award of honour of the college alongside his Edo State counterpart, Mr Obaseki and former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.

President of ECOBA, Dr Reuben Osahon, said Governor Okowa was presented with the award because of his outstanding performance as an old boy of Edo College.

Dr Osahon had in a welcome address, said Edo College, established on February 1, 1937, “is the first secondary school in the Midwest area of the old Western region of Nigeria, now Edo and Delta states; we believe that 80 years is a significant milestone in the life of any organisation and we are proud of our products, a large number of whom have achieved lofty heights in most areas of human endeavour; we have decided to use the opportunity of this celebration to recognise some of them with award of honour to serve as an inspiration to the younger generation, the entire event has been tagged celebration of excellence.”

Some of those who received award at the event include Obi Chukwunomso Nwoko, Senator David Dafinone, Chief G.A. Aletor, Amb. Vincent Okobi, Dr Amechi Obiora, Prof. Gabriel Osuide, Sir S.E. Ukpedor, Justice D.C. Maidoh, Elder Steve Moeteke, Mr Festus Okubor, Mr C.C. Ngemegwai, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, Mr Gabriel Agbaike, among others.

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