It was the second anniversary and end of year get-together of Ebedei Secondary School Old Students Association (ESSOSA) marked with ambience and an electrifying atmosphere which permeated in the faces and cheers of the principal and staff of the school, students, invited guests and members of the association alike.
The event which took place on Saturday 27th December 2025 at Ellen’s Ville Hotel Ebedei marked the second anniversary of ESSOSA after a successful inaugural outing last year to the glory of God.
in his address, the Trustees Chairman of ESSOSA, Tgst. Emmanuel Chukwuneku Onwubolu thanked ESSOSA board of trustees and members for their unwavering support and dedication from inception till now. There was no less thanks for the financial support and advisory role of ESSOSA grand patron and patrons which the chairman termed jet fuels to ESSOSA’s memorable journey.
Onwubolu noted that the association has been partnering with the school in many areas since last year to ensure there is tangible progress in the school as a way of contributing its quota to the Alma Mater that raised members and to the community.
Speaking further, the alumni helmsman extolled the visionary leadership of the Principal of the school, Mrs. Ugbe Oluronke Iyabo, and her formidable staff members, adding that they have done incredibly well. “Their relationship with ESSOSA has been very impressive and we hope to see our partnership grow stronger in the coming year.”, he added.
Reeling out the achievements of the alumni association for the school, ESSOSA Trustees Chairman who also stands as President of the association noted that the association has been able to support the school and some of her members in so numerous ways which includes donation of a public address platform with its base to the school worth N130,000.00, paymen of monthly stipends of N30,000 for English Language ad hoc teacher for a period of six months from March to September 2025, totalling N180,000.00, facilitating the posting of Corp members in subject areas of particular concern, donation of N50,000.00 to the school during their annual Nine Lessons and Carols held on 5th December 2025, and another N50,000.00 naira to the school during the 2024 International Day of Education titled “AI and Education” hosted by the school early this year, and to crown it up donated a lawn mower to the school today worth N275,000.00 naira as a way of supporting the school to make ‘labour’ easier for the students.
Underscoring the importance of the lawn mower to the school, the Trustees Chairman noted that keeping the school clean is critical and part of the needs of the school,.of which the lawn mover will serve the need of clearing grass within the school premises. He thanks all financial members of ESSOSA whose financial contributions made the realization of this project possible
“There’s a remarkable improvement of the association support to the school”, the Chairman stated, noting an upward performance indicator of N685,000.00 in 2025 from N178,900.00 in 2024. He reaffirmed the association’s resolve.and commitment to support the school more in coming years by God’s grace.
He noted however that these achievements were possible amid the challenge of paulcity of funds on which the association runs, coupled with the tough economic situation in the country affecting members’ financial capacities and their response to both obligatory and freewill contributions, and expressed optimism that the present tough economic situation will ease out in the coming year to enable more members fulfill their financial obligation to the association and participate more in voluntary donations. He also expressed hope of increasing the number of patrons of the association to boost fundraising.
The Principal of the school, Mrs. Ugbe Oluronke Iyabo expressed her sincerely gratitude to the association for their kind donation and sustainable support. She however noted other areas of challenges of the school that entreat the kind attention of the association and other stakeholders present in the occasion.
The Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Sunday Okolocha, expressed gratitude to the association and encouraged them to continue in the spirit of humanity. He urged other stakeholders and patrons present to join hands with the association to support the growth of the school.
The representative of the Onotu-uku General of Ebedei, Chief Rupert Chukwuemeke Edike took his turn to congratulate both the association and the school, and promised that the traditional leadership will continue to support the school.
The event was capped by a debate session on the topic ” Education is a scam as teenagers can make money without education”, after which the winner team B against the motion won a cash prize of N15,000 and the runners-up N10,000.
The event was roundly attended by critical education stakeholders in the community comprising the special guests: High Chief Sunday Eke Nwose – the Onotu-Uku General of Ebedei Clan ably represented by Chief Rupert Chukwuemeke Edike, High Chief Alponsus Odili – the Onochi-Eze of Ebedei, High Chief Sunday Okorocha – immediate past Onochi-Eze of Ebedei and Chairman of the occasion, respected chiefs from Ebedei Ekpemili Council of Chiefs, Chairmen of the various Oil and Gas Management Committees (OGMCs), Mrs. Ugbe Oluronke Iyabo, Chief Host and Principal of Ebedei Secondary School, teachers and students of the school present, members of our sister alumni (ESSOGBA), ESSOSA members, Community vigilante members and gentlemen of the Press.
Highpoints of the event were Addresses from ESSOSA Trustees Chairman and Principal of the School, Presentation of lawn mower to the school, debate session by students, cash award presentation, group photograph, dance! dance!! dance!!! and entertainment.
