Deputy Governor Emetu Reunites with GCK Classmates, Honours Teachers at 25th Anniversary

Deputy Governor Emetu Reunites with GCK Classmates, Honours Teachers at 25th Anniversary

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has reunited with his former classmates of Government College Ketu-Epe (GCK), Class of 2001, as they celebrated 25 years since their graduation from the institution.

The Silver Jubilee Reunion, held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Moonstone Hall, Whitestone Event Center, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, brought together members of the class to celebrate their enduring friendship, achievements and the values they acquired during their years at GCK.

Emetu, who was the Guest Speaker at the event, described the reunion as a homecoming and an opportunity to honour the institution that played a significant role in shaping the lives and careers of the former students.

Reflecting on his school days, the Deputy Governor said returning to reconnect with his classmates after 25 years evoked feelings of gratitude, joy and nostalgia, stressing that despite the different paths members of the class had taken, they remained proud products of Government College Ketu-Epe.

He recalled the experiences associated with boarding school life, including morning bells, study periods, inspections, hostel chores and the friendships forged among students, noting that such experiences helped to instil resilience, discipline, adaptability and a strong sense of community.

Emetu also paid tribute to the former Principal of the college, Otunba Aybade Obajimi, whom he described as a visionary educationist who understood that the purpose of education extended beyond academic examinations and grades to include character formation, discipline and the development of responsible individuals.

According to him, Obajimi created an environment that promoted excellence, empowered teachers to inspire students and gave young people opportunities to discover and maximise their potential.

The Deputy Governor equally honoured the teachers, house masters and house mistresses who contributed to the upbringing of the students, describing them as parental figures who provided guidance, discipline and encouragement while the students were away from their homes.

He expressed particular appreciation to Mr. Oshinaike for his kindness, fatherly guidance and belief in the students, noting that many of the values that continue to guide members of the class were instilled by teachers who were deeply committed to their development.

Emetu used the occasion to highlight the critical role of teachers in building future leaders and shaping society.
He said society often celebrated governors, ministers, judges, business leaders and other prominent personalities without adequately recognising the teachers who laid the foundation for their achievements.

“Without teachers, there can be no leaders, no governors, no deputy governors, and no presidents,” he said.

The Deputy Governor urged members of the GCK Class of 2001 to reciprocate the investment made in them by their alma mater by contributing meaningfully to its development.

He said giving back should go beyond attending reunions, urging the alumni to support infrastructure development, establish scholarship programmes, mentor younger students and serve as responsible ambassadors of the institution.

Emetu also commended the Silver Jubilee Planning Committee for successfully organising the reunion, noting that the achievement was a product of commitment, sacrifice, vision, patience and teamwork.

He gave special recognition to the Alumni President, Oluwadamilare Shittu, for his leadership and dedication in coordinating the event, describing his efforts and those of the planning team as evidence of service and commitment to the alumni community.

Earlier, Shittu, in his welcome address, described the 25th anniversary as a significant milestone for the GCK Class of 2001, providing members with an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce about their school days and reflect on the legacy they could continue to build together.

He noted that although members of the class had pursued different careers and travelled different paths over the past 25 years, the bond established during their formative years at GCK remained strong.

“The world has changed, but GCK stays the same the connections we made in our early years still unite us, even as we chase our own dreams and embark on unique journeys,” Shittu said.

The reunion featured moments of nostalgia, laughter and reflection as alumni from different professional backgrounds celebrated their journey and the enduring bond that transformed them from schoolmates into lifelong friends.

The Silver Jubilee celebration ultimately served as both a reunion and a reminder of the lasting impact of quality education, strong mentorship and enduring friendships forged during formative years.