By Israel Mbam
Great Personalities, Alumni Members, Students, Teachers and Friends of Government Secondary School Owutu Edda in Edda Local Government Area, Ebonyi State on 19th April, 2025 at Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey Enwo Ultra-Modern Hall, gathered for the school’s first Alumni National Award. The event tagged “Honoring Excellence, Inspiring Legacy” was organized by the school’s alumni association.
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 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 volume of the kind of leadership our nation needs.”
The GSSOEAA National President called on all the alumni members to reconnect, recommit and to 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.
Speaking 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 result 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, establishment of developmental projects and internalization of noble ideals in current students of the school through robust mentoring.
On his part, the member representing Afikpo and Edda Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Iduma Igriwey, who is one of the pioneer students of the school, thanked the management of GSSOE and the alumni leadership for their sustained efforts in building the school. He pledged to continue to play his part towards making the school one of the best in the State in terms of sports, structures, other facilities and academic performance.
The lawmaker who had attracted buildings and ongoing construction of mini stadium with pavilion, indoor games building, long tennis and basket ball court also promised to renovate the school’s administrative bloc, ICT lab and to sponsor the registration of students of the school in their WAEC registration.
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 including the representative of Edda LGA Chairma, 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 Government secondary School, Owutu Edda.
High points of the event were the presentation of prizes to outstanding students and teachers of the school by Port Harcourt branch of the alumni body, and the presentation of awards.
The award categories include Distinguished Infrastructural Champion Award on Rt Hon Idu Igariwey, Distinguished Public Service Award Sen.Prof Anthony Ani.
Others are DCP Oji Ama Nnanna, Hon Chima Ekumankama, Barr.G.N Ukpai and Mr Michael Oji
Those honoured with Alumni Leadership Award are Elder Engr.Oko Omaka, Mr Osy Okoro Ndukwe and Elder Nnachi Chukwu. Also honoured are Alumni Meritorious Service Award on Elder (Dr) Egwu E. Nkama and Alumni Heroes’ Posthumous Award on His Excellency Late Chief Francis Oji, Mr Aka Aka Ibiam and Elder (Mazi) Maduagwu Marckay.