Fellow Umuahian’s, I hope that you and yours are all safe and well
These are strange times, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the likes that we have not seen in our lifetime. I hope that you are all practicing “social distancing” and every other advice you have been receiving from the medical experts. With prayers and God’s will, we will all come through this in due time.
Due to an abundance of caution about the COVID 19 pandemic, at a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of GCUOBA USA, a decision was reached to cancel the Annual Convention slated for August 28, 2020. We will keep you updated on any changes, a new date or a different convention format, as we track the impact of the pandemic on travel and assemblies.
In my last update, I provided historical context on our efforts from Diaspora to make changes to the infrastructure at Government College Umuahia (GCU) since 2003. I explained that those efforts appeared successful initially, however building improvements rapidly deteriorated back into a state of disrepair in subsequent years. The Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) was formed specifically to represent our interests and champion a more global and comprehensive effort at both the restoration and management of our great alma mater, GCU. To meet a target opening date for new students in September of 2021, the FEDT has earmarked several projects in the first phase of this restoration. This phase will be funded solely by old boys and other sponsors without any loans from financial institutions.
I am pleased to announce that the GCUOBA USA Board has approved the adoption of the Dining Hall project as our contribution in the first phase of the restoration efforts. The Dining Hall is a signature building that will serve as a testament to all future students and staff at GCU. It will be the location where students and teachers are fed as well as serve as a location for parent teachers’ meetings, conferences etc.
Now the hard work begins. We have talked of our great institution on various platforms with great pride. This is the time to dig very deep towards the institution that made us who we are today. Our Board, Executive and I will resurrect our Fund-Raising Committee (FRC) to assist us to raise the funds required to meet this challenge.
While I recognize that we also face a grave and deadly pandemic, and these are challenging times, we must and cannot fail. I am reminded of several adages from my days of GCU such as, “To whom much is given much is expected”; “The time is now, and the place is here”. Let us all get ready for the heavy lifting that is on the horizon.
More Details to come. Reach out to me and members of the executive if you have additional questions.
In UNUM LUCEANT!!!!
Okey Eneli
President
GCUOBA USA
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