Forty years in the life of an individual or institution is a remarkable feat that attracts attention, either on a note of celebration or villainy. For Class ’83 of former Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt it was a moment of celebration. The old classmates came together to solidify their unbroken union and camaraderie of forty years in a grand and unique style.
For four days, the old girls gathered together, not in their dormitories of old in the school, but in a cosy environment of Kristov’s House, a hospitality outfit in Government Reserved Area (GRA), Phase Three, Port Harcourt, from where they relived experiences and shared moments of joy and ecstasy.
The four-day reunion commenced on Thursday, July 6 2023, with joyous arrival of the old girls, who came in from within and outside Rivers State. The joy was more electric when those from the Diaspora arrived to the warm embrace of those who had never met each other in the last forty years.
The arrival was commemorated with fun, music, especially the dance hall rhythms of the late 1970s and 80s. It was spiced up with enough barbeque and assorted drinks. As each member arrived the hotel, she was greeted with shouts of joy, and the nickname she bore while in school.
It was a gathering of alumni with shared identity and fate anchored on a common bond and fellowship dating back to their formative years at the then Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt, now Methodist Girls High School(MGHS).
The event was reflective, momentous and enthralling as some of the old students were meeting themselves once again 40 years after graduation.
The programme was spanned to accommodate the line- up of events, which included mentorship training for the students of the school, health, wellness and entrepreneurship talks for members, award presentations, dinner night and special thanksgiving service.
Apart from sharing the fun of yesteryears through the nostalgic reunion, the central theme of the programme was to draw attention to the development of the education system, and address the festering rot in the system.
Thus, Day Two of the reunion featured the “Back to School” programme, aimed at inspiring the students and also giving back to the school through various donations.
These included paper presentation by popular Nollywood actress and an old girl of the school, Hilda Dokubo, who spoke on “Mentoring the Girl Child and Current Realities”, Mrs Ivy Ayanaba Etokakpan, a media expert who spoke on “Benefits of Social Media/Online Marketing”, and Mrs Adiki George, a health practitioner and member of the Set who spoke on, “Self Examination and Discussing with Parents/Mentors”.
Highlight of the Day Two event was the presentation of two Posthumous Honours Awards to Mrs Elfrida Eneni Abrakasa (1978-79) and Dr (Mrs) Boma Iyagba(1979/81),former distinguished principals of the school. Other award presentations and cash gifts were to five former teachers who taught the Set, some of whom were traced up to the day of the award presentation.They include Mrs Binan Ajmani(Indian), Dr (Mrs) Seniba Ariweriokuma, Elder (Mrs) Henrietta Fashola, Mrs Evelyn Akparanta and Mrs Florence Amiesimaka.
Also, as part of the presentation, 40 students of the Alma Mater were honoured in areas of academic excellence and extra curricular activities. Of this number, five best students received cash gifts.
Furthermore, two MGHS teachers were given awards as the best and longest serving staff of the school.
To round up the day, there was old students/current students dancing.
Another highlight of the reunion was the Dinner Party held at the Chinese Restaurant of Visa Karena Hotels in Port Harcourt on Saturday 8th July to mark Day Three of the reunion. Glamorous outfits adorned by the old girls was astonishing, fascinating as they sparked up the dinner night with their elegant appearances. They were joined at the occasion by spouses, relatives and selected old boys and girls associations (Class of 1983), of Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, A.C.M.G.S. Elelenwo and Holy Rosary College, Port Harcourt. Also, in attendance were the President, Prof (Mrs) Blessing Ahiauzu and members of the Executive of GGSS/MGHS Harbour Road Alumni Association.
The Pioneer President of the Association, Prof (Mrs) Hope Ilanye Bell-Gam was also in attendance with her spouse, Prof. Winston Bell-Gam.
The Dinner Party was chaired by Senibo Celestine Ogolo, a renowned journalist, author and administrator who commended the ’83 Set for their uncommon vision and urged them to remain united to attain greater heights.
Addressing guests at the Dinner, the Pioneer President of the Harbour Road Old Girls Association, who was also the Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Hope Bell-Gam described the Class ’83 of the school as exceptional in their vision.
To spice up the Dinner, was a talk on Health/Wellness presented by a Certified Health Coach based in the United States of America and a member of the set, Mrs Magdalene Jack-Boyle.
Highlight of the night was the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentation of honourary awards to three members; Mrs Magdalene Jack-Boyle, Mrs Adiki George and Lady Delphine Ekpenyong for their dedication towards the success of the 40th anniversary celebration. Also, two members and their spouses; Mr Frank/ Mrs Martha Alli and Senibo Celestine/Dr.(Mrs) Ibinabo Ogolo for their commitment to the Class ’83 over the years and success towards the 40th Anniversary celebration.
To round off the celebration, the class went for a Thanksgiving Service at Wesley Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt.
For members who attended the event, Mrs Precious Vivian Eli-Shama-Vice Chairman,40th Anniversary Committee and resident in Abuja, thanked God that the aim of the reunion was achieved where members of repute came in from round the globe to celebrate each other. Also, Dr (Mrs)Leah Wokoma, said that the 40th anniversary was a wonderful experience with refreshingly unforgettable memories. Another member, Princess Ibinabo Ogan-Ukachu, resident in Canada said, “the event was amazing and wonderfully organised. I do not regret coming down for it”.
Also, Ala Akiri, resident in United Kingdom said “the event was wonderful. I enjoyed every bit of it”.
Other members that followed the reunion activities via social media platforms commended the organisers for a job well done. For Mrs Doris Verchuur, resident in Netherlands, “the event was phenomenal, gorgeous and beautiful. I will not miss it next time for anything”.
Wakaebinyo Inengite, resident in Canada stated that every segment of the event was awesome.The planning was excellent.
Also, a former teacher who followed the events online, Mrs Evelyn Akparanta, resident in the United States of America said she was overwhelmed by the award.”I never dreamt that I would be honoured by you girls in my life time.Thank you”.
Veterans of the institution were on ground to cheer up the celebrating old girls and gave them a pat on the back for remembering and assisting in the development of their Alma Mater.
The Global President of GGSS/MGHS, Harbour Road Alumni Association, Prof Blessing Ahiauzu was particularly impressed about the comportment of the Class ’83 of the school, for the unity of purpose and making positive impact in the mentorship of the younger generation.
On his part, the Principal of the school, Rev Daniel Marcauley thanked the Class ’83 for their contributions.
Describing the set as good role models, the principal commended them for becoming worthy ambassadors of the school and urged the students to copy their good examples to improve their lives.
He said, “I’m proud to be associated with the Class ’83 of this great institution, they have consistently demonstrated great concern for the development of this school through their kind heartedness, we are ready to partner with them to move the school to greater standards”.
On her part, the Senior Prefect of 1979 Set, Mrs Jessie Shaw-Nwele who was specially invited for her benevolence towards the ’83 Set during their starting years thanked and congratulated the set for remembering and honouring her after 44 years and for a well thought out programme to celebrate 40th years after school.
Some of the schools that were invited said it was worthy of emulation and some said they were going to organise their own 40th anniversary soon.
The Leader of the Set, Mrs Martha Frank-Alli expressed gratitude to God for keeping the ’83 Set of the institution in unity 40 years after graduation.
Summing up the entire four- day event, the Secretary of the Set, Dr (Mrs) Ibinabo Celestine Ogolo, said the enduring unity and love among the ’83 set have helped them to remain focused and shaped their vision of giving back to the society.
Commenting on the overall event, Lady Delphine Ekpenyong who chaired the 40th Anniversary Committee, said the event was remarkable as it united members of the Set from all over the world.
About 50 members of the Class of 1983 were physically present for the anniversary.

By: Taneh Beemene