Gov. Diri Preaches Gratitude As Secondary School Alumni Marks 50 Years Anniversary

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri over the weekend joined members of his alumni association to celebrate the Golden Jubilee night of Government Secondary School Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Diri played host to members of the alumna at an event held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House Yenagoa, urging them to be grateful to God despite many challenges they might have experienced.

He said the school in its years of existence, has turned out great people who have grown to become useful in the society and beyond Nigeria.

Naija News understands that at the event, funds were raised to be used in further developing the school’s infrastructure including equipping its science laboratories.

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Bayelsa State emphasized that, “they have had a long tumultuous 50 years journey that they 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 minute silence was observed for the departed souls), but by the grace of God, they are surviving here today to celebrate 50 years of existence as a school, urging them to thank 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 our society and even beyond the shores Nigeria”.

Diri also recalled the role played by King Alfred Diette Spiff who, as former Military Governor, initiated the policies that gave children in the rural areas access to education.

He also praised the president of the GSS Odi Alumni Association, Prof. Ebimiowei Etebu, past, current Executives Council and members of the Alumni Association, products of the institution who have excelled and distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavour, and impacted the society amongst whom is Dr. Tonye Isenah, the state commissioner for works and infrastructure, Rtd. Rear Admiral Godfrey Yanga, Mr Moses Teibowei, Mr Franklin Aganaba, and Brig. Gen Eric Angaye as well as many others.

The Bayelsa State Governor commended the current executive of the Alumni Association for their initiative and efforts in putting the 50th anniversary together.

He thanked all those who contributed to the funds meant for developing the school’s infrastructure including the chief launcher, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP), and other co – launchers.

In his remarks during the event, the Chairman De Wayles Group of Companies, Chief Egukawhore who apart from being the chief launcher, also doubled as the special guest of honour appreciated Governor Diri and his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, both of whom are members of the alumna.

Not done, the special guest of honour also had kind words for the Wife of the Governor, Justice (Mrs) Ebibumor Diri, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Honorable Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Co – lunchers, award recipients, members of the alumni association, and other dignitaries present.

He appreciated them all for their generous contributions and support for the school alumni and for maintaining strong cordial relationships.