Lumen Christi Old Students Association gets new leadership

History was made at the 32ND Foundation Day/Abuja Grand Reunion of the Lumen Christi Old Students Association (LUCOSA) held on the 1st of December 2018 at the prestigious Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja. LUCOSA a relatively new but thriving Old Students association successfully handed over the baton of leadership to a new executive for the first time in the association’s history. Barrister Paul Usenbo, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of LUCOSA and presently the Senior Special Adviser/ Senior Legislative Counsel to Hon. (Dr) Omoregie Ogbeide: Ihama in the House of Representatives was elected as the National President of LUCOSA by an unanimous endorsement of the hundreds of alumni present and thousands in diaspora. This election signals an expression of unalloyed confidence in his leadership acumen, strength of character and firmness of conviction and principle. The Grand Reunion which witnessed the assembly of the crème de la crème of LUCOSA many of whom came from within and outside the country having distinguished themselves in their various professions and vocations as lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, accountants, Priests, engineers, estate surveyors, performing artists, politicians, business tycoon and the like was laced with speeches, goodwill messages and encomiums showered on the management and staff of the Lumen Christi International High School for playing an enormous role in transforming this citadel of learning into an unblemished institution of excellence, scholarship and distinction, renowned for tutoring and graduating top notch scholars that have made their mark in all fields of endeavour. The epoch marking Grand Reunion themed ‘The Experience” also celebrated the record breaking milestones and achievements of this institution that is undoubtedly one of the most prolific and top performing institution in Nigeria, the West African sub region and beyond, no wonder it continues to attract would be scholars and highly rated faculty from all continents of the global arena. Among the eminent guests present included the present Principal of the High School, Rev. Fr. Theophilous Itama; the Bishop of Uromi Diocese who was ably represented by Rev. Fr Benedict Ogbeifun; the first priestly Principal of the High School, Rev. Fr Anselm Ekhalar; Rev. Fr A. Ehigie; Rev Fr I. Ebeigbo; Rev. Fr J. Ezehi; Mr. F.A. Imobhio; Rev. Fr. I. Amadadum; Rev. Fr O.H. Odenore; Rev. Fr B.E Isiraojie; Rev. Fr V. Okhiria; Mr. Osarenoma Uwaifo, former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health; Mr. Ignatius Ayewoh, a former Vice principal and currently the Director of Finance and General Services, Bureau of Public Enterprises among other esteemed personalities that graced the grand occasion. Dr. Michael Ezeanochie, the distinguished Chairman of the Grand Reunion and the outgoing President of LUCOSA emphasized the unity, cooperation, selflessness and mutual dialogue and tolerance that has formed the bedrock of the institution and its alumni body. Elaborating further, Dr. Ezeanochie stated that ‘what we are witnessing today is the culmination of months of meticulous planning and utmost dedication aimed at bringing all our alumni both at home and in the diaspora together to proffer the way forward in order to tackle the challenges facing our beloved institution, the society and the nation at large. As you can see we have conducted the Grand Reunion as well as the election in an atmosphere free of rancor, acrimony or bitterness which goes a long way to project our ideals of fraternity, unity and brotherhood. Without doubt the occasion has been a huge success in the turnout, deliberation and conclusions’ Apart from the unopposed election of Barrister Paul Usenbo as President, other executive offices were keenly contested with the emergence of Emumwen Vincent as Vice President 1 polling 226 votes to defeat Ogu Issac’s 171 votes; Nonso Valentine clinched the position of V.P. 2 after receiving 272 to upset Isaac Ekeoba with 173 votes and Okobia Dennis was elected as the Associations Publicity Secretary with 248 votes to defeat Igun David who got 206 votes amongst other positions vied for and the Secretary General went to Abiola Akindolire. In his victory address; Barrister Paul Usenbo, promised to continue in the noble and venerable tradition of LUCOSA and its parent institution while calling on all contestants as well as the entire alumni membership to join hands with the new executive in order to take the welfare and wellbeing of the entire studentry and alumni to the next level in the scheme of things. According to a visibly elated Barrister Usenbo: ‘this election is a victory for all of us who officiated, participated or voted alike. There is no loser or factions in LUCOSA, we are all winners and one united indivisible body since we all are the light of Christ. I thank you all for the immense trust and confidence you have reposed in my humble self by electing me unopposed. Definitely I will not let you down and we look forward to more fruitful, prosperous and progressive days and years ahead for our valued alma matter and our beloved LUCOSA. To God be the Glory’ In conclusion, Osaretin Alugbe, Secretary of LUCOSA, Abuja Chapter appreciated all members of the association for their tremendous support and commitment in making the celebration a great success while wishing all of them safe journey to their various destinations.