St. Francis Old Boys, Class 92 Reunite, Pledge Support for School, Widows of Late Members – By Kabir Akintayo

Members of the St. Francis Old Boys Association (SAFOBA), Class of 1992, on Saturday converged in Abuja for their reunion meeting, marking 33 years since their graduation from St. Francis College, Otukpo, Benue State.

The reunion, which brought together members from across the country, including Lagos, PortHarcourt,
Makurdi, and Otukpo, featured an endorsement of the current executive committee, led by Adikwu Itodo, to continue running the affairs of the association. Members appeared in customised T-shirts emblazoned with the association’s name and logo, symbolising unity and shared identity.

Speaking during the gathering, President of the association, Mr. Adikwu Itodo, described the event as an opportunity for old classmates to reconnect, celebrate friendship, and reflect on the association’s growth since its reorganisation in 2022.

“It’s been about 33 years since we left St. Francis College. We’re supposed to meet every two years, but couldn’t hold the 2024 reunion. So, we made it a priority to meet this year,” Adikwu said.

“We are celebrating ourselves, getting to know each other again, and reinforcing the bond that has kept us as brothers over the years.”

Adikwu noted that while the association had made significant progress in recent years, there was still room for growth particularly in establishing sustainable ventures to fund its activities and community projects.

“For now, our main fundraising source is the monthly dues members contribute. But we want to build something more, perhaps a venture that can generate funds to support our initiatives, including widows of our deceased classmates,” he explained.

During the event, SAFOBA honoured the late Professor Joseph Okwori, the pioneer president of the association, with a posthumous award presented to his widow, Mrs. Alice Okwori, in recognition of his contributions and commitment.

“We want to continue supporting the widows of our late members,” Adikwu added.

“We’re looking at small-scale business initiatives that can help them sustain their families and remind them they are not forgotten.”

Reflecting on the association’s achievements, Adikwu highlighted their recent contributions to their alma mater, St. Francis College Otukpo. These include the donation of a mixer and amplifier for the school’s chapel, the provision of a brand-new mower for field maintenance, and sponsorship of the Bishop’s portrait and the 1992 set’s photograph in the school’s commemorative calendar.

“Charity begins at home,” he said. “We have started by giving back to our school, and we’ll continue to do more as our capacity grows.”

Also speaking at the reunion, Barrister Emonye Adekwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and member of the 1992 set, expressed pride in being a product of St. Francis College.

“St. Francis has produced distinguished individuals in all walks of life from the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Idoma land, Chief Godwin, to Generals, public servants, and private sector leaders,” Adekwu said.

“I am proud to be associated with this great institution and with SAFOBA 92. Our gathering today is not just about nostalgia, but also about showing commitment to our roots and to one another.”

Also honoured with an award of Excellence are: Samuel Anyankoha, Audu Ella, Oche Ojoko, Aduma Emmanuel, James Eyimoga, Emonye Adekwu, SAN, and renowned journalist, Political Strategist and author, Ismail Omipidan.

On his part, Omipidan commended all those who travelled long distances to join the Abuja chapter, the host of the event, to making the reunion a memorable one.

He furher said “seeing persons one has not seen for close to 30 years is hearwarming. The call of duty prevented me from attending the first one in 2022 in Otukpo. Therefore, I am glad for being part of this edition. I am proud to be associated with SAFOBA 92. We pray God continue to keep us together in unity, good health, and good financial standing.”

The meeting ended with renewed camaraderie, group photographs, and a collective pledge by members to strengthen the association’s impact through sustained engagement, charitable initiatives, and support for their alma mater.