Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association, a conglomeration of the 1983 class alumni associations of ten public secondary schools across Rivers State, now have an Executive Council to pilot their affairs.

President of the Coalition of Old Students Alumni Association of Government Secondary Schools in the old Rivers State, Karibi George, inaugurated the new executives during an inaugural get-together held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend.

The new executive has Harry Tubokomba of Government Comprehensive School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt as President, Stella Daso-Oruebo, PhD of Government Girls Secondary School, Okumgba-Ama, Okrika as Vice President, Ibinabo Ogolo, PhD of Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt as Secretary-General, and Ngozi Ajayi of Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls School, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt as Treasurer.

Others are Michael Wifa of Baptist High School, Port Harcourt as Financial Secretary, Fineboy Ohaka of Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, as Welfare Secretary, and Joy Idodo of Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt as Public Relations/Publicity Officer.

Giving his charge after inaugurating the new executive, Karibi George lauded the group for the initiative, reminding them that alumni associations go beyond traditional roles of support to their alma mater, but engender longevity, networking and support for members.

He urged them to uphold the vision of the coalition by renewing friendship and support to their alma mater.

On why the group was formed, the Coordinator and brain behind the group, Dr.  Ibinabo Ogolo said the forum was established to enhance professional and business skills and networking, and to have a unified body to uplift the welfare of members.

The idea, she further explained was birthed last year during the 40th anniversary of Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road Set ’83 when other schools’ alumni associations participated.

With that, she disclosed that she started plans and began to reach out to various schools’ alumni of set ’83 to foster unity and friendship among themselves.

“The idea has taken off today and we have started with 10 schools both Boys and Girls of 1983 set. We want to use it as a model for upcoming ones.”

Excited with the success of the take-off of the forum, Chief Hope Kuku of 1983 set, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri expressed optimism that it will create strong bond, friendship and encourage camaraderie.

“It’s a beautiful idea and it will lead to exchange of ideas with my friends and ex-students of other schools.

Chief Kuku frowned at the quality of education in government schools, urging education authorities to improve on their policies and programmes, recalling that during their time, things were much better.

On his part, Joseph Onyema of Enitonna High School said he was elated about the development and urged other schools to organise themselves in a similar manner to improve their networking and friendship.

Membership of the body is drawn from ten secondary schools including; Baptist High School, Enitonna High School, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road, Okrika Grammar School, County Grammar School Ikwerre/Etche, Stella Maris College, Government Girls Secondary School, Okumgba-Ama, Okrika, Holy Rosary Girls College, Port Harcourt and Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls School, Elelenwo. Many others are expected to join.