…Amends Constitution and Elects New Leaders
By Amarachukwu Opkunobi and Valerian Ejiofor
On Saturday 30th December, 2023, the Savio-Bosco Old Boys’ Association, SABOBA, gathered at White Castle Hotel, Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, for her Biennial General Meeting. SABOBA is an independent organization solely composed of old boys, both home and in diaspora, of St. Dominic Savio Seminary Akpụ, Ọrumba South Local Government Area, and St JohnBosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, Awka North Local Government Area, both in Anambra State.
Recall that these two seminaries operated under Awka Diocese before the creation of Ekwulobia Diocese by Pope Francis on 5th March 2020. As her motto, Per Excellentiam Fraternitatem (Excellence in Brotherhood) suggests, SABOBANS are determined to maintain solidarity and fraternity among themselves and to maintain a link to their Almae Matres.
SABOBA, formerly known as SABAA, Savio Bosco Alumni Association, was on Saturday, December 30, 2023, confirmed by her President, Comr. Celestine Oguegbu, to no longer bear the latter, but the former, due to its official registration as an independent association. The President during his opening remarks highlighted that the Association’s annual retreat which was supposed to be held last year was not held due to the association’s financial incapacity to shoulder the economic consequences of the event.
He also mentioned that the vision of the organization getting a vehicle for herself was still alive and therefore pleaded with members who pledged to aid the birthing of that vision to redeem their pledges. He further appreciated all the members for their consistent support, especially those who ensured that the meeting was a success.
The presentation of Kola nuts was done by the Anambra Chapter of SABOBA, led by Mr. Gerald Iloabanafo. The association during her meeting also signed into action her amended Constitution. The amendment, according to her National Secretary, Sir Ceecee Iloghalu, who presided over the last reading of the Constitution, said it was called for, due to its shortcomings over some issues that mattered to the association. The reading witnessed the tremendous contributions of the association members, board of trustees and legal advisers.
The Executive arm of SABOBA, having successfully governed the association for one tenure, was dissolved and returning officers selected immediately to anchor the election of new executive members. During the election which was based on the amended constitution, the dissolved executive members were unanimously re-elected into power with the exception of the financial secretary. Below are the names of the executive members with their portfolios.
Comr. Celestine Ostende Udoka Oguegbu. (National President)
Rev. Fr. Festus Chibuike Okoye (Nat. Vice President)
Sir. Chidubem Cee Cee Iloghalu (National Secretary)
Barr. Anthony Nwabueze Okoye (National Assistant Secretary)
Rev. Fr. Barnabas Okafor (National Treasurer)
Mr. Camillus Chigozie Ibe (National Financial Secretary)
Mr. Donald Chijioke Ebebe (National P.R.O)
Mr. Eugene Okwudili (National Provost)
The meeting and reunion recorded massive attendance of her members physically by those at home and virtually by members in diaspora who joined live through Zoom interactive platform. Other highlights of the event were the welcoming of their then Rector, Rev. Mgrs. Sylvester Mgbemfulu; swearing in of the newly elected executive which was done by the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Awka, Rev. Fr. Hilary BenEzenwa and the presentation of Miss Chinenye Onwuchekwe who works at SABOBA head office to SABOBANS.
