By Peter Ogege
Members of the Aviagram Old Students Association (AVIOSA) have commissioned a newly renovated Chemistry Laboratory at Aviara Secondary Commercial School, Aviara, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, reaffirming their commitment to the advancement of education and the development of their alma mater.
The commissioning ceremony was a major highlight of the 2025 AVIOSA reunion held at the school premises, an event that also featured the election of new constitutional executives to pilot the affairs of the association, with Mr. Abel Ogorugba emerging as Chairman.
Chairman of the occasion, the Chief of Staff to the Delta State Governor, Hon. (Prince) Johnson Obokparo Erijo, described education, discipline and unity as enduring pillars for personal success and sustainable community development.
Represented by Mr. Charles Jumbo, Hon. Erijo expressed profound gratitude for the honour of chairing the reunion of his alma mater, describing the gathering as “a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewed hope for the future.”
“Aviagram played a defining role in shaping our character, discipline and foundation for lifelong learning,” Erijo said. “Returning here today, not as a student but as chairman of the occasion, fills me with pride and a deep sense of responsibility.”
He noted that the outgoing year had been marked by “dedication, resilience and collective effort,” commending the AVIOSA Caretaker Committee for what he described as remarkable achievements within a short period. He also praised the school management and alumni for sustaining unity, love and reconnection among former classmates.
The Chief of Staff urged current students and alumni to remain steadfast in discipline, integrity and perseverance, stressing that enduring success is built on these core values. “Dream big, stay focused and uphold the values instilled in you by this great institution,” he advised the students.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee and newly elected Chairman of AVIOSA, Mr. Abel Ogorugba (Class of 1983), welcomed members to the 2025 reunion and thanked them for their overwhelming support and contributions to the success of the event. He appealed for continued cooperation and support for the new executive council to enable it to deliver on its mandate.
The Principal of Aviara Secondary Commercial School, Mrs. Ekelemu, highlighted some of the challenges confronting the school in the last three years, including land encroachment, shortage of teachers and insecurity. She disclosed that with the assistance of Chief Ambrose Ologbo, the school reached out to old students to seek intervention on critical needs.
While making further appeals for support, Mrs. Ekelemu expressed appreciation to the alumni for responding positively to the school’s earlier requests, particularly for the renovation and equipping of the Chemistry laboratory. “This gesture will significantly enhance teaching and learning in the sciences,” she said.
Delivering a lecture titled “Evolving a Progressive Elite for Community Development,” guest lecturer, Professor Vincent Obobolo, a son of Aviara, emphasized the central role of progressive elites in shaping communities through leadership, resource mobilization, cultural transformation, and influence on policy and governance.
He challenged elites to redefine success beyond personal achievements. “We must align influence with responsibility and commit ourselves to the long-term development of the Aviara community,” Obobolo said.
The reunion climaxed with the presentation of awards to distinguished members of the association in recognition of their contributions to the development of the school. Award recipients included Dr. Austine Igbuku, Hon. (Prince) Johnson Erijo, Elder Jerusalem Obukeno, Engr. Charles Arugba, Commissioner of Police Eloho Okpoziakpo, Barrister Mrs. Ekeh, Mrs. Grace Okpo, among others.
In a motion moved by Elder Jerusalem Obukeno and seconded by Barrister Mrs. Ekeh, members passed a vote of confidence on the Caretaker Committee led by Mr. Abel Ogorugba, which was subsequently elected as the substantive constitutional executives of the Aviagram Old Students Association.
