CHUKA UBAH
Members of the All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association, AHOBA 85′ Set, popularly known as the Centenary Set, staged a grand golden reunion in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The grand event, which took place at their alma mater on 30th December, 2023, commenced with the arrival of members from different parts of the world.
With their background as Catholic Seminarians not minding present denominations, they first went into the Seminary Chapel for a Celebration Mass, which was officiated by one of their formation Priests, Very Rev. Msgr. Francis Ezumezu, the current Rector, Rev. Fr. Paschal Okonkwo, as well as member Priests.
After the Eucharistic celebration, the members gathered in front of the Seminary Chapel for group photographs and exchange of pleasantries.
Thereafter, the celebration of the grand Golden Anniversary and reunion moved to the well decorated Assembly ground. The opening prayer was said by Rev. Fr. Basil Anunobi while the opening remarks was given by the Chairman of the organising committee, Chief Don Okafor.
The President General of the group, Mr. Sebastian Ezeonyia, after giving his remarks, coordinated the presentation of kola nuts which was eventually presided over by Chief Vincent Ikechukwu Onochie (Ojinnaka), a titled Onitsha Chief.
Then came the cutting of the Grand reunion and Anniversary cake after which members of the AHOBA C-Set took turns to support the cutting. The caterers wasted no time in serving sumptuous lunch to the celebrants’ spouses and children, which was followed by the entertainment of members of the Centenary Set. The event was also spiced with rib cracking jokes by the MC and melodious tunes by the DJ while various gift items were also shared among the celebrants present.
In the course of the programme, the current Rector of the seminary, Rev. Fr. Paschal Okonkwo, joined the event with an AHOBA 70′ Set member, who visited from the United States of America. The Rector used the opportunity the event afforded to commend the group for organizing the reunion while highlighting the ongoing projects within the seminary and equally solicited for their assistance towards the execution and completion of the various projects.
After the reunion and birthday anniversary activities at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha compound, all roads led to Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka, for the gala night.
Activities at the Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka, peaked with the arrival of the celebrants with their spouses for the dinner buffet. And after dinner, the celebration activities continued with jokes by the compere, dancing time by the celebrants’ spouses and the presentation of gifts to the ladies who rocked the dance floor better.
The celebrants equally took to the dance floor amid cheers from their spouses and family as the DJ majored on old school tunes. It was indeed a night of fun, pomp and pageantry as the celebration continued till the early hours of Sunday.
The grand reunion and birthday anniversary activities were eventually rounded up with a Thanksgiving Mass and breakfast buffet, which indeed left lasting memories in the minds of the members of the AHOBA Centenary Set, their spouses and family.
While speaking with P.M.EXPRESS, the President General of the association, Mr. Sebastian Ezeonyia, thanked the organisers and volunteers for packaging a great event. He equally expressed his appreciation to the executive members of AHOBA C-Set for ensuring the success of the grand reunion and birthday anniversary celebration.
Mr. Ezeonyia, the CEO of Sebs Integrated Services Ltd., also singled out their elder brothers in the association, whom he referred to as the “Sanhendrin”, for their wise counsels and always ensuring that things are properly executed.
The PG hinted that they ensured that spouses of deceased members were part of the celebration. He promised that the executive members under his watch will continue to do their very best to ensure that the association attains enviable heights.