St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association (SGCOBA) has urged the Federal Government to tackle high levels of unemployment head-on, noting that this issue is responsible for many of the challenges Nigeria is currently facing.
The President of SGCOBA, Justice Adeniyi Adetokunbo Ademola (retd.), made this appeal during a press briefing at the school premises in Obalende, Lagos. The briefing was held to announce the “Gregorians 2024 Reunion and Back to School,” scheduled to commence on August 24, 2024, and conclude in December 2024.
Ademola, a former judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and grandson of Adetokunbo Ademola, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, addressed the press alongside the First Vice President of SGCOBA, Mr. Tony Epelle, and other members of the SGCOBA media team, including Prince Christopher Odianarewo and Hon. Saheed Okeneye. He emphasized that unemployment can be best addressed if Nigeria shifts towards vocational training, as many labor market sectors require vocational skills.
He highlighted that the reunion would bring together alumni from across the globe and feature various activities to celebrate Gregorians in their respective fields.
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Mr. Epelle, speaking on behalf of the executive led by Justice Ademola, mentioned that the reunion, a long-awaited event, aims to unite all Gregorians on a common platform. He emphasized the association’s commitment to encouraging alumni to return to the school, witness its development, and identify ways to contribute to its improvement.
Epelle stated that the reunion would provide an opportunity for networking and nostalgia, as alumni reconnect with friends, classmates, and schoolmates they have not seen in years. The event will include live streaming to allow Gregorians worldwide to participate.
The event, starting on Saturday, August 24, 2024, will feature a variety of activities, including a mass in the school chapel, a march past, and a soccer competition involving eight different sets of alumni. Introductory and welcome speeches will be followed by goodwill messages from Special Guest of Honour Dr. John Abebe, a 2-Term Emeritus President and member of the association’s Board of Trustees.
Other Gregorians in various fields, including popular artist Golden Chinedu Okafor (stage name: Xbusta) and a Disc Jockey (DJ), will also participate. The event will feature competitions, games, and opportunities for alumni to engage and support the association.
Epelle also announced plans to launch an Alumni Job Portal to help members find employment and connect with potential employers. Additionally, an entrepreneurship and business management seminar will be held to teach members how to start businesses and become self-reliant.
Justice Ademola, who will complete his six-year term in office in December, appealed to the new executive to focus on encouraging alumni to support the association financially. He acknowledged the contributions of old students to the school and urged continued support for the association.
He highlighted his achievements, including abolishing discrimination against diaspora members and uniting all association branches under one umbrella. The new constitution, which will accommodate female alumni, is pending approval from Abuja CAC.
Justice Ademola concluded by mentioning ongoing efforts to interact with both older and younger alumni and the establishment of an insurance scheme with Stanbic Bank to support members and their families in times of need.