Igbinedion Eulogizes Okada Alumni, Urges Unity Among Members

By Raphael Okhiria

The revered Esama of Benin, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, has commended the ex-students of Okada Grammar School (OGS), Okada, for coming together to form an alumni group.

The Esama who made the commendation during the 91st birthday visit by members of the alumni association to his palatial residence in Benin City, said it was heartwarming to know that the alumni members after graduating from the school, came together to raise the banner of their Alma mater.

Chief Igbinedion who was highly elated by the visit of the OGS Alumni, passionately appealed to members of the group to be united in order to become a formidable body that will be enviable and a reference point in the comity of alumni associations in the world.

He prayed and thanked the visiting OGS Alumni for coming to celebrate his 91st birthday anniversary with him, even as he appreciated the numerous gifts presented to him by the group.

Speaking earlier, the national president of the OGS Alumni, Rev. Fred Osamuyi Omere, informed the nonagenarian that the former students of Okada Grammar School, which he (Esama) established about five decades ago, were in his house to celebrate with him on his 91st birthday celebration.

He disclosed that the former students under the aegis of OGS Alumni, thought it wise to celebrate his birthday with him because of the good seed he sowed by building the school of learning many years at Okada.

He noted that the group has branches in foreign countries especially in Europe and America, noting that the alumni association was strong and doing very well.

The OGS Alumni president, further informed the Esama about the determination of the body to give succour to its Alma mater through fundraising where proceeds would be channeled towards the development of Okada Grammar School, Okada.

Rev. Omere who fervently prayed for Chief Igbinedion, also relayed the congratulatory messages from His Excellency, Chief Lucky Imasuen, members of the board of trustees and those in the Diaspora.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of several birthday gifts to the nonagenarian.