Okpebholo, Oyegun To Attend SPCOBA Convention In Benin ...As Barr. Odiadi Says The Aims Is To Focus On School Development













Okpebholo, Oyegun To Attend SPCOBA Convention In Benin 

...As Barr. Odiadi Says The Aims Is To Focus On School Development 


 ...Idea Is To Create A System Where Old Boys, Alumni Bodies Play Key Roles

Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 


The Benin Branch of the St. Patrick’s College Asaba Old Boys Association (SPCOBA) will host its 2026 Annual National Convention and Feast Day celebration from March 16 to 18 in Benin City, with discussions centred on school development, alumni-led governance reforms and communal security.

President General of the association, Barr. Tony Odiadi, said that activities will start on March 16 with a Gala Night and Convention Lecture, setting the tone for a three-day engagement that will bring together old boys from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

 Odiadi, added that the March 17 programme, which coincides with the Feast of St. Patrick and the association’s Founders’ Day, will feature a Thanksgiving Mass, keynote addresses and deliberations on the future of the alma mater.

"A major highlight of the convention will be a keynote lecture on “Managing Communal Security in a Challenging Environment,” to be delivered by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeobi. The lecture is expected to address growing concerns around community-based security frameworks and citizen engagement amid Nigeria’s evolving security landscape."

Barri.Odiadi stated that discussions will also explore the concept of managing schools through a charter system that gives alumni associations stronger governance roles.

"The idea is to create a system where old boys and alumni associations play key roles in value enhancement and the promotion of academic and moral excellence among students,” he said.

"The convention will also feature awards of excellence to distinguished alumni and strategy sessions focused on ongoing and new infrastructure projects at the college.

"We have projects currently ongoing in the school, and part of our objective is to ensure their completion while mapping out new initiatives,” Odiadi added, noting that several members have already committed resources towards the development drive.

"As part of its engagement activities, the association’s executive committee paid visits to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, as well as former Edo State Governor, John Odigie Oyegun, both distinguished old boys of the college.

"The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Royal Highness Professor Gregory Akenzua, is expected to chair the convention’s main event.

"Benin City was selected as host in recognition of its historic significance to the association. “Benin is the cradle of our old boys’ association, and this convention is also aimed at galvanising our membership base,” Odiadi said.

"Delegates are expected from branches in Port Harcourt, Asaba, Abuja, Lagos and Benin, alongside international members from the United States, the United Kingdom and other parts of Africa.

"A commemorative brochure profiling members and showcasing the association’s milestones will also be unveiled during the convention.

"The 2026 convention underscores SPCOBA’s growing focus on structured alumni intervention in education governance and community development, reflecting a broader trend of private stakeholder participation in strengthening Nigeria’s educational institutions."




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