Edo First Lady, Borno Commissioner, Others To Celebrate FGGC Benin At 50 ..BOT Unveils Anniversary Programmes
Edo state First Lady, Betsy Obaseki, Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Zuwaira Gambo, former Oyo state Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Banwo Adeosun and other prominent members of Federal Government Girls College, Benin alumni association will atend the 50th anniversary of the school.
The Chairperson, BOT, FGGC, Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams, at a media briefing on Tuesday in Lagos, said all is set to give back to the school.With the theme: ’50 years of inspiring young minds’, FGGC alumni association said all is set for the golden jubilee celebrations.
Flanked by other members of 50th anniversary planning committee, Mrs Fatayi-Williams said Mrs Obaseki will also commission the electrification project she is carrying out for the school.
Other activities lined up for the celebration which will hold from Thursday, October 12, 2023 to Sunday October 15 include career talk,Implementation of anniversary projects by the global alumni , renovation of the school’s two dining halls amongst others.
Continuing, she said, “we are privileged to have the wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki is an alumna of the school, and she is also sponsoring an electrification project and clinic refurbishment.
“There are other multiple projects by individual class sets too numerous to mention. Other programmes include Publication of a coffee table book.. titled the Coral Beads, which is a collection of memories, articles, pictures, and stories of our time in Fediben.
“A gathering of alumni in Benin not only to celebrate but also to give back to the school by way of career talks for students, health screening for staff, with the main plenary event taking place on Saturday the 14th of October 2023.”
Going down the memory lane, the BOT Chairperson said FGGC Benin-City was established on October 15, 1973, by the General Yakubu Gowon administration as part of the military government’s programme to promote unity in post-civil war Nigeria.
“The school started with 72 students temporarily located on the Idia College site. Two years later, the school eventually moved to its permanent site in Ugbowo , near the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
“Since its first set of graduates in 1978, the school has produced over 40 sets of accomplished women who have made an impact on national and global stages in various fields of human endeavour.
“The alumni of the Federal Government girls College Benin, fondly called FEDIBEN, are found all over the world and can be identified by their excellence,” she said.
She explained that the school authorities and the alumni are collaborating to celebrate the jubilee with events that are tagged the “mother of all reunions.”
“This 50th anniversary celebration has provided an opportunity for all alumni globally, regardless of graduation year, to unite to plan the jubilee celebrations from the 12th – 15th of October 2023 in Benin city”, she added.
According to Fatayi-Williams, the synergy has resulted in the following:”Old girls from all over the globe are invited to attend these celebrations in Benin”.
“Programmes lined up to celebrate our 50th anniversary are as follows:Thursday, October 12, 2023- inter school Debate programne- Proposed alumni courtsey visit to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin.
“Friday 13th October-Festival of arts and culture, an event that brings fond memories to most of the alumni.- Medical talk and outreach, featuring a health talk targeted at the staff and students, basic health checks & donations to the school sickbay – a career talk and a – Jumat service.
“On Saturday 14th October, the 50th Anniversary event celebration will feature a key note speaker, book launch, panel session, and the launch of the School Project).The day will close with the 50th Anniversary reunion grand ball.
“On Sunday 15th October, there will be a Thanksgiving service.”
