It was an occasion of joy, camaraderie and celebration as Class of ’93, Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, reunited to celebrate its 30th graduation anniversary.
In the reunion titled “30 Years After: Reliving the Golan Height Experience” held in Asaba, Delta State capital city; had in attendance, a good number of students of the class of ’93, including the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, Charles Aniagwu; Managing Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company, Basil Agboarumi; an Assistant General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri, Nkem Nwaeke, a Director in the Department of State Security Service, DSS, Barth Omoaka, among others.
The gathering of the old students, 30 years after their graduation, provided an opportunity to bond and relive memories of the old students’ days at the Golan Heights – the institution that has produced technocrats, , professionals, men and women of high repute across every segment of life.
From testimonies at the event, the class, no doubt has produced some of the best professionals and distinguished personalities who have added values to the progressive track records typical of alumni of the Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi.
While some have risen to positions of Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers and CEOs in business and corporate organizations, many in the public service are already in the management cadre as Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and Senior Managers.
Aside, Charles Aniagwu, a three time Commissioner and Member of the Delta State Executive Council, the Senior Special Assistant, SSA to the Rivers State Governor on Media and Publicity, Boniface Onyedi are some of the success stories of the class.
AMCOS Class of ’93 which pride itself as one of the best in the Department of Mass Communication of the polytechnic, also has among its members, lecturers in higher institutions, principals of secondary schools, high ranking officers the nation’s agencies as well as publishers, senior news correspondents and editors, including in Thisday Newspaper, NTA, AIT, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, FRCN, Leadership, The Pointer Newspaper and foreign magazines.
Verifiable information has it that diaspora members of the class are also excelling in their various endeavours.
The Asaba get-together featured various activities, including pool side evening hangout on day one of the event; physical exercise; road walk; lectures; fund raising for members’ welfare and for projects at the institution’s Mass Communication Department, as well as a gala night.
The immediate past President, AMCOS 93, Pastor Austen Akhagbeme, the new President, Barrister Andrew Lawani and the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Joseph Obaro Ikupa, paid glowing tributes to members for facilitating the Annual General Conference and 30th anniversary celebration.
They expressed optimism of a greater and more united alumni body.
They stressed that the welfare of members and the giving back to the Alma Mater are of top priority and urged members to rise to the task ahead.
A member of the Class, Basil Agboarumi who delivered the main lecture for the reunion with the theme “Retiring Into A Comfortable Healthy And Peaceful Life: The Prospects and the Challenges”, and Mr Charles Aniagwu in his contribution to the topic, stressed the need to make hay while the sun shines and advised members to plan for better tomorrow.
Others who spoke, including the outgone Vice President, Mrs Dolly Amosu, shared ideas on how to prepare for retirement, how to cope with the present harsh economic situation, and how to handle stress, anxiety and depression.
The Area Manager of Premium Trust Bank, Asaba, an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, Mr Monday Okowa, and some guests also delivered goodwill messages during the lecture and fund raising session.
Immediate past Diaspora Coordinator of AMCOS Class of ’93, UK based Jolly Iguodala in a telephone conversation, described the coming together of classmates thirty years after, as commendable and stressed the need for members to be progressive-minded and avoid divisive tendencies.
The high point of the ceremony was the election of new executives for the association; with Andrew Lawani, emerging as President, Agatha Matthew-Irabor, Vice President; Lawrence Ojeashi, General Secretary; Ejiro Bridget Enebeli, Treasurer; and Mercy Omokhodion, Financial Secretary.
Others include, Vivian Uchunor, Public Relations Officer; Daniel Owie, Welfare Officer; Roseline Ojogri, Assistant General Secretary; Otokiti Fatai, Provost and Theophilus Eloka, Diaspora Coordinator.
There were dance and solo musical performances by six members of the class – Aremu, Victor, Lucky, Austen, Esther and Bertrand, who were at the centre of the entertainment hub during the school days.
On a sad note, a minute silence was observed for those members of the class who had transited to be with the Lord.
Prayers were offered for the repose of their souls.