The Old Boys of the prestigious Government Secondary School Owerri class of '92' to '98' on Thursday donated a newly built Sick Bay to the School and also awarded deserving students and staff who distinguished themselves.
The event which started with an opening prayer said by the Junior Secondary School, JSS, Principal, Mr. Mba Okwara had in attendance a large number of students and staff.
During his welcome address, the Senior Secondary School principal of the institution, Rev. Jamike Eke thanked the '92' old boys set for remembering the school with such a wonderful donation. He told the gathering that GSSO remains the best school in the state and second best in the country. He on behalf of the JSS principal, staff and students of the school eulogized the old boys. He noted that the mantra ' Remember where you come from, whenever you may chance to go..' that was taught them when they were in school is still in them.
He called on all the staff and students present to give a standing ovation to the old boys.
Speaking, the Chairman of the '92' set, Mr Kelechi Njoku, thanked the principal for providing the necessary support needed for the actualization of the Sick Bay. He recalled how the project was started two years ago by his predecessor and thank God that finally it has come to reality today.
Mr Kelechi listed the various items in the Sick Bay and said that the set will ensure that the facility is not neglected.
He said also that the set is fully registered with the Cooperate Affairs Commission CAC and introduced the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engr Ifeanyi Onuoha.
The old boys Chairman also said that the second part of the event of the day, which was Presentation of awards to deserving staff and students is to encourage hardwork and academic competition amongst the students especially. He told the gathering that his set has lost 8 members, including Mr Uche Obasi who died this morning. A minute silence was observed for all of them.
The sick Bay was officially commissioned by the BOT Chairman, Engr. Ifeanyi Onuoha.
At the new school hall began the presentation of awards. The award categories were: Overall Best students (JSS1 - SSS3) Best Sports oriented student Best Art and science students Best fine art student Best non teaching staff Best teachers (SSS and JSS)
A token was given to the two principals who expressed happiness saying it was the first time principals are being recognized by any old boys set.
BOT Chairman,CEngr. Ifeanyi Onuoha and the representative of the national Chairman of GSSO Old Association, Hon. Lambert Nnodi, (Mayor) took turns to talk to the gathering and encouraged the students to take their studies very seriously.
Mrs Okoronkwo Lucy spoke on behalf of the Teachers, while the Head boy, Mr. Nwoke Blessed did same for the students community, both were full of praises to the set of the old boys for their good gestures.
Mrs Egwuagu Peace, the Vice Principal, Administration of the school said the closing remarks and prayers.
Speaking to our correspondent, the Chairman of '92' old boys set, Mr Njoku Kelechi said that it was a pleasure being back to GSSO
On what prompted the donation, he said "We saw a need to have a first aid center in the school, where will the first point of call in case of emergency in the school, hence, the donation of this project". He said he always have a sense of joy, pride and happiness to be an OGSSIAN.
Some of the students expressed joy and happiness on the donation of the facility to the school, Agbugba Sixtus and Amakalu Godswill, both JSS3 students who spoke to Imoflash noted that with the Health Center in place, issues of first aid to students and staff will not be a problem again.
