Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion honoured with exceptional career award at USSEOSA maiden national reunion

By Mr. Victor Akhidenor (Member of the 1992 Set)

The Queens Park Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, was filled with colour, nostalgia, and celebration as the University Secondary School Old Students Association (USSEOSA) hosted its maiden National Reunion from 29th to 31st August 2025.

The three-day event brought together distinguished alumni from across Nigeria and around the globe, culminating in the presentation of the Exceptional Career Award to several outstanding old students, including the highly accomplished Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion.

The reunion, themed “The Rallying of Titans”, was nothing short of historic, attracting alumni from 36 graduating sets since the school’s inception.

Many participants journeyed from Europe, North and South America, and several parts of Nigeria to reconnect with old friends, relive fond memories, and celebrate collective achievements.

As a proud member of the 1992 graduating set, I was privileged to witness this landmark gathering and report on the unfolding of a weekend rich in camaraderie, prestige, and recognition.

Among the eminent personalities present was the 88-year-old first substantive Principal of the school, Noble Sir Hon. Chief Barr. DBE Ossai, who made a cameo appearance all the way from Delta State to celebrate his former students.

Equally notable was Mr. Emmanuel Idemudia, a pioneer graduate from the 1988 set, who flew in from Dublin, Ireland. Mr. Ayemere Ogudo, the dynamic National President of USSEOSA, arrived from Canada, while His Worship Onome Martha Nwankwo, Chairman of the Magistrate Association of Nigeria (Anambra State Chapter), proudly represented the 1995 set.

Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Ohimai Atafo, the renowned Nigerian fashion icon and television personality from the 1992 set; Arc. Constantine Ibennah, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated architects; Dr. Godson Ikiebey, Finance Consultant at Lagos Business School; Mrs. Cordelia Aigbevboile, Chairperson of USSEOSA Home Branch; and Comrade Dcn. Lawrence Isiraojie, Ambrose Alli University’s Media Strategist.

The event was graced by several other illustrious alumni, too numerous to mention, reflecting the wide reach and influence of the University Secondary School, Ekpoma.

The reunion featured a diverse range of activities designed to foster bonding and showcase alumni excellence. There were fitness programs, games, mini-reunions by individual graduating sets, red carpet interviews, meet-and-greet sessions, and, finally, the Gala Nite, which served as the grand climax.

The Gala was the stage for captivating guest lectures, social networking, and the highlight of the weekend—the presentation of Exceptional Career Awards to deserving alumni.During his address at the Gala Nite, Mr. Ayemere Ogudo, National President of USSEOSA, praised the dedication and hard work of the organizing committees: “I pay glowing tributes to members of my Executive Committee and the Local Organizing Committee, headed by Engr. Ugochukwu Ndinwa, for putting this wonderful event together.”

He went on to emphasize the significance of the gathering: “This reunion truly embodies the theme ‘The Rallying of Titans’—a celebration of the bonds we share, the successes we’ve achieved, and the legacy we continue to uphold.”

In a deeply emotional moment, Sir Hon. Chief Barr. DBE Ossai, the pioneer Principal of the school, expressed his pride in the accomplishments of his former students: “I am full of joy about how my products have turned out for good and are contributing to the good and developmental fabric of Nigeria and the entire world at large.”

Serving as Chairman of the Gala Nite, Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, one of the evening’s most celebrated honourees, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him: “I am deeply grateful for the honour done to me. I enjoin everyone here to seize this moment not only to relive the memories of yesteryears but also to establish and cement lifelong relationships amongst ourselves.”

The Gala also featured thought-provoking alumni guest lectures delivered by Arc. Constantine Ibennah and Mr. Emmanuel Idemudia, who spoke passionately about leadership, innovation, and alumni solidarity.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Exceptional Career Awards, honouring alumni whose professional and personal achievements have brought pride to USSEOSA and inspired the next generation.

Among the awardees were Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, Dr. Peter Akhideno, Mr. Ohimai Atafo (Mai-Atafo Inspired Fame), Arc. Constantine Ibennah, Arc. Stephen Aroyame, His Worship Onome Martha Nwankwo, Barr. Sam Aiboni, Engr. Mrs. Omoye Ikuenobe, Engr. Mac-Francis Idemudia, Dr. Oluremi Kehinde, Mr. Christian Mordi, Mr. Hilary Akhidenor, Prof. Ehimario Uche Igunbor, Mrs. Anehita Ojezua-Emeya, Mr. Kester Nwokenye, Mr. Anthonilious Azeez Okojie, Mr. Inegbedion Bonnyface, Femi Esoimeme, Mrs. Kemi Ikheloa, Lady Agnes Umeadi, Mr. Edosa Alfred Iyamu, Dr. John Ughulu, Madam Bridget Ohikhokhai, Anwuli Ogbonnaya of Chef Wulis fame, Osas Aigbogun, Dr. Mrs. Georgina Edeoga, Arc. Joy Osaretin Baderin, Engr. Isibor Abhulimen, and Mrs. Adaze Aguele-Kalu, among many others.

As midnight approached on 31st August 2025, the ceremony concluded in an atmosphere of joy and pride.

Alumni departed with renewed energy, strengthened bonds, and a profound sense of belonging, proud to be part of an institution whose graduates continue to shape Nigeria and the world.

As an alumnus of the 1992 set and a participant in this historic occasion, I can confidently say that the USSEOSA Maiden National Reunion was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of collective success, enduring friendships, and a legacy of excellence.