By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The Old Girls Association of St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School, Asaba, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the growth and development of its alma mater with the donation of ten laptops, footballs and trophies to the school today, 5 February, 2026.
The donation, presented at the school premises, forms part of the Association’s sustained efforts to give back to the institution that shaped generations of women over the last six decades.
Speaking during the presentation, the Principal of the school, Sister Cordelia Osita (Order of St. Francis), expressed deep appreciation to the Old Girls, noting that the donation aligns perfectly with the school’s current academic goals.
“The Old Girls remembered their alma mater today and came to give us ten computers. We are very happy because one of our major goals this session is to enhance our ICT facilities. We have already started expanding the ICT laboratory, and with these laptops, they have made our work much easier,” she said.
According to the principal, renovation work on the ICT laboratory, including tiling, has been completed, while plans are underway to install work tables and set up the donated computers for immediate use by students.
She further disclosed that the Old Girls Association also donated footballs and a trophy, aimed at encouraging sports development and healthy competition among the students.
St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School, founded in 1965, marked its 60th anniversary in 2025, a milestone that also marked a turning point in alumni engagement. For the first time since the school’s establishment, Old Girls from all graduating sets came together under one umbrella, moving beyond the previous practice where individual sets undertook isolated projects.
The renewed unity was inspired partly by the Class of 1984, which in 2024 returned to the school to mark 40 years after graduation. At the request of the school management, that set embarked on the interlocking of a section of the school’s entrance road, an ongoing project that has since become a catalyst for broader alumni collaboration.
Arising from that experience, a Homecoming Committee was constituted in 2025, drawing members from across Nigeria, including Lagos and Port Harcourt, as well as Old Girls resident abroad. Working closely with the school management, the committee planned a historic homecoming and reunion programme.
The homecoming, which kicked off on Thursday, December 11, 2025, featured a health walk from the Stephen Keshi Township Stadium to the school premises, followed by a health talk delivered by a medical doctor. Participants included both “young Brigidians” and alumni who graduated in the 1960s and early 1970s, making it a truly intergenerational gathering.
Activities continued the following day with a novelty football match between selected alumni sets, while courtesy visits were also paid to the Asagba of Asaba by the Association’s leadership.
The climax of the events was the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday at Lamibele Events Centre, opposite Government House Gate, Asaba. The AGM featured a keynote address by the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, and culminated in the election of a new national executive council.
It was this newly elected executive that inherited the responsibility of completing the reunion projects, including the presentation of laptops, which could not be carried out in 2025 due to the early vacation of students.
Speaking at the presentation, Mrs. Tolefe Maureen, National President of the Old Girls Association, explained that the donation was a fulfillment of the Association’s reunion and inauguration pledge.
“The students vacated earlier than expected last year, so we could not hand over the laptops then. Today’s event is the completion of that project. The world has gone digital, and we believe these computers will help the students conduct research, improve their ICT skills, and broaden their knowledge,” she stated.
She also clarified that the footballs were used during the reunion novelty matches, while the trophy was designed to reward the winning house or class, as part of efforts to motivate students.
Commending the gesture, the Chairman, Education Commission, Issele-Uku Diocese, Reverend Father Dr. Emmanuel Ugbolu, described the donation as timely, especially in view of the growing emphasis on computer-based testing (CBT) in Nigeria.
“This is a welcome development at a time when we are clamouring for computer systems. You have made a strong debut, and we are very grateful. Please convey our appreciation to the entire alumni body,” he said.
Dr. Ugbolu expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage greater alumni participation across Catholic mission schools, while also highlighting the need for staff accommodation to attract and retain qualified teachers.
Also reacting, Mr. Idris Ofiri, Publicity Secretary of the Parents, Teachers Forum (PTF), described the donation as a major boost to the school’s academic and technological advancement.
“This is exactly what we expect good-spirited individuals and alumni to emulate. It will encourage the students, especially in technology. The Old Girls have always supported the school, and this project is even louder,” he noted.
On behalf of the students, the School Head Girl, Miss Ofuonye Chidinmma, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Old Girls Association, assuring them that the donated items would be put to good use.
“Your contributions will go a long way in supporting our ICT programmes and improving learning in our school,” she said.
The event reaffirmed the enduring bond between St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School and its alumni, showcasing the power of collective giving in advancing education and infrastructure development.