The Class of 1960 came into Government Secondary School, Owerri in the year the country Nigeria, nominally ceased to be a colony of the United Kingdom. Midnight September 30, 1960 ushered in the dawn of Independence, the first day of October. In that moment, at the appointed time and place, what seemed far away from Owerri, the Federal Capital City of Lagos, became the cynosure of the world’s ultimate attention. The British Union Jack was recessed into retirement on Nigeria’s soil, and in its place was hoisted the Green-White-Green flag; for the first time ever, that flag became the symbol of a new country, basking on renewed spirit of optimism and great expectation for the promise of One Nigeria. The celebration, with all its excitement and euphoria was not limited to the center of action in far-away southwestern city Lagos.
Mr. John Garrod was new as principal and in transition from taking over from Chief I.D. Erokosima; he felt duty-bound in preparing the school ahead of the impending big day; on his orders every student was required to not only memorize the words of the Nigerian Anthem but also learn to sing it with every note and key in place as composed. That instruction was faithfully and strictly executed and complied with under close supervision and care; the School Captain Ndianefo, all School Prefects and the designated choir conductor, Senior Agbim saw the crash-program through and to the extent every class engaged itself with organized impromptu recital and show of aptitude and proficiency singing the anthem.
It was an early morning rise to behold the country’s special day; the entire school set out in single file, with the Class One Boys leading the pack adorned in known colors, white and blue; some of the senior boys topped theirs in blazers. The trek through the urban sprawl was fairly a long distance but we arrived at the Owerri Township Stadium in time to capture the vantage side of the spectator stand. There were speeches and commendations by local politicians, community leaders and senior government officials. Goodwill message from the Premier of Eastern Nigeria Dr. Michael Okpara preceded an organized march-past by students from selected primary and secondary schools within Owerri urban and municipality. One of the highlights of the celebrations was the invitation for Track and Field special event. The rivalry between HOGOSCO (Holy Ghost College) and OGSS was such a standing order that no love was ever lost at any opportunity. Other athletes from Emmanuel College, Owerri Grammar School were also present; but the prize for the pride and prejudice pertaining was personalized between the Ogssian leading sprinter Agwaniru (Agwons) and HOGOSCO’s Njemanze. The select events of record were 100 yards dash and 110 X 4 yards relay (long before track and field distances were measured in meters). The stadium audience that hitherto celebrated in joyful mood, with pomp, pageantry, listening to the music provided by HOGOSCO marching band suddenly seemed consumed and deflated. There was tension in the air; expectations and show of support from quarters known and unknown set the momentum into a perfect pitch ahead of the umpire’s pullout shot. There were a few false starts due to indecision and induced panic on the part of the athletes set on their lanes; but the delay was short-lived; the 100 yards race ended almost as quickly as it began and guess what! Agwons braced the tape in real time breaking both the School record and the prevailing Amateur Athletics Championship record. Holy Ghost cried foul; there were minor squabbles and a little bit of pushing and shoving here and there as various student groups milled around respective teams seeking attention, some rejoicing in victory, others crying with the agony of defeat clearly showing on their faces; but there was more to come, the main event. The Ogssian relay team was quite formidable, always ready to give a very good account of itself at every link of baton exchange until the final lap on the home stretch. Agwons relied greatly on the squad’s anchor-man to close any lapses and gaps; on this encounter, everything worked out as planned. OGSS won both races and hence the Independence Trophy for the event. It was a glorious day indeed and the celebrations continued back at School.
The Class of 1960, like those who came before and after, passed through the tutelage of a slew of teachers and education officers; we called them Masters; they were recruited from far and near places across the seas, home and abroad to teach subjects for which they were duly trained, qualified and certified.
Students were engaged with every Master in one way or another, directly in classroom activities or indirectly during assigned special duty detailing. The Master on duty served as the protocol officer, a responsible staff member charged with enforcing all codes of ethics, good behavior and discipline; he worked hand in gloves with the School Captain and the Prefect-on-duty to ensure all extracurricular activities were accomplished as needed. Our Masters also served as role models; their presence enriched the learning environment in and outside the classroom; those appointed House Masters interacted even more; they were custodian to the safe-deposit box, a kind of piggybank where students lodged their pocket money for safe-keeping during the school year; money is withdrawn as per the student’s personal needs. During special school gatherings and community events, it was a pleasure watching our Masters interact with their wives and children; such moments and occasions exposed us to what it took to appreciate the value of family; we looked forward to being as successful and responsible, growing up ready to embrace the world they lived in. The choices we made subsequently were not only possible through academic excellence, but also through the internal consistency of virtues deriving from the quality of individuals who guided and protected us. Those individuals also showed us tough love when necessary and applicable and tender loving care when deserved; they protected us from harming ourselves and innocent others especially with overbearing and youthful exuberance to contend with. Our Masters reminded us in plain terms how much they stood “In Loco Parentis”, meaning parents and guardians who dropped us off at school could go to bed and sleep peacefully, knowing we were in good hands, fully protected in sound health and mind. These wonderful people served as surrogate parents and in the true sense of everything right and decent, raised us, contributing greatly to making us the men we turned out to become. A roster of our Masters is herein presented in no special order or ranking: I.D Erokosima, John Garrod, Ugwuegede, Kombo-Igbetta, Nwankpa, Ukaigwe, Ikwueke, Oboli, Emerole, Irondi, Udoiwod, Cookey-Gam, Bassey, Orji, Onyiliogwu, Mozie, Okosi, Nagia, Khatri, Savanathan, Okonkwo, Usoro, Ogbuokiri, Okoli, Nlemchi, Okwubunka, Nwanna, Nwagwu, Ekewuba, Ebegbulem, Mmema, Nwuzor, The Utroskas, Ukut, Ogbudu, Etokebe and Tikili. There are many others including Masters that served before and after Class of 1960. Goddy Mere, the food contractor never failed to deliver; our Chief Cook – Nwankwo and his assistant, Nwa-Amadi including the laundrymen – (washermen) and of course the ever-spirited school driver Moscow, were there to make our stay at Owerri memorable and fulfilling. Wherever you all are today, the Class of 1960 is joining the entire School to thank you immensely, asking God to bless you for being there for us and helping to see us through the difficult period of growing pains, finally making it possible to stand on our own feet; we are forever grateful.
Part of growing up at Owerri was also learning the ropes, how to take instructions and obey orders especially those coming from the hierarchy of student leadership. The instrument of authority relied much on the efficiency of peer support and the respect for seniority and position. The concept of “Trust and Obey” or “Obedience before Complaint” had its contradictions but it served the purpose for which self-control and self-discipline have remained the hallmark of all who have passed through OGSS. The quality in character and learning has come to define the Ogssian spirit that has endured the test of time covering the essential aspects in the personal and private lives of our Old Boys. Many of them would confess openly with honor and candor that their best days of friendship and comradeship were found at OGSS. That truism becomes even more evident among the Class of 1960 whenever we share one laugh or two reminiscing while on a long-distance phone conversation; the discussion would most often be about our stay at Owerri and the nostalgia ensuing would be equally as palpable. We did not set that table all on our own; there were individuals, seniors and classmates who were found to possess special qualities and unique abilities to manage the affairs of the young and difficult. These individuals were appointed Captains of School, one among many of their peers for every school year. The Class of 1960 lived through the unbroken tenure of the following School Captains: Ndianefo, Ezekwe, Achebe, Nnamdi, Akpuaka, Egegbara and Ike. Again, we thank our School Captains and the many prefects who supported them in their effort, dedication and determination towards maintaining and sustaining the best that OGSS had to offer.
There were many other seniors we remember for other qualifying reasons, the least of which would not be the volume of college runs and detentions received and served. We thank them as well, with the realization that whatever did not break or destroy us, by chance might have made us stronger. The difference would be hardly discernible since the good, the bad and the ugly would have comingled to produce the quality of individuals found in us today. From washing the ablution rooms, crawling under the dining hall tables to becoming bell-fag extraordinaire, we must take one moment to salute them. We extend our best wishes and highest regards to our most revered seniors – Nnoli (he was also House Captain and Captain of Football), Hart, Okoro S, Okoro O, Acharaeke, Chijioke L, Ofurum, Umunna, Okiwelu, Anusiem, Ubani, Eronini, Oguamanam, Aniche, Akwiwu, Williams, Egbuson, Ihedioha, Nzerem, Njelita, Mbadiwe (Brothers), Akoani (Brothers), Ezenwa, Ihemadu, Nwizu, Nzewi, Egbuna, Duru, Onyiriuka, Katchy, Leleyi, Agbim, Agwaniru, Ikwueke (Snr), Braide, Ibe, Njoku, Chijioke, Ekeocha, Mba, Anyakoha, Opuwaribo, Akagha, Asuquo, Uyet, Emenalor, Izunagbara, Echeruo, Mgbemena, Ewuzie, Okoye, Ohaegbulem, Orunta, Chukwuezi, Agary, Ajuba, Akahiwe, Okonyia, Umelo, Nebuwa, Amaeshi, Amaechi, Ukaigwe, Braide, Nwamadu, Njeribeako, Chinakwe, Ndip, Onyia, Udoh, Ndam, Ajoku, Njelita, Egwuatu (Captain of Cricket), Nosiri, Obi (Wolonja), Udechukwu, Azubuike, Offong, Nwika, Eze, Akparanta, Ogbonda, Nwosu, Adiele, Anyanele, Nwigwe (Nnamdi), Nwigwe E., Ogwuma, Obeng, Ogbolu, Ahuama, Okaih, Arah (House Captain New House), Ezirim, Odocha, Duke, Ogbonnaya, Apakama, Chukwujama, Onwu, Ihenacho, Osuji, Okuk, Emesi, Onyeji, Orabueze, Udoffia, Oleh, Ukatta, Okafor, Anyadike, Tikili E., Dede, Chijioke C., Eke, Jack and others fondly remembered.
Each Member of Class of 1960 like others before and after, came into Owerri with unique qualities. Most of us were top of the class in their respective primary schools. In many cases, they came in from villages and rural communities different from their new environment. We shared a lot in common as young people most of whom were leaving their homes and parents for the first time; but we differed greatly in individual personality and socialization skills. We were equally diverse in terms of faith obligation and religion. Anglicans and Pentecostals were more in number; there were few Roman Catholics and one or two Seven Day Adventists. Apart from tense debate generated after the Baptist Minister, Reverend Locke showed a movie on Reformation in the Assembly Hall, there was no other time religion or faith options caused any issue of concern for the class. We settled down as wind and weather permitted, learning how to live and survive in a regimented setting, the closest experience to a boot camp. In due course of time, reality began to set in; it dawned on everybody that we were not only in school to pass exams but also to learn extra skills and knowledge through adaptation and observation; we began to recognize the essence of collaboration through impromptu activities like making speeches, holding literary debates and group activities. We realized there were people who performed better than others under stressful and confounding situations; therefore, it was advisable to watch and learn from such people. In our class, Amadi Julius was the leading student in almost every subject; in fact, he would tackle those relatively more challenging physics and math problems marked with asterisks. We would gather around him by the blackboard to watch Gbogo break down the solution step by step with ease. Amadi Julius remained top of the class and won more book prizes than anybody else in our class. Julius Amadi and A. B. Okoro and Anslem Achazie had some health issues that prevented them from participating actively in outdoor activities; they nursed the desire to join us at play, but we never knew the degree and extent of the pain of their disability. They wished they could run around and have as much fun, just as we also wished we were as brilliant to compete in the classroom; the rest of us struggled and in doing so, Gbogo inadvertently brought out the best in all of us. The rivalry was a healthy one; we protected each other and one another; we learned from the contradictions of the prevailing different strokes in life. The class also excelled in sports; for example, Joe Nobis earned colors in Cricket; he was one of the best in the school and was often a threat to rival teams and competitors from Umuahia and Afikpo. Enoch Nwachukwu was dominant in track and field. Occasionally, Amadi P, Nnabugwu A and Ojogwu L gave him a healthy chase; but Enoch’s speed remained difficult to overcome; we chose to call him Engine, the energizer bunny ready to travel extra miles non-stop. The colts and first eleven football teams (soccer) including field hockey were well represented by Amadi P (Puma), Nnabugwu, Henry Nwaneri (Satchmo) and Boniface Isiguzo.
I forgot all about Boxing until Kaine recalled Alozie’s “Volley of three punches – Uyet, Ndip, Ndam”. – the sound of body-blows named after our seniors as they landed on prospective opponents.
Our class was quite active on Saturday Night Variety Show Stage. Alozie (Skido) led the acapella group. Augustine Onyemaobi (Gentleman) was the organizing cheerleader. Ignatius Ejimadu became famous for his unique dance steps demonstrated when Horlicks sales-people stopped by to advertise their product; he earned the nickname – Horliskco. Our class also presented major stage plays – Aladdin and Abraham Lincoln, produced and directed by our Master and Old Boy – Mr. Etokebe.
We respected our seniors greatly and accommodated our juniors to the extent possible; it was a very friendly class, an easy-going group with love for all and malice towards none. Here is the roster for the Class of 1960 – Amadi J, Amadi P, Wihioka J, Nwaneri H, Nobis J, Chinwuba A, Onyemaobi A, Maranzu N, Nzewunwa C, Alozie A, Echue C, Onyeme Z, Ikwueke J, Ajaero R, Nwachukwu E, Okoro B, Ojogwu L, Udogu E, Achazie A, Ekeleme P, Ejimadu I, Isiguzo B, Ike C, Nnabugwu A, Nwachukwu V, Obueleiroham T. This Class has produced 6 Professors, 5 Medical Doctors, 2 Engineers, many PhDs from various fields; one member also served a two-term tenure as Federal Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. One of us is currently the Traditional Prime Minister, Ngbologwu Awka; others hold various traditional titles in their respective communities; for everything else we have received and shared with all and sundry, we thank the Lord!
Fellow Ogssians, we are in the house with you, basking in the spirit of one family; we know there will be no place else to call home outside OGSS – the Palm Grove Citadel of our time. Let us restore it to its redeeming glory; let us return it to its shining glow. In keeping with the last Assembly with each other and one another, the Lord dismissed us with His Blessings, knowing we would never be together again in the same place on earth at the same time. That gathering just as the parting was made, has remained as emotional as it was momentous; it will forever be cherished and more so as we join hands in virtual connection but still in prayer asking God to be with us all until we meet again somewhere else in the hereafter. To those following in the footsteps to reclaim the foundation laid in ages past, please remain faithful to the cause of the Ogssian family; may the Ogssian spirit continue to guide and sustain your efforts and dreams.
On behalf of the Fraternity, the Class of 1960, it has been my pleasure to share the annals of some historical perspectives with you. It’s me former Scribe to the Ogssian Junior Debating Society and onetime member of the Editorial Board of the OGSSIAN magazine – Phyl Amadi signing off – saying good bye, good health and good night!
In the fog of the moment and with 60 years of recycled memory, I must have left out many names, especially seniors who were there when the Class of 1960 arrived. As you read this account, try and play the mind game; fill in the gaps and the blanks as you find necessary; complete the story to further enrich the oral tradition of the Ogssian family. In this humble effort, I reached out to my 1960 Fraternity. Dr. Kaine J. Ikwueke provided some wordsmith ideas to improve readability. I called on one person that always served as my personal assistant, collating and proof-reading manuscripts for the New House Newsletter at Owerri.
Pharm Sonde J. Ezenekwe was very kind to look through the script; he had trepidation by not wanting to earn some runs or even full-detention correcting mis-spellings. He cleverly dodged the bullet by calling them typos. Jah was the one that recalled the name of our chief cook. I knew why; he was late for meals several times and Nwankwo fed him extra. Sonde chose his days and more so when he earned under-dining-hall-table punishment; the popular every Thursday-menu, groundnut stew on rice and dodo was his reward. Overall, he found the import of the narrative very interesting to read and digest; hopefully the rest of us will too.
As you enjoy part of our collective history, take a moment to remember all Ogssians and our Masters who have passed on. The most recent shock has been the unexpected loss of Dr. Aneze Felix Chuwuba, Otutu III of the Awka Kingdom, and Dr. Ikechukwu James Wihioka; both of them were present at the March 6-8, 2020 OGSS OBA Reunion at Owerri. The events and special presence of five members of the Class of 1960 may appear to have receded but not quite. We lodged in the same hotel, broke bread at breakfast table each morning of that memorable week-end; we shared laughter, giggled and cajoled one another and each other; little did we know all the camaraderie and fun would be short-lived, never to be replicated. Akins and Jamesco left us to answer the call of the Lord. The rest of our class have been trying to hold the emotions together but the nerves seem to fail us; it is as if yesterday came back with any of the past days in the annals of the Class of 1960 to bring us back to behold shared life as exuberant little boys running around playing backyard cricket, screaming “Howzat” on the patched grassy-lawn near the Dining Hall. God made it possible then and He alone will console and sustain us. May the Lord receive their souls and continue to treat them kindly!
Phyl Amadi is a professor of Earth and Environmental Science based in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
