By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe

Joy obviously overwhelmed members, friends, associates and relatives of Emmanuel College Old Boys Association, ECOL, 1998 Set as they celebrated their 25 Years Anniversary. The Silver Jubilee which started on Friday, December 22nd, witnessed series of activities, which included; novelty match between the 98 Set and 2000 Set, visitation to the orphanages, as well as thanksgiving service at the Redeem Christian Church of God, World Bank, Owerri on Sunday.

The 'Noble Men' as the Class of 98 is identified, have within the last eight years of establishing the group, made significant impacts towards the growth of their alma mater, leading to a special place the Set enjoys among all Sets of Emmanuel College Old Boys Association. During the 25 Years Anniversary Party at Rockview Hotels, Owerri, members not only shared the joy of reunion and God's mercies upon them, but honoured deserving members, friends and benefactors with awards.

In his goodwill massage, the National President of ECOL, Rear Admiral Raphael Osondu (Rtd) represented by Sir George Nwachukwu, while congratulating the Class of 98 for the Silver Jubilee, urged members to keep the flag flying as the Set had become a pillar of support and strength for the National Leadership of the association. He added that his administration would continue to promote meaningful avenues of continuous collaborations towards achieving the collective objectives of Emmanuel College Old Boys Association, he said, while wishing the 98 Set fruitful 25 Years Anniversary.

While the address presented by the National Coordinator of ECOL Class of 98, Sir Chinedu Ejimogu, read: "It is my absolute pleasure to welcome everyone here present. I want to sincerely thank God for this life He gave us to this time and wonderful opportunity given to us to hold this super occasion. I hold great thanks to the people who organized or formed this association and our pioneer National Coordinator in the person of Dr. Nnaemeke.This association was formed 8 years ago and since after then we have been uniting the  98 Set together. 

"Our numerical strength has grown up to 130 members both home and abroad. We have been a supportive Set to the apex leadership of Emmanuel College, Owerri. We have carried out free medical treatments on the students and teachers of the school and sponsored some students in their WAEC etc. It may interest you to know that we have not recorded any loss of life on any member for the past 8 years, so, we give God all the glory.

"As we reflect on the Silver Jubilee, let us take a moment to appreciate the friendships we have forged; the lessons we have learned, and the experiences that have shaped us into the individuals we are today. Our time together as students has left an indelible mark on each and everyone of us. Tonight, we have the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate the journey we have all taken since those days of youthful exuberance. It is a chance to catch up with old friends and relief the moments that have become the fabric of our shared history.

"Let us not for to express our gratitude to our teachers, mentors and the entire staff of Emmanuel College who played pivotal roles in shaping our lives. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in our personal and professional growth. As we raise a toast to this milestone, let us also look ahead with excitement and anticipation for the future. The bonds we formed here will continue to strengthen and evolve and who knows what adventures lie ahead for us? Therefore, let us cherish this Jubilee Celebration and make memories that will last another 25 years and beyond. Cheers!"

Contributing, Dr. Ibekwe Nnaemeka, of Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, noted with enthusiasm that down the 25 years of leaving the school, members have been enjoying the goodness of God in their various callings. Dr. Ibekwe, who was the pioneer National Coordinator of the Class of 98, expressed happiness that the group has produced successful businessmen and other professional who are contributing positively to the society. According to him, ECOL Class of 98, sees to the welfare of its members as well as undertakes developmental and life-enhancing projects at the Emmanuel College.

Many dignitaries were present at the event that witnessed Award presentations. One of them, Dr. Henry Okafor, an old student of Emmanuel College and the immediate past Commissioner for Niger-Delta Affairs, said that the Class of 98 had made the old boys proud with their successes and commitments towards the growth of their alma mater. While Engr. Chibueze Anyadiegwu, from the 1999 Set, appreciated his seniors of 98 Set for setting an enviable standard of hard work, unity and progress for others to emulate. He identified himself as a friend to the 98 Set, and prayed for a similar exercise for 99 Set in 2024.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the '25 Years Anniversary Cake' by the members. While others who bagged awards included: Ambassador Chief Jude Agbugba, Comrade Chris Obogu and Chief Junan Chukwueke.