The Mass Communication Class of 1998 from Delta State University, Abraka, recently reunited in Asaba, 27 years after graduating.
The reunion, themed “Reconnect, Relive, and Reunite,” brought together classmates who have become successful in various fields, including government, academia, business, and entrepreneurship .
The event featured a blend of business, politics, entertainment and social activities, with members ruminating on their days on campus and sharing personal success stories and life experiences as some of them have grown to become top government figures, heads and senior lecturers, Chief Executives of thriving companies, Managing Directors, Directors and Deputy Directors of several institutions, entrepreneurs, amongst others.
The ceremony presided over by the Coordinator of the group, Thompson Tonwei Ebaretonbofa, also threw up surprises as some could not recognize each other as classmates 27 years ago when men were boys and the ladies were babes.
Some who were not physically present, including the pioneer Coordinator of the group and an aide to Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, Dr Boniface Onyedi, made video calls and sent in goodwill messages to savour the unique moment of renewed friendship.
Addressing the gathering, a member of the class and Delta State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida, expressed delight at reuniting with his former classmates after many years.
Oligida emphasized the importance of love, unity, and mutual support among members while highlighting business and investment opportunities available in the state through the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration in Delta State.
Similarly, the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, thanked God for sustaining the group over the years.
Prof Biri and Comrade Oyowe expressed optimism that the Indomitables would continue to make significant contributions to societal development.
Others who spoke paid glowing tributes to those behind uniting the classmates after about three decades, and expressed gratitude to God that a good number of them are making waves in various fields of human endeavours within and outside the shore of Nigeria.
Dwelling on the theme of the reunion, “Reconnect, Relive, and Reunite,” the indomitables recalled with nostalgia their unforgettable experiences in their days at the Delta foremost University, Abraka as undergraduates between 1994 to 1998.
They recounted their high and low moments on their journey so far in life, expressing gratitude to one another and to God, as they commended the organizers of the reunion for making the event a reality.
Chairman of the Reunion Organizing Committee and Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Nkem Nwaeke, in his remarks, appreciated the group for their commitment and active participation, describing the reunion as a huge success.
Attributing their preservation to God’s grace, Nwaeke said the reunion provided an opportunity to reflect on shared experiences, network, celebrate achievements, and strengthen bonds for the years ahead.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to promoting unity, love and mutual progress as they continue to renew their friendships in a spirit of conviviality.
A new Executive Committee was put together to pilot the affairs of the association with a charge to champion ways the body can be of great value to members, their families, the Delta State University, Abraka and the society at large.
Those inaugurated were Thompson Ebaretonbofa, a Senior Lecturer as Coordinator, Churchill Oyowe, Deputy Director, Delta State Ministry of Information as Deputy Coordinator, Kelly Odaro, a Senior Lecturer at Auchi Polytechnic as Secretary, and Mary Amaechi Ofuokwu, a Vice Principal as Treasurer.
Others include Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Hon. Samuel Oligida, and James Akpomiemie, a top official of Global-com, as Patrons, Lawrence Okpewho, a retired Deputy General Manager and Matthew Ogwezhi, the Managing Director of Capital Assurance, as Advisers, as well as UK based entrepreneur, Jolly Iguodala as Diaspora Coordinator and Dr Angela Ogbedebe, based in USA, as Deputy Diaspora Coordinator.
Meanwhile, the group has expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for appointing two members of Indomitable Class of 98, Hon Sam Oligida and Prof Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, into key positions in his administration.
A motion moved by Nkem Nwaeke and seconded by Kingsley Okiroro, commended the Governor for the success stories of his administration in Delta State, even as members unanimously pledged their support for his second term in office in 2027 to continue the good works in line with his “Renewed Hope for More” agenda.
While urging all members to remain good ambassadors of Indomitable Class 98, it also commended those entrusted with public offices for their competence, dedication, and contributions to good governance, institutional growth and development of the society.
The reunion which was attended by spouses and children of some of the members, climaxed with moments of music, dance, and renewed bonds of friendship as they celebrated their enduring spirit of unity and excellence.
A communique issued at the end of the business session said their meeting would henceforth hold biennially, with the next edition slated for October 2027 in Abraka.
