Former Pupils Empower Members, Honour Teachers After 38 Years of Reunion in Onicha

A large number of people under the auspices of the 1987 Set of Onicha Central School have extended enormous assistance to some of their members during a reunion held on Sunday, 31st August 2025, at Amaokwe Umudomi, Igboeze-Onicha Community in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, the President of the union, Brigadier-General Ogbonnaya Igwe, currently serving at the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said the association was established to rekindle memories of their days as pupils, encourage one another, and honour their former teachers. "We created this platform about five months ago to unite those who left Onicha Central School in 1987. The essence of this physical reunion is to check on and encourage one another. Though we have lost some of our mates, we assure their families that we are with them. I thank the electoral officers for the peaceful election and the members for trusting me with the position of President,” Igwe said.

He disclosed that the association would be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with plans to make the reunion an annual event, while urging members to remain their brothers’ keepers. The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Special Duties and Focal Person, Ebonyi Diaspora, Rt. Hon. Valentine Arisi Okike-Uzor, described the reunion as a welcome development, thanking God for sustaining the lives of members for the past 38 years.

"This organization was borne out of the need to uplift some of our members who may not be comfortable in life. Having spent six years together as pupils before parting ways into various professions is not by accident. Classmates are indeed best friends, relations, and associates who eventually become brothers and sisters,” he said, while appealing for the sustainability of the union. The Principal of Favour Chambers, Barr. Odii Sunday, commended the members for their turnout, particularly Mr. Offor Nweke, who attended from Austria, and applauded the appreciation shown to two of their former teachers, Mr. Njoku and Mr. Anoke. He added that the union would also reach out to other teachers or their families to honour their contributions. "Having seen that this set is blessed with personalities such as a Brigadier-General, doctors, politicians, legal practitioners, and business moguls, it became necessary to show kindness to the less privileged among us,” he said.

A Lagos-based businessman, Mr. Frankline Amaechi Okute, explained that the group was founded on the principles of unity and oneness, making it easier to identify and support indigent members. "This is not a gathering of university or secondary school mates but primary school classmates. In a nutshell, we are the pace-setters in Onicha clan,” he stated. Similarly, Dr. Monday Ani, an Abakaliki-based veterinary doctor, and Mr. Dickson Okoronkwo Anoke, CEO of Dickson Holdings, Delta State, said the reunion provided an opportunity to reconnect with forgotten colleagues and design empowerment strategies for members. An Austria-based member, Mr. Offor Nweke, said his passion for the union prompted his attendance despite the cost, distance, and time involved. “When I got wind of this organization and its objectives of caring for one another, I was excited and decided to join. In my little way, I will not relent in supporting its growth,” he said. Some beneficiaries of the empowerment, including Mrs. Adizumma Ogbonna, Nweke Nwani, Eze Nwaaron, and Emeka Nwani, applauded the initiative, expressed gratitude for the gifts, and prayed for long life and prosperity for all members. Highlights of the reunion included, election of executive members,empowerment of indigent members, health talks and medical checks, appreciation of teachers, and entertainment of members.