News

Diaspora Old Students Arrive Nigeria Ahead of 40th Anniversary And Grand Union of GSS Gwagwalada

Published

11 months ago

November 8, 2025

…As Twin Borehole Project Ready for Commissioning

By: Chinedum Ohanusi

The clouds of the grand reunion of the first set of graduands of Government Secondary School (GSS), formerly FCT Secondary School (FCTSS) Gwagealada; have now thickened, with arrangements for the events, now in their home stretch.

As at press time, no fewer than three of the diaspora Old Students, one from South Africa, and the other two from the United Kingdom have arrived in the country, and are helping in finalizing plans for the three-day event.

The reunion, which essentially marks the 40th anniversary of the pioneer graduates, of one of the first five secondary schools, founded in 1980, in Abuja is designed to be the crowning glory of the 2025 Annual General Conference, and an election of the next set of leaders of GOSA – all old students of GSS Gwagwalada.

A public lecture with the theme, the Place of Alumnus in their Alma-mater, will kick-off the activities, on November 13th; while the old students, under the umbrella body of GOSA, shall host teachers, staff and Old students to a Grand Reunion dinner, at The Grand Pela Hotel and Suites, in Durumi, Abuja, near America International School; on November 15th, 2025 after a Novelty football match at the school’s play ground.

In-between these two days, will be the Grand Reunion of the 1985 premier set, whose water project, has reached 100% completion, and will be handed over to the school, (their alma mater) after being commissioned.

Principal of the School, Dr. Victor Orifah while conducting reporters round the the water project, described them as a twin 130 meters deep borehole, one each for the boys and girls hostels.

“Each of the boreholes is fitted with a 3kw/3HP solar submersible borehole pump (AC/DC); and control boxes linked to the 2 Solar Panels that have been fully installed, and energized”.

Also provided for each of the boreholes, are 10,000 liters capacity storage water tanks, seated on two massive concrete stands.

“The planned water reticulation with eight tap points, to serve each of the water tanks, and boreholes have also been completed, and tested”, the Principal asserted.

Aside the legacy project which is now done and dusted, Chairman of the planning committee, Pastor Osondu Ogbuaku said “the dinner (open to only the 1985 Set) at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, holds on November 14; while the lunch with teachers and selected students will take place at the school premises earlier on the same day”.

Pastor Ogbuaku paid glowing tribute to all Old Students, especially members of the class of 1985, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora for their sacrifices, and noted that their willingness to freely give back to their Alma-matar is worthy of commendation, and emulation.

Share on Facebook

News

Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

14 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

Share on Facebook