In a spectacular show of support for his alma mater, Arc Chidi Okoli, an accomplished old boy of Government Secondary School (GSS) Owerri Class of 1974, on Tuesday hosted a grand reception to honour the school’s Cricket team, which emerged victorious in the just concluded 25th National Junior Cricket Super League. The GSS Owerri cricket team clinched the Chief Philip Asiodu Trophy at the end of the tournament held at Government Secondary School Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The reception which took place at the prestigious Floret Lounge & Event Center beside Priceless Store Owerri, brought together old boys of Government Secondary School Owerri among whom were two serving Commissioners in Imo state – Engr Ikenna Elezianya Commisioner for Science, Technology Innovation & Engineering; and Barr. Major Emenike Commissioner for Environment. Also present was Hon Uche Onyeagucha former Secretary to the Imo State Government, principals of the schools, teachers, the coaching crew and guests all celebrating the young athletes’ remarkable achievement.
The Ogssians Cricket team triumphed in an exhilarating final by defeating the defending champions Edo Boys Secondary School, showcasing their skills against rival schools and bringing home the coveted championship trophy.
Chidi Okoli, a well-respected architect and community leader, expressed his immense pride in the team, stating, “Today, we honour not just the victory of our young players but also the spirit of camaraderie and hard work that our school has instilled in us. As an old boy, it is my privilege to support and encourage the next generation of Ogssians.”
The passionate old boy of Government Secondary School Owerri used the opportunity to appeal to the Commissioners to use their good offices to attract the attention of the Government to the school especially in infrastructural development. He told the Commissioners that his class the 1974 set has built a befitting gate for the school but the access roads in the school right from the school gate are in a deplorable condition. He equally drew their attention to the deteriorating conditions of the teachers quarters and the need for a befitting Principal’s quarter.
The reception also featured speeches from the two Commissioners, Hon Uche Onyeagucha, Sir John Nnabuihe former Registrar of Federal University of Technology Owerri a member of the 1974 set, Mr Augustine Uzoho the National Secretary of the Old Boys Association of the School and the school’s principal, as well as presentations of awards by the OGSSIAN CRICKET CLUB led by Bugus Chukuezi.
Arc Chidi Okoli was recognized for sponsoring the team to the tournament and for his immense contributions to the development of sports and academic excellence in his alma mater. A special recognition award also went to Wereuche Morgan Amadi for his financial support during the tournament which lifted the spirit of the boys. An encouragement award went to Olisa Egwuatu for his continuous support and mentorship to the victorious team.
In their speeches, the Honorable Commissioner for Environment Barr Major Emenike and his colleague Engr Ikenna Elezianya (Commissioner for Science, Technology, Innovation and Engineering) who are both old boys of the school’s 1979 set, commended the winning team for exemplifying the tradition of excellence that has long been associated with the school.
They both made cash donations of One hundred thousand naira (₦100,000) each to the team and encouraged them not to relent in both sports and academic endeavours.
The excited Commissioners promised Arc Chidi Okoli that they will definitely present his requests to the State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma and would make sure that the school is put into consideration in the next budget
The excited team head coach Chidiebube Osuji commended Arc Okoli for the kind gesture which he described as the first of its kind in the history of the school.
“Our dedication and teamwork have yielded incredible result, and this reception is a testament to the support we have from the old boys,” he said.
In his own remarks, the overjoyed Principal of the school Mr Darlington Nwanya commended the trio of Arc Chidi Okoli, Wereuche Morgan Amadi and Olisa Egwuatu as well as the National Old boys led by Dr. Etofolam Osuji mni for always showing concern in the affairs of their alma mater. He commended the wining team and encouraged them not to relent.
In his vote of thanks, the Captain of the indomitable team Nelson Mba thanked Arc Chidi Okoli for sponsoring them to the tournament and for the wonderful hosting and promised to continue to make the school proud.
In addition to honouring the team, Okoli announced a donation of twenty thousand naira each for the players.
He promised to continue to support the school to ensure that talented young sports people have the resources they need to excel both academically and athletically.
The event was anchored by the man synonymous with cricket in the school Olisa Egwuatu of the 1975 set whose classmates honored in March with a lifetime achievement award during their 50th anniversary.
Guests at the event were treated to a sumptuous buffet and assorted drinks.
