40 years, 40 ambassadors: Oko Alumni celebrate excellence, leadership in September 26

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association will mark its 40th anniversary on September 26 with the celebration and recognition of 40 distinguished alumni whose achievements and leadership have continued to project the image of the institution in Nigeria and beyond.

The anniversary celebration, themed “Oko to the World: Building Stars, Celebrating Excellence, Leadership and National Development,” will take place at Chyben Leisure Hotels, Awka, formerly Hilton Leisure Hotels, Anambra State, from 12 noon.

The choice of 40 distinguished alumni as ambassadors of the institution is expected to be a major highlight of the celebration, providing an opportunity to showcase the depth of talent and leadership produced by Federal Polytechnic Oko over the past decades.

Among those scheduled to be honoured are Chief Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State; Hon. Ben Obi, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Anambra State; and Mr. Kingsley Uranta, General Manager, Channels Television.

Other honourees include serving and former members of the National Assembly, prominent entrepreneurs, industry leaders, media professionals, private-sector executives and other accomplished alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.

The organisers said the recognition was not simply about individual achievements but about celebrating the wider impact of Oko graduates in public service, business, politics, media, industry and other sectors of the economy.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ichie Sir Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze (Ichie Chinemeze N’Ukpo), and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Chidi Jean Ikechukwu, said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the alumni association while celebrating members who have become worthy ambassadors of their alma mater.

They said the 40th anniversary was designed to go beyond a celebration of longevity, stressing that it would also highlight the contribution of Oko alumni to national development and inspire younger graduates to pursue excellence, responsible leadership and meaningful service to society.

According to the organisers, the theme “Oko to the World” reflects the growing national and international footprint of the institution’s graduates and the association’s determination to build stronger networks among alumni.

Such networks, they noted, could provide opportunities for mentorship, professional development, collaboration and support for the continued growth of Federal Polytechnic Oko.

The anniversary is expected to attract alumni from across the country and the diaspora, as well as government officials, business leaders, academics, professionals, media personalities and other stakeholders connected to the institution.

Beyond the awards, the event will provide an avenue for old students to reconnect, renew relationships and explore ways of contributing to the development of their alma mater and the wider community.

The organisers also believe that celebrating successful alumni can provide a source of inspiration for current students and younger graduates by demonstrating the possibilities that education, determination, professionalism and leadership can create.

The 40 honourees, in this regard, are expected to serve as examples of the institution’s human-capital legacy and the impact its graduates can make when they translate their education into professional achievement and public service.

The association said the celebration would therefore look beyond the past four decades to the future, with emphasis on building a stronger alumni network and encouraging the next generation of Oko graduates to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The event is open to alumni of Federal Polytechnic Oko, friends of the institution, families of alumni and well-wishers.

The association also invited corporate organisations, individuals and other stakeholders interested in supporting the anniversary to engage the organising committee for participation and sponsorship opportunities.

As Federal Polytechnic Oko alumni gather to celebrate four decades of their association, the “40 Years, 40 Ambassadors” initiative is expected to provide a fitting tribute to those whose achievements have helped carry the Oko name from the classroom to the wider world.