USSIOGA 2024: The Memorable Reunion

The Convention/Reunion and Awards ceremony of the Union Secondary School Ibiaku, Old Girls’ Association, USSIOGA, have come and gone but the memories of the fun, reminisces and bond it has created in the minds of both old and current students will continue to linger for a long time.

Filled with pomp and pageantry, the epoch making event with the Theme, ‘Together We Can’, has instilled in the participants the spirit of teamwork and giving back to the society what they deserve.

The saying that ‘prior preparations prevent poor performance’ comes to play here while planning for the 2024 USSIOGA Convention & Reunion activities. The 2024 Reunion & Convention Planning Committee, headed by Dr. Maria Onyia, kick-started the planning of this great event as early as October 2023, one year to the event. It paid off. History had been made in Akwa Ibom State as the USSIOGA’s Reunion ceremony was classed the best so far.

The event which took place from 10th to 13th October, 2024, began with the arrival of girls/boy from different parts of the world to converge on Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. Hotels were filled up by the girls and well wishers for the event. In fact, the hospitality industry in Uyo received a boost.

The activities took place in different locations and in batches. First day of the event was the ‘Meet & Greet/Old School Night’, headed by Mrs. Inyang Ubeng (Née Ntia). It was a night to remember! You could hear different shouts of joy when classmates or dormitory mates, friends, etc met after several years of leaving school – 20, 30, 50 years ago, and so on as girls present for the reunion were girls who finished school as far back as 65, 75, 79, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s sets. It was a joyous moment, to say the least. This night was reminisced with old school tunes where girls danced with joy showcasing their unique dancing steps, ate foods like ‘edita-iwa’ with fish and sauce, drank palm wine,and other interesting foods and drinks. Remember, it was old school night with some funny outfits, Afro hair and threaded hairstyles. Pictures were taken, videos made, (class by class, chapter by chapter, dormitory by dormitory, etc), to keep the memories on.

The second day was the Seminar/AGM and the venue was the Alma Mater, Union Secondary School, Ibiaku Ibiono Ibom, USSI. From the entrance of the school’s gate, there was that nostalgic feelings amongst the girls. Welcomed by the gigantic monument, the Chapel is one structure that you can’t miss in USSI. It was sad to note that there were no clear paths to get to our dormitories as the pathways were covered by shrubs. The classroom blocks, the up-block dining hall, the kitchen,the tap area with the overhead tanks, the brown stream pathway, Principal’s house and other structures reminded old girls of their past experiences in the school. Oh! the bell! Standing in its usual position, the bell took the girls back memory lane. One of the girls remembered how that bell used to wake her up in the morning while enjoying her sleep. The bell was of outmost importance to the lives of the girls and the school.

The AGM headed by the Global President, Elder (Princess) Obo Edet and coordinated by Mrs. Ekereobong Michael-Akuboh was an opportunity for the old girls to speak up their minds. At the end, some resolutions were taken as they affect the association. The seminar with the USSI students was led by Dr. Maria Onyia and other old girls. It was interactive and educative. It accorded the students the opportunity to learn new things about their careers, etc. At the end, gifts were shared to students by the old girls.

The third day’s events were in two parts – the road show in the morning and the gala/dinner in the night. The road show, orgarnised by Mrs. Evelyn Eyo took Uyo town by storm. Girls took over the city with songs like ‘Iya idok obot oko aiya, aiya, aiya…’ It was a time which reminded us of how we used to storm the road while going for marching on 27th M ay and 1st October every year at Ikpa, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council headquarters. It was fun, dancing, singing and making ‘yanga’.

The gala night, held at Helema Event Centre, Uyo and coordinated by Mrs. Ekaette Okoi (née Inyang) was full of memories and excitements with Chapters’ presentations. It was an electrifying moment as the Akwa Ibom Chapter, headed by Dr. Gloria Inyang performed one of he old school’s cultural dances, Uta. They got it right and the song leader Mrs. Ekaette Idorenyin (née Essen) broke the record.

Awards were given to deserving recipients who have worked selflessly to bring back USSI to its standard. Among the recipients of the award were Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme, Chief Judge of Cross River State High Court and Prof. Felicia Etim as outstanding old girls.

The keynote address delivered by Professor Felicia Edu-Uwem Etim, the keynote speaker was inspiring. She took us down reminding us of our experiences while in USSI. Also, the maiden edition of Memories & Milestones magazine was unveiled. Old Girls/Boy, friends, families and well wishers were treated to good times with good foods, drinks and cool musics.

The event climaxed on the fourth day with the Thanksgiving service at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, P.C.N. Uyo Parish. The service was moderated by the Prelate & Moderator of the General Assembly of PCN, His Eminence, Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika. With the topic,’Created for Divine Porpose’, the text of the sermon was taken from Jerimaih 4:1-9. He reminded all old girls/boy that our lives’ journey on earth must be divinely fulfilled. He expatiated that the benefits of divine purposeful life enables us to flow without sweating because it reduces competition, allows us to stay in our area of calling and allow us to be faithful wherever we are. Akpanika advised that we should always have reasons to thank God at all times. All USSIOGA members were prayed for by the Prelate and Kirk session of PCN, Uyo parish for God”s protection.The thanksgiving service was rounded up with entertainment.

The Reunion/Convention Planning Committee Chairman, Dr. Maria Onyia and her team did so well in delivering this memorable event. The Media team, headed by Inemesit Ebu and managed by Priscilla Nndem, did a great job to publicize the reunion ceremony just held.

The memories of this reunion will linger for a long time. Participants of the 2024 reunion ceremony are already looking forward to another one next year. Is it possible? Time will tell.