Presidential candidate iof the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC), Peter Obi, has commended the alumni of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, for investing in the development of their alma mater.
Obi, who visited the school on Friday, October 16, praised the alumni for their collective efforts in providing infrastructure and improving the learning environment.
He said the initiative reflected the importance of giving back to society, particularly by investing in institutions that contributed to personal growth and development.
Obi, who was received by the President of the College Alumni Association, Dr Valentine Ozoigbo, said he was impressed by the projects executed by the association under Ozoigbo’s leadership.
The projects include a multipurpose hall, a dormitory complex, a sports complex and an ongoing five-storey staff quarters building.
He noted that the alumni were already planning additional projects and pledged to support their proposed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiative.
“This is what I have continued to preach: we must give back to society. Those of us who passed through primary, secondary and tertiary institutions have a responsibility to invest in them and remember the schools that helped shape our lives,” Obi said.
He urged alumni associations across Nigeria to emulate the CIC example, stressing that meaningful contributions do not depend solely on individual wealth but can be achieved through collective commitment and regular donations.
According to him, greater alumni involvement in school development would improve facilities, expand opportunities for students and reduce the burden on government.
Obi also encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, remain disciplined and work hard, assuring them that commitment and determination could help them achieve success in life.
He advised them to respect their teachers, maintain cordial relationships with them and continue to appreciate their guidance even after leaving school.
The former governor also praised the teachers for their dedication, particularly their efforts in maintaining the school’s cleanliness and promoting discipline among the students.
He reiterated the importance of education as an investment in the future, adding that stronger partnerships between alumni and their former institutions could help create better learning environments for younger generations.
Obi ended his message with his familiar slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
