…Launch book chronicling school’s history

By Niyi Okiri

Members of the Old Boys Association, of Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, ACCIOBA, Edo State have held a global reunion where members from across the world met in Lagos at the weekend.

The occasion also witnessed the public presentation of a book chronicling the history of the school. The book was written by Prof.

Pius Akhimien of the Department of English Language, Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo.

This is just as the old boys said they have invested over N3.5 billion into the reconstruction of the college.
The Global President of the Association, Dr. Joseph Ohens, thanked all ACCIOBA branches, “especially the North America and Lagos branches for their monumental contributions to the reconstruction of the school’s ultra modern hostel complex, staff quarters, the principal’s house and other vital facilities, including the network of roads.

“Today, everything is brand new, thanks to the alumni’s unwavering support,” he eulogised.

Also at the event, the book, ‘The Making of a Great School’, authored by Prof. Akhimien, an alumnus of ACCI, was presented.

It chronicles the history of the over 70-year-old college, the don said the book was inspired by the need to document for posterity the story of Annunciation Catholic College, ACC, Irrua.

“We have four of the pioneer students of the college still living and, with their help, and that of other alumni members, we have been able to put the history of the school together in this book, from the time of the Founding Principal, Rev. Anselm Ojefua.

“It is a collector’s item that every old boy of the school and their families should read. It’s also available in audio and video. It is a story of triumph and, today, the college is more like a university,” Akhimien added.

The Lagos Branch Chairman of ACCIOBA, the host of the event, Mr. Efe Akhigbe, noted, “the occasion brought together old boys from various parts of the world, which largely made this gathering a success. We are fulfilled.”