Ute Okpu community agog as Old Students reunite, give back to society

Stanley Ihedigbo

Ute Okpu Community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta state recently came alive as the 1990 Set of Ute Okpu Grammar School Old Students Association celebrated its annual reunion with a series of social responsibilities aimed at giving back to the society.

These activities, programmes, and initiatives include but are not limited to; deworming of children aged 10 years and below, payment of tribute to the unsung heroes of Ute Okpu Grammar School, presentations of lecture series, bestowing of awards, testimonials, plaques, and cash gifts on the school’s outstanding/dedicated teachers, staff, and alumni in recognition of their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, and unrelenting passion for education.

Speaking via a statement signed by one of the leading members, Chukwuka Justus Iwegbu and titled; The Spirit of Giving Back to Our Community and Alma Mater: A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of Ute Okpu Grammar School 1990 Set Old Students Association, the group explained that the event which took place on December 30, 2024, at Ute Okpu Unity Town Hall, was a testament to the enduring spirit of the alumni association and its commitment to recognizing the contributions of its esteemed members.

‘’One thing that brought us together after so many years of leaving our alma mater is unity and love. We may not bother ourselves with the sung and unsung stories because we have a whole lot of members who believe in an unsung story of positive contribution and impact on the lives of others. To them, remembering their roots remains a major mandate and a call to duty’’.

‘’The event recorded success with attendees traveling from far and wide to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of Ute Okpu Grammar School. The event featured a series of presentations, awards, and testimonials, each one highlighting the remarkable achievements of the school’s dedicated teachers, staff, and alumni’’.

‘’The Ute Okpu Grammar School Alumni Association, 1990 set, is committed to giving back to our alma mater and the Ute Okpu community. We believe that education is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities, and we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote educational excellence and intergenerational change’’.

At the event, Dr. F. Ozoba, a guest speaker, delivered a lecture on stress management, while C.J. Iwegbu, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria, shared valuable insights on social vices and their impact on the individual, family, school, and society.
Chukwuka Justus Iwegbu, while giving the lecture told the gathering that unless something is quickly done to change the present tide in the society, this generation may be in trouble with their current love for social vices. The university lecturer, however, affirmed that the generational disconnect has not gone irredeemable.

For their part, the healthcare team, led by Doctor (Mrs.) Ewere Rosemary Iwegbu provided free medical screenings and deworming services to children under 10 years old.

The group specifically expressed thanks to the planning committee, led by Engineer (Dr.) Ikpeseni Sunday, an outstanding engineering lecturer with the Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, for his dedication and perseverance that ensured the smooth execution of the program.

‘’We also extend our gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their support and contributions to the success of our event: The healthcare team leader, Dr. (Mrs.) Ewere Rosemary Iwegbu of the Public Health Department, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Onuobi of Ute Okpu Kingdom, Dr., and Dr. (Mrs.) S.N.A. Idiaghe of Anioma Hospital, Pastor Sunny Ikeogwu among others’’.

‘’As we look to the future, we remain committed to recognizing the contributions of our esteemed members and teachers who taught us the right values that have remained our point of constant reference and to giving back to our alma mater and the Ute Okpu Grammar School in particular and the community in general’’. The statement concluded.

The high point of the event was the presentation of the award which came in two categories:
Outstanding Students: JSS and SSS, and Distinguished Teachers.

Recipients of distinguished teachers included Mr. Nwanze (Vice Principal), Mr. Omeife (English teacher), Mr. Alika (Agric teacher), and Mr. Ementenjor (Mathematics teacher).

In a related development, the Patron of UGS 1990 set, Hon. Sir Chief and Chief Mrs. Eliot Isibor, the Onuobi of Ute Okpu Kingdom, a United States-based philanthropist, was also honored alongside his wife.

Also, the Present Principal of Ute Okpu Grammar School was equally recognized for her outstanding performance in School Administration and steadfastness, alongside her husband, Mr. Aduga, who doubled as the Chairman of the occasion.