By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo—one of the most respected secondary schools in the former Midwest Region, now Delta State—has celebrated its 65th anniversary with a series of colourful and reflective activities that highlighted its rich heritage of academic excellence, discipline and character formation.
The anniversary celebration was designed to honour the school’s illustrious past, celebrate its present achievements and inspire renewed commitment towards a greater future.
Established in 1960, St. Pius Xth Grammar School has, over six and a half decades, produced outstanding professionals and responsible citizens who continue to make remarkable contributions to national and global development.
Among its distinguished alumni are business mogul and philanthropist, Mr. Tony Elumelu of Heirs Holdings; former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba; Major Generals Lawrence Fejokwu and Raymond Ochei; former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, and Delta State Commissioner For Special Duties Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, among many others.
For 65 years, the institution has remained steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, discipline, moral uprightness and the holistic development of students. The celebration therefore spotlighted the pioneering roles and enduring contributions of past and present principals, teachers and Old Boys whose vision, dedication and sacrifices laid the solid foundation for the school’s growth and sustained relevance.
A major highlight of the anniversary was the active role played by the St. Pius Xth Grammar School Old Boys’ Association, which unveiled and commissioned several legacy projects aimed at supporting the school’s infrastructural and academic development. These initiatives underscored the enduring bond between the school and its alumni.
The two-day celebration commenced on Friday, December 19, with a visit to the school for project assessment, followed by a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Onicha-Ugbo. The event climaxed on Saturday, December 20, with a thanksgiving Mass held at the school field, the unveiling of a statue in honour of the pioneer principal who led the institution from 1960 to 1970, and the presentation of a commemorative book chronicling the history of the school from inception to date.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Chairman of the Education Commission, Issele-Uku Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Chuks Ogbolu, described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as an institution whose impact resonates nationally and internationally through the achievements of its alumni. He noted that the school’s legacy reflects years of industry, discipline, resilience and focus, adding that what many perceived as a rigorous and demanding training in the formative years later became the foundation for the success of its graduates.
Rev. Fr. Ogbolu further revealed that from its early years, the school attracted students from different parts of Nigeria, and even today receives students who travel termly from Europe and other regions including Benin, Warri and parts of the Yoruba-speaking areas. He attributed the serene environment and steady growth of the school to the selfless sacrifices of past alumni, stressing that without their support, sustaining the institution would have been extremely difficult.
While commending donors for past interventions, he identified pressing needs such as infrastructural upgrades, functional ICT facilities for Computer-Based Testing (CBT), and especially the urgent need for a school bus. He expressed appreciation to Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei for previously donating buses to schools in Aniocha North during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and called on alumni to collectively provide a new, befitting school bus for their alma mater.
He also advocated the establishment of a functional alumni secretariat to harmonise communication across all graduating sets, coordinate support initiatives, promote scholarships and encourage contributions in areas such as sports, science, technology and innovation. According to him, the unity of individual sets and the pooling of professional expertise among alumni would serve as a catalyst for building a formidable and sustainable alumni body.
In his remarks, the National President of the St. Pius Xth Grammar School Old Boys’ Association, Chief Barrister Edmund Zealiwe Ojeogwu, commended Piusians and other donors for sponsoring the production of a historical compendium and for financing the 65th anniversary celebration. He described the anniversary as a testament to the enduring Piusian spirit and collective responsibility of alumni to give back to the institution that nurtured them.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Patrick Ejidoh, said the strong turnout of Old Boys reaffirmed that the spirit of St. Pius Xth lives on, not only in cherished memories but in the vibrant community alumni continue to build together. He recalled that when the pioneer students walked through the school gates in 1960, they could not have imagined that they were laying the foundation for a legacy that would transcend generations. From modest beginnings to landmark achievements, he said, the school’s journey has been defined by perseverance, excellence and an uncommon bond of comradeship.
As St. Pius Xth Grammar School marks this historic milestone, staff, students and alumni have reaffirmed their collective resolve to uphold the institution’s proud legacy while embracing innovation and excellence, ensuring that the great Piusian heritage continues to thrive for generations yet unborn