The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Andrew Emwanta, has called on the Immaculate Conception College, Benin, Old Boys Association (ICCOBA) to explore opportunities of collaboration with the Edo State Government, as a means to institutionalize the ideals of the school’s 1992 set.
Emwanta made the call at a dinner party organised by ICCOBA to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the graduation of the 1992 set in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The commissioner who highlighted various ways the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki has fostered development in key areas such as education, health, infrastructures, sports, training and retraining of the state public and civil servants, power sector, workers welfare, and among others, said there was need for ICCOBA to join hands in moving the state forward.
According to him, “The government of the day under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki is doing so much. Recently, the state House of Assembly considered a bill for an energy commission that will make it possible for all Edo people to have access to 24 hours power through Ossiomo Power Company.
“This is not because the Nigeria government has provided this platform, but because Edo wants to do things differently. There is no state in Nigeria where businesses are sure of 24 hours electricity supply. In our production centres, people who do business there enjoy 24-hours power supply and as they say, without energy, the wheels of industry cannot move.
“For ICCOBA, I will appeal to you, to look for ways to collaborate with the state government. Other old boys associations are building mini estates. Once you want your Certificate of Occupancy (C-of- O), it will be very easy to get an approval. That’s the way you can institutionalize your class and your set”, he said.
On his part, the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, a member of the class of 1992 set, described the 30th anniversary of the set as significant, saying that it would enable them to share ideas.
“It’s been quite a significant celebration. It’s been three decades since we left secondary school. We think this is a major milestone. We are at the middle passage of our lives, we think it’s important to come together for those of us who are still here. Many have gone to be with the Lord.
“But some of us are still here alive and well, we think it’s important to come together and rub minds, share ideas, and begin to chart the course for the future.
“In another three decades, we are going to be very old men. There is no better time than now to celebrate ourselves, to enjoy our company together and to forge the future of our people and our state together,” he said.
In his remarks, the National President of ICCOBA, Mr. Ighodalo Edetanlen, who left ICC 37 years ago, described the 1992 set as very strong and well organized, noting that he is very proud of them.