By Our Correspondent

Remarkably and unprecedentedly, four decades after their graduation from the school, the 1986 class of Baptist High School Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu LGA of Kogi State, in an unparalleled and unique way, returned to their alma mater, with a great donation of a transformative Legacy GateHouse, to commemorate their 40th graduation anniversary.

The top-grade and elegantly delivered gatehouse, which has significantly changed the landscape of the school and the Ekinrin-Adde community, was applauded and celebrated as the first of its kind in all Ijumu communities, by any alumni association.

The multi-million magnificent facility, which is reckoned by not a few, as a cherished monument to history, was commissioned at a colourful ceremony on Friday, June 26, 2026, by His Royal Majesty, Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu, CON, (Ahe-Maworo I), Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, in company of his Olori, members of the traditional council, the Chairman, CAN of the community, and a coterie of clergymen.

HRM, the Olu-Adde, who was apparently happy about the historic and momentous occasion, remarked that the BHS Ekinrin-Adde 1986 alumni association, has set a record of excellence and etched its name indelibly on the sands of time.

The revered monarch commended the members of the association for their unity of purpose, sacrificial giving, commitment, and thoughtfulness in bringing the highly impactful project to reality.

He charged other sets of the school, and alumni associations of other schools across Ijumu, Okun land and Kogi State in general, to emulate the BHSEA 1986 set, in giving back to society, and particularly in adding value to their alma maters.

The President of Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), Elder Dehinde Toyin Komolafe, speaking on behalf of the CDA, lauded the BHS Ekinrin-Adde 1986 Set as a pace-setter, and commended all the members for making a great donation of their time and resources towards making the huge impac which the GateHouse has made. He prayed for continued grace and blessings of God on all the members of the association.

One of the old teachers of the 1986 Set, Elder Omodele, who was a teacher of English Language in the school at that time, expressed joy and gratitude to God for the grace to witness the epoch-making event, noted that the discipline, hardwork and sense of duty that were insulated in the members of the alumni association, accounted for the success-story that they all became in their adult life.

The elderstatesman enjoined the younger generation of students to seriously imbibe the culture of discipline and dedication to duty, so as to become successful in life.

The President of the Alumni Association, Alhaji Abdulkareem Oludare Aminu, in his welcome address, remarked that forty-five years ago, members, walked through the gates of the school, as impressionable young lads, full of dreams, passed through the crucible of fire of learning and grooming, and forty years later, have returned through a new gate powered and built by the same dreams, a sense of fulfillment, and with hearts full of gratitude, pride, and in unity.

Alhaji Abdulkareem Oludare Aminu also noted that the Legacy GateHouse, which speaks to robust cooperative spirit, was borne out of the desire and strong resolve of members of the association to enhance the security of the students and teachers of the school; to accentuate the pride of place which the school occupies; to beautiful and dignify their alma mater, and the Ekinrin-Adde community, and to inspire every student who is currently passing through the gate, and the next generation of students who are to come, that excellence is achievable, and that giving back to society is a commanding duty to the society for all.

The Legacy Project Committee, has Mr Abayomi Amupitan, a successful Quantity Surveyor as Chairman, while the 40th Graduation Anniversary Committee is chaired by Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, a former Deputy Country Director of Democracy Program for Africa (DfAP), and currently serving as the National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The Anniversary Committee has, among other members, the Chief Medical Director/CEO, Ademola Hospital Ltd., Agbara-Ijanikin Lagos, Dr Edward Ademola Aina, the Vice-President (Nigeria) of the association, as Deputy Chairman.

It is remarkable to bring to mind that Dr. Edward Ademola Aina, as a sixteen year old teenager, emerged as the best graduating student of the Set, and the over-all best in the West African School Cerricate (WASC) of 1986, in the entire old Kwara State; Barrister Bolaji Ireyomi, a Canada-based legal practitioner, as Secretary, and Professor Christopher Jimoh Olowookere, a professor of Health Physics and Biophysics,
and Director of Investment and Consultancy at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, as Assistant Secretary.

The four-day 40th anniversary celebration of the aumni association, which includes a Jumat Service on Friday, June 26th, and a thanksgiving service in the morning of Sunday, June 28th, will culminate in a Re-Union Dinner in the evening of Sunday, which is to be held at the Ekinrin-Adde Events Centre.

The re-union dinner event is expected to attract the entire Ekinrin-Adde traditional council members to grace the occasion with their royal presence, and a good number of illustrious sons and daughters of the community, and other invited eminent dignitaries and well-wishers.

The BHSEA 1986 alumni association has done so well in impacting their alma mater and has indeed challenged other sets of the school to also step out and make a difference.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Central Organizing Committee of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament — _Prosperity Cup_ — has felicitated the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement signed by the Tournament Director General, Mr. Ono Akpe, and Deputy Director General, Mr. Perela Aboro, the COC commended Dr. Emefienim for his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and deep passion for humanitarian service.

The Committee noted that Premium Trust Bank’s consistent sponsorship of the Prosperity Cup reflects its dedication to sports development and youth empowerment across Bayelsa State and Nigeria. This partnership, it added, has been instrumental in reducing the burden on organizers and government, while productively engaging young people and curbing social vices.

“Your visionary leadership, anchored on compassion and integrity, has not only strengthened our state but also set a new benchmark for sports development,” the statement read.

The COC further described Dr. Emefienim as a thoroughbred administrator, philanthropist, and sports enthusiast whose stewardship has elevated Premium Trust Bank to national prominence while leaving a lasting impact on the Niger Delta and beyond.

“As you mark this milestone, we celebrate not just your life but the enduring legacy you continue to build. We pray for renewed strength, good health, and greater success in the year ahead. We remain grateful for your steadfast support of the Prosperity Cup and look forward to many more years of your wise counsel and partnership,” the statement concluded.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has rejoiced with the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim and former Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi as they celebrate their 60th Birthdays.

Governor Diri, who was represented in the separate celebrations which held in Warri and Yenagoa on Tuesday, described the celebrants as men of service that are passionate about making impact in life.

Speaking at the dedication of the new Champion Cathedral Annex of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Effurun-Warri in Delta State, Governor Diri appreciated Dr. Emefienim for building a magnificent place of worship for God.

The Bayelsa helmsman, however, said he was not surprised at the development as he has always known the celebrant as not only a sacrificial giver but also a man with an unwavering love and zeal for the things of God.

Governor Diri described Dr. Emefienim as a Bayelsan and a consummate banker whose bank has become a major brand among the comity of financial institutions in the country within a short space of its existence due to his penchant for excellence.

In his words: “On behalf of the Governor and people of Bayelsa State that I represent here , I want to say that, we are proud that you are one of us. You are from us and we can say this boldly anywhere.

“We appreciate God for what He is doing in your life. But I am not surprised because once you submit and sacrifice to God, He will sacrifice back to you in far greater dimensions. You just can not beat God in giving.

“Today, in the midst of Banks in Nigeria, our brother’s Bank has become a major brand within a very short span of existence. That tells you that there is a breath upon him. And that breath is available for those who will key into it.”

Preaching on a theme for a week-long programme culminating in the dedication of the new church building and birthday service, titled “Wonderful”, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, noted that God would not cease to do wonders in the world, particularly in the lives of those who believe in Him.

Pastor Adeboye, who was represented by the Continental Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Kalu Ndukwe, also acknowledged the commitment of Dr Emefienim to the service of God, and stressed the importance of a person’s name and occupation in society.

In his remarks, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, flanked by his wife, Mrs.Ifeoma Emefienim recounted his 24 years sojourn in Bayelsa and how the state had contributed to his present achievements in life.

He said: ” I came into Yenagoa in 2002. The story of my Banking career cannot be told without mentioning Bayelsa State, So when you see me flowing with everyone from Bayelsa, you can understand.

“It will be very difficult or practically impossible for any governor to emerge in Bayelsa that I will not have contact with because I have played in that space for over 20 years. I am happy and I am also proud with what God has used that location to do for me.”

The celebrant expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri, his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the RCCG family, particularly the General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Continental Overseer, Pastor Kalu Ndukwe and everyone who took time to celebrate with him.

Meanwhile, Governor Douye Diri has commended the former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, for tirelessly contributing to the development of the state in and out of office.

Governor Diri, who spoke through his Deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, during an elaborate birthday ceremony at Latik Hotel in Yenagoa, acknowledged the contributions of Ebebi as a lawmaker in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, where he became Speaker and later as a Deputy Governor of the State.

According to him, Peremobowei Ebebi remains a household name in Bayelsa State because of the way and manner the Aleibiri-born politician related with people while in office.

Speaking on a personal capacity, Dr. Akpe, described Chief Ebebi as his leader, saying that he became well acquainted with the workings of the Office of the Deputy Governor some years ago when he started working as the Head of Administration in that office following his appointment by the celebrant.

Declaring the diamond jubilee ceremony open, the Chairman of the occasion and a former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), described Chief Ebebi as a man of the people who gathers crowd in positive ways.

Others who spoke at the well attended event included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Reverend God’spower Asingba, the Alei of Aleibiri, His. Royal Highness James Sarakiri, all extolled the leadership qualities of the celebrant.

In his remarks, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi expressed gratitude to God and all who honoured him.

“I want to thank God for this clement weather that allowed us to celebrate in an open space. All glory to our Creator. I also thank Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Akpe, and all distinguished guests.”

Dignitaries on the entourage of the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe at both ceremonies include; his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, members of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Charles Daniel, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, Hon. Tare Porri, Hon. Oteigbanyon George-Brah, and the Managing Director of Izon-Ibe Microfinance Bank Limited, Dr Ayakeme Whisky, among others.