It gives me immense pleasure to address you on this auspicious occasion of the launch of Emaudo Secondary School old Students’ Association. An event like this is very important for us, as it provides us the opportunity to meet with many of our old students after a long time as well as provide them a chance to meet each other, our former teachers and other staff members. It also enables the alumni to notice and relate with the changes and developments that has taken place in the school then and now.
Many of us moved to different cities for higher education and some have since settled across the globe. I am certain about the fact that you all are performing your best whatever field you are in. In the end, I would like to say that a school’s fame rests not only on its administration and teaching staff, but largely on the achievements and developments of its students. We are extremely proud and fortunate that we are an important part of this school and will remain in our hearts forever.
The concept of Emaudo Secondary School Old Students’ Association came to light out of our sincere,strong desire and determination to establish a tradition to stay in touch with the students, old students and the members of staff of the school with a view to positioning the school for enhanced opportunities for advancement in the areas of students welfare, academics and better environmental condition.
About 38years ago, our school was a small and struggling entity but about 7years into its existence it moved from grade-three to grade-one school in Edo state,competing favourably with the few rated best secondary schools in the state between 1985 and 1993 at that time.To this end,if we talk about today, our old students have widely-spread throughout the globe in search for more growth, learning, knowledge, professional engagements and their performances have made a difference loudly everywhere.Yes!I can still remember all the ‘big names’ amongst our seniors whose records we strove to bit in the spirit of healthy competition, so much of it within our small reading space back then.I am very happy for everyone.
Over the last few years, I believe our school that once ranked amongst the best schools in Edo state,Nigeria has now become just one of the school public schools in town following the decay of infrastructure, poor staffing both due to poor government attention. We shall not allow this situation to remain with our school.Let us plan to revive the school through the collaborative effort of the good people of Emaudo,the government and the old students’ association working with the management of our school.
On this note,I therefore humbly request all of us to take a deep introspection into what ought to be and where we are now.This might help us muster the courage to step up to the plate and do something profound for our alma mater. With our collective efforts,I see an association that will outlive us,I see an association that will be 100 years old and strong and still going!
I would like to praise the multiple roles we play in the society while thanking God for the grace. Many of us hold key positions of major influence in the society; I would like to appreciate your efforts in advance in anticipation of development strides for our school thus justifying the years spent by you in this esteemed secondary school.The board and the executive committee will be reaching out to all members via facebook,twitter,whatsapp and the association’s website before long in line with our firm resolve to remove every communication barrier amongst us.
Today,one of the fundamental principles enshrined in our constitution is fostering camaraderie and brotherhood. It is in the spirit of cooperation we may move forward in our pursuit for a better Emaudo Secondary School. In any association there are bound to be disagreements but we should not allow those disagreements to degenerate to pernicious personal animosities that will threaten the survival of the association. We should always remember that Emaudo Secondary School comes first before our personal scores. As we hope for an abiding friendship among us we should not forget that we are a family and Emaudo Secondary School Old Students’ Association is bigger than any one of us.
Sir/Madam,please permit me to cease this opportunity to thank the staff and management ,the PTA team and the leadership of Emaudo community for their support and encouragement so far. My special thanks to our fellow old students, particularly 1992 set for showing unprecedented cooperation since the inception of the association in July ,2017. For our early birds in this project,
- Mr Abraham Akhaine,
- Pastor(Mrs) Daisy Obiano-Tariah,
- Mrs Blessing Aire-Ariemiokhale,
- Mrs Marie Green,
- Miss Ekata Ifidon,
- Mr Eghobor Anthony,
- Mr Kenneth Ogbebor,
- Dr Edeki Iraoyah,
- Bar(Mrs) Gladys Ediale,
- Mr Omokhodion King,
- Mrs Rosemary Odigie,
- Mr Oseremen Abel Oseghale,
and others too numerous to mention here,you were my source of inspiration.Please accept my sincere appreciation for your generous support.
God bless you all.
Engr. Akoko Macaulay
Chairman,Board Of Trustees
Emaudo Secondary School Old Students’ Association