GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ODI, MARKS 50 YEARS ANNIVERSARY -

Coastal News

The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Duoye Diri, hosted dignitaries at the 50 year anniversary of Government Secondary School (BSS) Odi, in attendance were composed of personalities who have distinguished themselves in medicine, law, the armed forces, engineering amongst whom are technocrats, business executives and top government officials from across the country and beyond.

The event held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, relieves beautiful memories, when old boys of Government Secondary School, Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma local Government Area of the State converged to mark the Golden jubilee and founders day of their school at a gala and fundraising event. Old boys who have made their marks in a broad spectrum of professions and endeavours were on hand and in attendance with their spouses, all gayly dressed for the event.

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri remarked that, “They have had a long tumultuous 50 years journey that all can attest to, it is a journey worthwhile, and in this journey some of them have left, from 1972 down to 2022, not all of them who went through that school are still alive. They have lost some very intelligent classmates and schoolmates,’’a solemn one minute silence was observed for the departed’’ but by the grace of God, they survived and here today to celebrate 50 years of existence as a school, he thanked God, first of all, for keeping them alive and allowing their school, Government Secondary School Odi (GSS), to continue in turning out, very useful man power for the society and even beyond the shores Nigeria

The Governor expressed his profound appreciation to King Diette Spiff who as former Military Governor initiated the policies that gave children in rural areas access to education and for the efforts and commitment of the current Executive Council of the Government Secondary School, Odi Alumni Association, led by Prof. Ebimiowei Etebu, for their foresight in putting this together. He thanked past and current executives of the Alumni Association, all Alumna and those who have in one way or the other given back to the school to support infrastructural development, learning tools and sports competitions all with a view to ensuring that the school continues to grow from strength to strength.

In his speech at the fundraising event to raise N50 million for the re- equipment of the school laboratory, the special guest of honour and Chief Launcher, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP), Chairman De Wayles Group of Companies, thanked the Miracle Governor, Sen. Duoye Diri for the privilege granted him to function in this position, and also appreciated his deputy, His Excellency, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, both of whom are Alumnus of the institution, Her Excellency, wife of the Governor Justice (Mrs) Ebibomor Diri, RT. Hon Abraham Ingobere, Speaker, Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Justice Kate Abiri, The Honorable Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Frederick Agbedi representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Co – lunchers and other dignitaries present. He noted the strong unity and bond existing among the members of GSS Alumni Association seeing that they have been together over the years and still maintained very cordial relationships irrespective of status and background. He said this was commendable and worthy of emulation. He admonished those in the business and political sphere to embrace the culture of unity and oneness exhibited by the celebrating old boys, applauding them for sparing the time to give back to the institution that effectively began the process of molding them into what they are today. He went further to set the ball rolling with very significant donation that was quickly caught upon by various other dignitaries, bodies and groups who donated handsomely towards the achievement of the desired goal for the fundraising.

Awards were given to deserving recipients who had distinguished themselves in various human endeavours including Dr. Tonye Isenah, the Commissioner for works and Infrastructure, Mr Moses Teibowei, Rtd. Rear Admiral Godfrey Yanga, Brig. Gen Eric Angaye and Mr Franklin Aganaba.