The President of Essi College Old Students’ Association (ECOSA) Worldwide, Olorogun Sylvester Bighoro (JP), has appealed to governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts to revive infrastructure and improve learning facilities at Essi College, Warri.
Bighoro made the appeal while speaking with journalists during an old students’ meeting held at Otor-Udu on September 13.
The ECOSA president, who disclosed that he had led the association for the past 27 years, said the group had remained committed to the development of its alma mater through regular meetings and interventions aimed at addressing challenges confronting the institution.
He noted that Essi College had produced professionals, industrialists, politicians and business leaders who had made significant contributions to society.
According to him, the strong work ethic instilled in students during their years at the institution contributed to the achievements of many of its former students.
He explained that the school’s motto, “I Di Labor,” means there is no success without labour.
Bighoro said old students considered themselves privileged to have passed through the institution and were determined to preserve its legacy while setting good examples for present students.
He stressed that ECOSA would continue to push for the provision of modern equipment, technology and infrastructure needed to improve teaching and learning.
However, he expressed concern over the continued non-use of a building donated to the school by Chevron, which he said had remained inaccessible for about four years due to a dispute between the company and the contractors.
He appealed to relevant government authorities, organisations and individuals to intervene and help resolve the dispute so the facility could be put to use.
Bighoro also identified the absence of an examination hall and laboratory as some of the major infrastructure gaps facing the institution.
He said the facilities were essential for effective teaching and learning and urged stakeholders to intervene urgently to protect the status and legacy of Essi College as a citadel of learning.
The ECOSA president also called on parents to pay closer attention to the welfare, upbringing and activities of their children as schools resume.
He urged parents to guide and monitor their children to prevent them from falling into cultism, drug abuse and other social vices capable of destroying their future.
Bighoro, who traditionally celebrates his birthday with his alma mater, used this year’s gathering to bring members of the old students’ association together and reaffirm their commitment to the development of the college.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Collins Okubokeyhe Osilemor commended Bighoro for his dedication and sustained support for ECOSA and Essi College.
Osilemor described his contributions to the association as “superlative” and appreciated the elders and other stakeholders who attended the gathering.
He assured the association that he would contact relevant organisations over the concerns raised, expressing optimism that the necessary support would be secured to improve facilities at Essi College.
