On December 14, 2024, Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, shared his experience attending two notable events in Abia State.
He served as the Guest Speaker at the Centenary Anniversary of Methodist College, Uzuakoli, and also attended the Annual Meeting of Government Boys College Umuahia, organized by their Class of 1974 in celebration of 50 years as alumni.
Highlighting the significant contributions of these institutions to Nigeria’s growth, Obi celebrated their long-standing traditions of academic excellence and character building. He noted that Methodist College, Uzuakoli, had nurtured prominent figures like the late Dr. Michael Okpara, first premier of Eastern Nigeria; the late Clement Isong, a former Central Bank Governor and Governor of Cross River State; and Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, a distinguished Supreme Court judge.
Government Boys College Umuahia, on the other hand, boasts a legacy of producing world-renowned literary icons such as Chinua Achebe, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Elechi Amadi, and Christopher Okigbo, among others.
Peter Obi commended all individuals and groups who have contributed to the institutions’ enduring growth over the years. He encouraged students to cherish the lessons imparted by their teachers, emphasizing the importance of combining academic learning with character formation. He also urged them to draw inspiration from accomplished alumni who exemplify positive societal contributions.
Furthermore, Obi called on alumni to actively support their alma maters as a way of giving back to society and fostering national development. He stressed that investing in education today lays the foundation for a prosperous and progressive Nigeria.
In his words:
“The seeds of educational investments we sow today will grow into the harvest of national development in New Nigeria, which is possible.”