In accordance to the schools tradition of End of Year parties, it was another 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. A participant describing the event, with a smirk and a look of nostalgia, said Sir, it was simply ehm ehm Umuahian. Nothing more to add. For an Ivory Tower that prides itself for its very deep culture, that is a compliment as high as recognition of royalty. To be called or recognised and treated as an Umuahian is a highly valued asset to the students and old boys of this highly reverred institution, that has overtime become respected as the Eton of the east.
Slowly trooping into the hall in their natty but quite intimidating red blazer, a snap between a cultish and military appearance they all respectfully took their seats as a expected of old boys of GCU. No matter the situation, be it in war or in fun, you must carry yourself as a gentleman. In such occassions an Umuahian Old Boy appears with his young girl, which less educated communities call wife. And as in such occassions, these young girls are dressed to match their men and also the occassion in red extremely fashionable gowns.
The chief host of the event was none other than charismatic Doctor Chinedu Ahaiwe, who was a school Captain of the college in the mid seventies. As expected, once a captain in Umuahia, always a captain. In his welcome address, this quietly spoken but no nonsense gentleman who uncharacteristically 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 his executive.
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.
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 overtly impressed by the success list of the executive in particular and the college at large.
There were also speeches from other invitees.
The high point of the event was the honouring of Late Barrister Lucious Nwosu, who is on record as having contributed in material, time, energy, intellectualy, socially and professionally to the sucess story that is the present day Government College Umuahia. The widow Dr Chinelo Nwosu received the honours and unending gratitude of the Abuja Branch of GCUOBA and the entire Umuahians world wide.
This was follwed by a dinner which featured sumptuous meals which in Umahian parlance is termed ESSO. It provided time out for all to interact freely with intermitent old school and contemporary dance 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, Rear Admiral Nwangwu, and others. A wonderful fanfare that ended in toasts and glee.
