James Welch Alumni decorates Ukodhiko with recognition award ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Kingsley Ikodudu 

James Welch Grammar School, Emevor, founded in February 16th, 1957, by a contingent of missionaries who sailed across the Atlantic ocean, is one of the few elite schools in the defunct Bendel State, known for its academic excellence, and for churning out academic intellectuals in their formative stages of life. 

The classes of 86, 87, 88 and 90, yesterday held a reunion ceremony towards raising funds for the purchase of a brand new 32 seater coaster bus for the school, cum an award giving ceremony. 

The programme which was tagged; UNVEILING OF OUR NEXT PROJECT, was chaired by Rear Admiral Francis D. AKPAN (Rtd), an old boy of JWGS, who also is the National President of James Welch Grammar School Old Boys Association. 

The ceremony which witnessed a large turnout of dignitaries, began with an opening prayer and a brief exhortation by the revered Rt. Rev. J.U. Aruakpor, the Bishop of Oleh diocese, Anglican communion, who also is an old boy of JWGS; and also had in attendance, a serving member of the Fed. House of Representatives, representing Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Hon. Emmanuel Egoh, who's also an old boy of JWGS. 

Pastor (Engr.) Ukodhiko who was accompanied to the ceremony by a retinue of political associates, was greeted by cheers and exchange of pleasantries from old school mates and classmates, who were excited to see him again after so many years of leaving secondary school. 

Engr. Ukodhiko who was among the dignitaries called to unveil the Next Project, amid sounds of the photographers shutters as they took turn to catch a glimpse of his glowing face, spoke fondly of his days in the school, and stated that the Chapel reminds him so much of some of the memories he held dear during his days as a student of JWGS. 

The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving old boys of James Welch Grammar School, Emevor, whom have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour, both in the private and public sector. 

Pastor (Engr.) Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, the Honorable commissioner for Energy, Delta State, was presented with the plaque of Honor, for his outstanding contribution towards human capital development in the Oil and Gas industry, and in recognition of his contribution towards the growth and development of the James Welch Old Boys Association, by the Rt. Rev. J.U. ARUAKPOR, Bishop of Oleh diocese. 

Other recipients of awards were Hon. Emmanuel Egoh, Member Federal House of Representatives, Amuwo-Odifin, Fed. Constituency, Lagos State, Hon. Charles Emetulu, member, Delta State House of Assembly, representing Ndokwa West Constituency, Hon. Churchill Amagada, Commissioner for Trade & Investment, Delta State, Hon. Sir Victor Asasa, Chairman Isoko South LGA, Delta State, and Rear Admiral Francis AKPAN(Rtd) National President, JWGS Old Boys Association. 

While the chairman of Isoko North LGA, Hon. Christian Othuke Iteire, was inducted as an associate member of the old boys association in recognition of his contribution towards the growth of education in Isoko North. 

Some of the leaders that accompanied the Honorable commissioner were Dr. Barr. Paul Oweh, Commissioner representing Isoko ethnic nationality on the board of Desopadec, Hon. Christian Iteire, Chairman Isoko North LGA, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman PDP Isoko North chapter, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro (PhD), Special Adviser to the Governor on Community and Rural Development, Hon. Peter Emaziye (PhD), SSA to the Governor, Hon. Mike Ogwah, SSA to Governor, on Political Matters, Hon. Jahswill Asaba, EA to the Governor on Project monitoring, Hon. Jonathan Umukoro, SSA to the Governor on Youth Monitoring and Mentorship,  Hon. Tutumor Daniel, SA to the Governor, Pastor Sunday Elueni, SA to the Honorable Commissioner, Hon. Felix Ogona Felix Efe, former Leader of the Isoko North Legislative Arm, amongst others.