By Grace Ogadinma (Ika Mirror)
The St Charles College, Abavo Old Boys Association (SCCAOBA) has held its second reunion, with members renewing their commitment to unity, brotherhood and the development of their alma mater.
The 2026 reunion, held under the theme, “For Unity, For Brotherhood, For Legacy,” also featured the inauguration of a new Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Committee to steer the affairs of the association.
In his inaugural address, the newly elected SCCAOBA President, Dr Rex Okunor, unveiled a three-year agenda anchored on Unity, Growth and Legacy, with a focus on strengthening membership, improving members’ welfare and executing major development projects at St Charles College, Abavo.
Okunor said the new administration would establish functional SCCAOBA chapters in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and the Diaspora, while introducing quarterly virtual town-hall meetings and an annual national summit to deepen engagement among Old Boys.
He also announced plans to establish an SCCAOBA Welfare and Empowerment Fund to support members in need and elderly members, while creating opportunities for business networking, career development, mentorship and internship programmes for members and current students of the college.
On the development of the alma mater, the new president said the association would execute at least one major project every year, with the refurbishment of the Science Laboratories and ICT Centre identified as priorities for the first year.
He also pledged support for the improvement of sporting facilities and the institutionalisation of programmes such as annual inter-house sports, career day and founders’ day.
Okunor further set a target of 1,000 total members and 500 financial members within three years, urging Old Boys who had left the association to return and contribute to its growth and development.
The outgoing president, Mr Ehiedu Jeffrey Ntadi, JP, whose welcome and handover address was delivered on his behalf, reflected on his two-year tenure and highlighted the fencing of the rear portion of St Charles College as one of the administration’s major achievements.
According to him, the fencing project was undertaken to protect the school from encroachment and preserve its legacy. He also acknowledged the contributions of members of the Executive Committee, Old Boys and other stakeholders to the progress recorded during his tenure.
In a keynote address, the Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Acting Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Prof. Ogboi Johnbull Sonny, challenged members to move beyond reunion celebrations and translate their commitment into tangible support for the college.
Prof. Ogboi called for the completion of the school’s fencing project and the development of a standard laboratory before the next reunion in 2028.
He also proposed that November 4, celebrated as St Charles Day, be adopted as the official date for future reunions.
Another proposal was the establishment of a committee to explore the inclusion of female alumni in the association, following the transformation of the school into a mixed institution.
The keynote speaker urged members to remain conscious of their responsibility to the institution, stressing that the true value of a reunion should be measured by the legacy it leaves behind.
The event also featured the inauguration of the new BoT and Executive Committee. The outgoing Vice President, Mr Peter Narrows, administered the pledge of office to the newly inaugurated members, who committed themselves to serving the interests of SCCAOBA and St Charles College.
The newly inaugurated SCCAOBA Executive Committee comprises Dr Rex Okunor, President; Mr Ogbeni Fidelis, Vice President; Mr Frank Iroro, General Secretary; Mr Marvin Osakwe, Financial Secretary; Mr Paul Mumeh, Publicity Secretary; Mr Peter Ekuh, Welfare Secretary; and Mr Jude Mokweye, Assistant General Secretary.
The reunion, held at Ezinne Hall, Boji-Boji Owa, Delta State, was attended by members of the association and other stakeholders, including the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Odogwu Elue, who was represented by Monsignor Michael Nwokolo, and the Principal of St Charles College, Abavo, Rev. Fr. Victor Ofili.
The event ended with renewed calls for greater unity, stronger membership participation and collective efforts to preserve, protect and advance the legacy of St Charles College, Abavo.
