ECOBA Lagos Honours Joseph Akhigbe at Year-End
The Edo College Old Boys Association (ECOBA), Lagos Branch, successfully concluded its end-of-year event yesterday in Lagos, culminating in the presentation of the highly coveted Distinguished Old Boy of the Year Award to Mr Joseph Akhigbe.
Akhigbe, a celebrated former striker for Edo College during his secondary school days, was recognised for his outstanding achievements and commitment to the ethos of the college.
Receiving the prestigious award, Mr Akhigbe conveyed his profound appreciation to the Old Boys Association. He remarked, “I am truly elated for this recognition,” assuring members that the honour would catalyze for him to further commit his efforts to the association and the school’s progress.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome remark by the ECOBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr Charles Isa, who acknowledged the challenging economic landscape of 2025. “You are welcome, and it is nice to see you all,” he stated.
Mr Isa highlighted the branch’s resilience, noting their ability to consistently hold their bi-monthly meetings and successfully execute three key events for the year, including welcoming the ‘Set of 75’.
He reiterated the association’s ongoing support for Edo College through their sponsorship of prizes to promote excellence, funded by the interest generated from the ECOBA Support Initiative. This initiative, he explained, is a fundamental step to help keep Edo College running “in perpetuity,” mirroring the operational longevity of institutions like Harvard and other global schools.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Major General Julius Ohioze Osifo (Rtd.), expressed his gratitude for being selected for the role. “It is a great honour to have made the Chairman of the occasion. Let me begin by thanking everybody, especially the organising committee,” he said.
General Osifo proudly noted that he has been a consistent attendee since 1998 and urged the branch to maintain its momentum.
He commended the National Committee’s hard work in positioning ECOBA as one of the most prominent secondary school associations in Nigeria.
Looking to the future, Major General Osifo challenged the alumni to focus on integrating technology, asking, “What can we do to drive AI in Edo College? Can we begin to look at the fact that artificial intelligence has become a walk in the park for every student who graduate from Edo College?”
Professor Samuel Alpata, Chairman of the Edo College Endowment and Legacy Fund (ELEF), presented an update on ELEF’s sustained contribution to ECOBA’s Price Giving Day ceremony.
He noted that ECOBA is a corporate entity with a corporate account, and the Chairman of the Lagos branch holds a position on the Board of Trustees.
Prof. Alpata announced a proposal from the board to introduce new prizes beyond the annual Prize Giving Day, to be awarded after events like debates, quizzes, and Young Farmers’ Club activities
Related to this topic:
