ECOL ’88 donates N1.1 Million For Church Building■It’s part of our social responsibility to society – Ariguzo
The Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association – 1988 set, last weekend, donated N1.150 million (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) in aid of the ongoing church building project at St.Matthews Evangelical Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The donation was made during the church service to round up the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ECOL ’88, otherwise known as the “Unique Men.”
Speaking during the church service, National Coordinator of ECOL ’88, Dr Emeka Ariguzo, KSC,pointed out that the donation to the church was part of the Association’s social responsibility obligations to society. He posited that investing in God’s projects like church building is “a little way of thanking God for His blessings and mercies on members of the Association,and appreciating Him for a successful AGM.”
The Unique Men held their 2025 AGM at Kazams Hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from October 3 to 5,2025.
During the AGM session, Ariguzo enjoined members of the Association both in Nigeria and in the diaspora to remain dedicated to the ideals upon which the Association was founded. He also reminded members of the importance of embracing unity and mutual respect for one another,pointing out that in the absense of these, ECOL ’88 members might work at cross purposes,which can impede the Association’s growth and progress.
The National Coordinator of ECOL ’88 stressed that “no matter how God has blessed us, the joy of such a blessing is manifested by us identifying with our colleagues in whatever capacity that we can.” He harped on the need for members to be more dedicated on issues affecting the Association and its members, and reiterated the imperative of expanding the Association’s membership. “We must seek for our members still out there who are yet to register with us. From 1988, when we graduated from Emmanuel College,Owerri to 2025, is a very long time. )Most of our members are still out there – we need to bring them closer. We are one,” he posited.
Ariguzo noted with delight that “it is pleasing to observe that most of us whom we have not seen since we left secondary school in 1988 are attending this year’s AGM. Such is the beauty of our AGM.” He further stressed that God has been faithful and merciful to ECOL ’88 members in recent times as the Association has no record of losing any of its members.
Emphasizing the need for solidarity amongst members of the Association, Ariguzo expressed his gratitude to all members for identifying with him during his late father’s death. He pointed out that “such solidarity fosters love, unity, and strengthens the bond amongst us.”
On the finances of ECOL ’88,the National Coordinator implored members to strive and redeem their financial obligations to the Association.”If we want to get this Association to be what it should be, we must meet up our financial commitments. No Association can function effectively and efficiently where issues of finance are not accorded their due attention,” he opined.
He assured members of his commitment to always justify the confidence resposed in him, reiterating that he remains committed to serving the Association selflessly.
The ECOL ’88 set leader further announced the inauguration of the Umuahia chapter of the Association with Sir Obinna Nwokoma(a chartered accountant) as the Interim Coordinator. Other committees include the Bye-Law Reform Committee which has Chief Kennedy Eweama as Chairman with Mr Franklyn Anukam and Dr Nnadozie Nnaji Ihedinma as members, the Displinary Committee with Chief Ejike Azubuike as Chairman while Chief Frank Okafor and Mr Clement Tom-James are members, as well as the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)Planning Committee which has Mr Chimere Nwoji as Chairman with Chief Ubaferem Nwoha as Secretary. Other members of the 2026 AGM Planning Committee are Chief Ejike Azubuike,Venerable Dan Uche, Rev.Fr. Rufus Achilike,Mr Uzoma Obinna, Sir Austin Oleru, Chief Akuchukwu Obiudo, and Chief Bede Onuegbu.Enugu is to host the 2026 AGM.
Other Committees set up are the Diaspora Committee with Mr Obinna Aguiyi as Chairman while Sir Obinna Madumere, Dr Nnadozie Nnaji Ihedinma and His Excellency, Sir Bruno Chidiebere Oparaocha are members; the Project Committee has Architect Ernest Ezirim as Chairman with Mr Okey Obiagwu and Mr Uche Amakoh as members. The eighth Committee – the Uniform Committee has Elder Hilary Anyanwu as Chairman with Mr Walter Ajayi and Sir Paschal Oleru as members.
Major highlights of the AGM include a lecture on “Financial Literacy For Men : Building Health, Security And Legacy” by one of ECOL ’88 members – His Eminence,Engr(Dr)
Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu ancient Kingdom, Abia State, and a Health Talk by Dr Iyke Amadi of the Lagos chapter of the Association.
