KCOSA ’89 Set Celebrates 35 Years of Friendship, Camaraderie, and Achievement

 
In a heartwarming celebration of friendship, perseverance, and achievement, the Kuramo College Old Students Association (KCOSA) ’89 Set recently marked its 35th anniversary, bringing together old friends and classmates from far and wide. Writes MARY NNAH
 
 
The 35th anniversary and award event of the Kuramo College Old Students Association (KCOSA) ’89 Set, held in the vibrant city of Lagos, was a truly momentous occasion. The atmosphere was electric, filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and a deep sense of accomplishment. As old friends and classmates gathered together, the air was thick with memories of laughter, tears, and countless moments of growth and discovery.
 
The milestone event, which featured a prestigious award ceremony, served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education.
It highlighted the impact that Kuramo College had on the lives of its students, shaping them into the individuals they are today. The bonds forged during those formative years, though tested by time and distance, remained strong and unbroken.
 
As the guests mingled and reminisced, it was clear that the connections made at Kuramo College went far beyond the classroom. They were bonds of friendship, of shared experience, and of a common history that continues to shape their lives. The anniversary event was a celebration of these bonds, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of the KCOSA ’89 Set.
 
The award ceremony, in particular, was a highlight of the event, as it recognised the outstanding achievements of several members of the association.
It was a moment of pride and joy, not just for the recipients, but for the entire KCOSA community. The awards acknowledged the talent, dedication, and perseverance of the individuals who make up the association.
 
In her remarks, Lolo Justina Nkechi Udunna, Chairperson of KCOSA ’89 Set, reflected on the significance of the occasion, noting that the milestone marked 35 years since the set graduated from secondary school.
 
Udunna emphasised the importance of empowerment and reunion, stating that the event was a chance for members to reconnect and strengthen their bonds.
 
“This milestone marks 35 years since we left secondary school. It’s a reunion of sorts, and we’ve also used this opportunity to empower some of our members. I’m thrilled to see that even those living in the diaspora returned to join us. Despite the challenges facing Nigeria, we’ve come together to celebrate our bond and find joy in each other’s company”,  Udunna said.
 
Udunna emphasised the importance of empowerment and reunion. “The highlight of this celebration is the reunion itself, particularly for those of us who’ve been separated by distance. It’s incredible to think that some of our members traveled from abroad and other states to be here. We even have couples who met and married within our set. It’s been a truly wonderful experience”, she said.
 
She also highlighted the impact of social media on their reunion. “Social media has played a significant role in bringing us together. We’ve been able to reconnect with old friends and classmates through platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. It’s amazing to see how technology has helped bridge the gap between us.”
 
Regarding the impact of the anniversary event on member engagement, she noted, “The ’89 set is a unique group. We are deeply committed to one another, and we stand together through thick and thin. This anniversary has reinforced our bond, and we’ll continue to support each other in the years to come.”
 
Udunna also spoke about the association’s plans for the future. “We are excited to launch a cooperative initiative, which will provide ongoing empowerment and support for our members. We will also continue to care for those in need within our community. Our goal is to create a sustainable support system that benefits all our members.”
 
In a message to her fellow association members, Udunna encouraged them to remain committed to their values and to one another. “Let’s continue to pray for God’s guidance and protection. As we live out our lives, let’s reach out to each other, stand together, and uphold the principles of our faith. May we always remember those who are no longer with us and pray for the repose of their souls. May they rest in perfect peace.”
 
Udunna concluded by expressing her gratitude to all who made the 35th-anniversary celebration a success. “I would like to thank our members, sponsors, and well-wishers for their support. Your contributions have made this celebration truly unforgettable. Let’s continue to work together to build a stronger, more supportive community.”
 
KCOSA National President, Mr. Felix Onoriode Uweribeno, expressed his joy and pride in the set’s growth, noting that the ’89 set was like a baby to him.
 
“The 89th set is like a baby to me because that’s the set I belong to. And by the grace of God, I’m one of those that brought this set to life. So seeing the baby you gave birth to growing, of course, you will be happy.”
 
Uweribeno highlighted the set’s achievements, particularly the empowerment of 14 people. “And coupled with the fact that we can touch lives today, I am very happy. So I’m so grateful to God, so happy that the set will keep growing and it will be a set to be reckoned with by other chapters.”
Uweribeno emphasised the importance of unity and love. “The Bible is clear about how lovely it is for brothers to be in unity. So unity is key. Unity can only come when somebody who is down is pulled up. By the time he is up, he is happy.”
Uweribeno noted that the association’s unity was evident in the attendance of members from abroad. “Some people are coming from the US, some from the UK.  One said he was coming just yesterday and we didn’t even believe it. But he landed here today.”
 
He praised the members for their commitment to the association. “I’m impressed by the level of commitment and dedication shown by our members. It’s not easy to keep a group of people together for 35 years, but we’ve managed to do so, and that’s something to be proud of.”
 
Uweribeno, who received an award, described the feeling as akin to a parent’s pride in their child’s success. “The feeling can be likened to when a parent has struggled to train a kid and that child grows up to maturity, Of course, that child will pay back the parents for what they did. That is exactly what has happened today. The baby I brought up, has the opportunity to recognise me today.”
 
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Kuramo College Old Students Association: An Infrastructure for Promotion Bonding,” Mr. Nwoke Kalu Iroh, a retired English teacher at the school, encouraged members to reflect on the importance of bonding within the association.
“As I look around, I am reminded of the potential for even greater connection and community among our members”, Iroh said.
“How can we foster a sense of belonging and togetherness, and make our association an even more vibrant and supportive network?” He asked rhetorically.
He defined an association as “a body of people united by a common goal or objective” and emphasized that membership is voluntary and intentional. He highlighted the problem of inactive members, saying, “We have active and dormant members. The active members are those who participate fully, attending meetings and fulfilling their financial obligations. On the other hand, dormant members do not engage with the association, and we rarely hear from them.”
 
Iroh suggested that inactive members may feel intimidated or embarrassed to share their problems, and emphasized the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. “Wealth is not just about material possessions; it’s also about the relationships we build and the support we offer one another. As an association, we should strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued,” he said.
 
Iroh also highlighted the importance of social bonding within the association, citing examples of other organisations that successfully foster a sense of community. He emphasised the need for the association to become a critical infrastructure for promoting bonding among its members.
“An association like yours should be a platform where people can come together, share their experiences, and support one another. You should be a source of strength and inspiration for your members,” he said.
 
Furthermore, Iroh spoke about the importance of forgiveness and conflict resolution within the association. “Let us learn to forgive one another and settle our problems amicably, without resorting to social media or the courts. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more harmonious association that truly embodies the spirit of Kuramo College,” he said.
 
Iroh urged members to take ownership of the association and work towards building a more vibrant and inclusive community. “This association belongs to all of us, and it’s up to us to make it thrive. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more supportive community that we can all be proud of,” he said.
 
The audience listened intently to Mr. Iroh’s words, nodding in agreement and reflecting on the importance of bonding and community within the association.
 
Mr. Samsideen Lawal, a quantity surveyor and a member of the association, expressed his sentiments about the milestone celebration. “I feel elated. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to reunite and reconnect after so many years. Some of us haven’t seen each other in 10, 15, or even 20 years. It’s a chance for us to come together, share our experiences, discuss our lives, and strengthen our bonds.”
Lawal, who received an award of recognition, stated that the honor meant a great deal to him. “Receiving this award is a great privilege. It’s a gesture of appreciation from my peers, and I’m deeply humbled by it. I believe this award is not just about me, but about the collective efforts of our set. We’ve all worked hard to achieve our goals, and it’s wonderful to see our efforts being recognised.”
 
When asked about his experience since graduating from Kuramo College, Lawal reflected on the journey. “It’s been a long and winding road, filled with ups and downs. But through it all, I’ve remained committed to my goals and values. I’ve been fortunate to have a successful career as a quantity surveyor, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”
 
Lawal also spoke about the importance of giving back to the community. “As old students, I believe we have a responsibility to give back to our alma mater and the community. We should strive to make a positive impact, whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or other forms of support.”
 
When asked how the award inspires him to continue making positive impacts, Lawal replied, “As the saying goes, ‘to whom much is given, much is equally desired.’ This award is a reminder to continue striving for excellence. It’s a challenge to do more, to keep pushing forward. I’m grateful for the recognition, and I’m eager to continue making a difference.”
 
It was a celebration of friendship, achievement, and the transformative power of education.
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the 35th anniversary and award event of the KCOSA ’89 Set would be remembered for years to come.  
As the old students parted ways, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the achievements of their peers and the knowledge that their contributions to society are valued and appreciated.