Ebedei Secondary School Old Students Association (ESSOSA) held its maiden annual alumni get-together on December 28, 2024, with a grand gesture of philanthropy by its Grand Patron, Odogwu Godbless Ik Ijeoma. The event, hosted on the school premises, saw the enrollment of 20 top-performing students for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), courtesy of the Grand Patron’s donation.
The gathering attracted dignitaries from within and outside Ebedei, including the council of chiefs, local vigilante groups, PTA executives, and ESSOSA patrons. The Grand Patron, a native of Umueziogoli Ebedei community and a Senior Public Servant with the Federal Government of Nigeria, lauded ESSOSA and its Trustees Chairman, Engr. Emmanuel Onwubolu, for uniting stakeholders to revitalize the school’s legacy.
In his address, Odogwu Ijeoma highlighted the critical role of education as the foundation for national growth and development, emphasizing the importance of primary and secondary education. Known for his commitment to community development, the former First Bank Manager generously sponsored the WAEC enrollment of 20 students, with a scholarship package valued at over N50,000 per student. Additionally, he donated N200,000 to support ESSOSA’s logistics for the event.
This act of philanthropy is not new to Odogwu Ijeoma. During the 2020/2021 global recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided financial assistance for WAEC enrollment of five students across Ebedei’s five quarters, donating over N200,000. Beyond educational support, he has consistently fostered peace and unity within Ebedei communities and extended goodwill to family, friends, and relatives.
During the event, Odogwu Ijeoma reaffirmed his dedication to the school’s progress and urged ESSOSA to maintain a merit-based selection process for beneficiaries, cautioning against favoritism. “There should be no tribalism; let it be performance-driven,” he stated.
The school’s Principal, Mrs. Oluronke Ugbe, expressed profound gratitude for the Grand Patron’s continued support, pledging to elevate the school to new heights. ESSOSA Trustees Vice Chairman, Nwanasor Rita Mmor, also extended appreciation, praying for divine blessings on the philanthropist and the association.
In a correspondence, ESSOSA Trustees Secretary, Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma, commended Odogwu Ijeoma for his unwavering contributions to the school and the broader Ebedei community.
Highlights of the event included: Presentation of Kolanut, Chairman’s opening remarks, addresses from ESSOSA Trustees Chairman and the School Principale, remarks and donations by the Grand Patron and other guests, presentation of an award to the Principal by the Grand Patron and group photographs.
The event underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in restoring the glory of Ebedei Secondary School and left attendees inspired to contribute to its continued growth.