Gov Diri remembers old school days as Odi govt secondary school alumni marks 50years anniversary

By Markson Ode
Edo Correspondent

The Bayelsa state capital, Yenagoa bubbles again during the weekend, when the Executive Governor of state, Sen. Duoye Diri hosted dignitaries and members of his alumna association amongst whom are technocrats, business executives and top Government functionaries from across the country and beyond the shoes of Nigeria to grace the Golden Jubilee night of Government Secondary School Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

The event which was held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha memorial Banquet Hall, Government House Yenagoa was attended by eminent personalities, including the high and mighty in the society, who doled out huge financial donation in support of promoting education.

Governor Sen. Douye Diri narrated that, “they have had a long tumultuous 50 years journey that they all can attest to, it is a journey worthwhile, and in this journey some of them have left, from 1972 down to 2022, not all of them who went through that school are still alive. They have lost some very intelligent classmates and schoolmates, ‘a minute silence was observed for the departed souls”, but by the grace of God, they are surviving here today to celebrate 50 years of existence as a school, urging them to thank God, first of all, for keeping them alive and allowing their school, Government Secondary School Odi (GSS), to continue in turning out, very useful man power for our society and even beyond the shores of Nigeria”.

Sen.Diri emphasized that, it was an epoch making day for all of alumni , as their founders day that they used to go with the war canoe in Odi to celebrate, but now as Alumni of this great institution gathered not to just to merry, but to give back to their school and the society.

However, the Governor further lauded King Alfred Diette Spiff who, as former Military Governor, initiated the policies that gave children in the rural areas access to education, the president of the GSS Odi Alumni Association, Prof. Ebimiowei Etebu, past, current Executives Council and members of the Alumni Association, product of the institution who have excelled and distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavour, and impacted the society amongst whom is Dr. Tonye Isenah, the state commissioner for works and infrastructure, Rtd. Rear Admiral Godfrey Yanga, Mr Moses Teibowei, Mr Franklin Aganaba, and Brig. Gen Eric Angaye just to mention a few.

He stressed that the current executive of the Alumni Association had done very well in putting this together, he also thanked those who have in one way or the other given back to the school in terms of infrastructural development, learning tools and supported sports competitions all with a view to ensuring that the school continues to grow from strength to strength.

He went ahead to thank the chief launcher in person of High Chief, Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP) and other co – launchers over their huge support and contributions towards the building of a befitting science laboratory for the school.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief, Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP) who was the special guest of honour and chief launcher, thanked the miracle Governor, Sen. Duoye Diri for the rare privilege accorded him to serve in this capacity at the event, and also appreciated his deputy, His Excellency , Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, both of whom are members of the alumna, Her Excellency, Wife of the Governor, Justice (Mrs) Ebibomor Diri, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Honorable Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Co – lunchers, award recipients, member of the alumni association and other dignitaries present for their supports.

Wayles, noted that the unity of GSS Alumni Association is unrivaled because they had been together over the years and still maintain this unusual strong relationship irrespective of status and background, “this is commendable and worthy of emulation”.

He admonished those in the business community and in particular the political class today to embrace the culture of unity.