EDAFIOGHOR SEEKS ₦600M FOR JAMES WELCH REVITALISATION, 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

By Our Correspondent

The National President of the James Welch Grammar School Old Boys Association (JWGSOBA), Engr. Fred Edafioghor, has unveiled an ambitious ₦600 million fundraising and development initiative aimed at revitalising James Welch Grammar School, Emevor, and delivering a memorable celebration of the institution’s 70th anniversary in 2027.

Edafioghor disclosed this during the Association’s Special General Meeting (SGM) held at the school premises, where members from across Nigeria and the diaspora gathered physically and virtually to deliberate on the future of their alma mater.

He said the Association would aggressively mobilise support from government intervention agencies, corporate organisations, distinguished old boys, class sets, branches, and other stakeholders to rehabilitate critical infrastructure and reposition the institution for future generations.

Welcoming participants to the meeting, the National President expressed delight at what he described as one of the largest attendances in the Association’s history.

According to him, the hybrid format, which enabled members to participate physically and through Zoom, reflected the growing commitment of old boys towards the progress of both the Association and the school.

Edafioghor noted that his administration remains focused on a vision-driven agenda anchored on sustainable growth, institutional strengthening, transparency, and the restoration of the school’s lost glory.

A major highlight of the meeting was the consideration and ratification of the Association’s reviewed Constitution, as presented by the Constitution Review Committee.

The revised Constitution formally recognises class sets as a key component of the Association’s structure, a development widely applauded by members as a strategic step toward broader participation, inclusiveness, and stronger alumni engagement.

Members subjected the document to detailed scrutiny, examining its provisions clause-by-clause before unanimously adopting it.

In another landmark development, the National President presented the Association’s annual budget for the next fiscal year, marking the first comprehensive budget presentation by an administration in the Association’s recent history. The budget projects total revenue of ₦135.82 million against proposed expenditure of ₦189.16 million.

The unveiling of a detailed fundraising blueprint aimed at raising ₦600 million by February 2027 to support the rehabilitation of the school and the celebration of its platinum jubilee anniversary was one of the most significant outcomes of the meeting.

Edafioghor called on old boys across all generations to contribute generously and undertake legacy projects capable of leaving enduring footprints in the institution.

“Today also witnessed the unveiling of the plan to raise ₦600 million for the rehabilitation of the school and the celebration of our 70th anniversary.

It is an ambitious target, but one that reflects the scale of what our alma mater needs and the pride we take in her 70-year legacy,” he said.

While acknowledging the numerous interventions already carried out by branches, class sets, and individual old boys, he emphasised the need for greater coordination, quality assurance, and long-term planning in executing development projects.

“If we are serious about lasting impact, there is need for proper coordination of school renovation works. The works we do now must see us through the next 50 to 70 years with minimal maintenance.

“The School Improvement, Academic Standards and Maintenance Committee will serve as a clearing house for all infrastructure projects to ensure quality, prevent duplication, and guarantee value for money,” he added.

The meeting also witnessed the inauguration of several standing committees expected to drive the Association’s programmes and strategic initiatives in the years leading to the anniversary celebration.

In his remarks, the Proprietor of the school and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Oleh, Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, commended the renewed enthusiasm and commitment being demonstrated by old boys towards the growth and development of their alma mater.

“I am particularly delighted to be in your midst today to witness the renewed commitment of our old boys towards the growth and development of our beloved alma mater,” the Bishop said.

He urged all old boys, irrespective of class set, geographical location, or affiliation, to rally behind the Association’s vision and contribute towards making the school’s 70th anniversary a historic success.

“This milestone anniversary presents a unique opportunity for us to showcase our rich heritage, celebrate our achievements, and invest in the future of our institution.

Let every old boy see himself as a stakeholder in the success of this historic event,” he stated.

The Bishop further disclosed that, as part of the Anglican Church’s commitment to supporting the institution, plans had been concluded to provide modern hostel beds valued at approximately ₦20 million to improve students’ welfare and learning conditions.

According to him, the intervention demonstrates the Church’s continued dedication to the growth and development of the school.

The Special General Meeting attracted notable and distinguished old boys from across the country, including jurists, politicians, academics, branch executives, class set representatives, and other stakeholders, many of whom pledged support for the Association’s reform agenda and development drive.