By PAULINA NZERUBE

Asagba Urges Auchi Polytechnic Alumni to Unite for Alma Mater’s Growth

THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, has urged graduates of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, to strengthen their unity and work together to advance their alma mater.

The monarch made the appeal when members of the Great Auchi Polytechnic Club (GAPC) visited him in Asaba ahead of their reunion activities.

He expressed concern over the division between the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association (APAA) and the club, describing the situation as unhelpful to members and the institution. According to him, closer cooperation among the different alumni groups would improve members’ welfare, strengthen their collective influence and enable them to contribute more effectively to the development of their former institution and society.

Unity as a Path to Institutional Growth

Prof. Azinge maintained that Auchi Polytechnic remained an institution its graduates should be proud of, having established a strong reputation through its academic programmes and the achievements of its alumni.

He noted that many graduates had distinguished themselves across various professional fields. He also commended their ability to maintain relationships and networks despite geographical differences.

However, he stressed that such achievements would have greater impact if alumni channelled their experience, resources and connections towards the institution that helped shape their careers.

The monarch therefore encouraged the club to make giving back to Auchi Polytechnic a central part of its reunion agenda. He explained that sustained alumni support could promote institutional growth, strengthen the welfare of graduates and increase the club’s relevance to society.

Asaba Welcomes Alumni Reunion

The Asagba expressed delight that the club had chosen Asaba as the venue for its reunion, noting that the decision reflected the growing attraction of the Delta State capital as a destination for meetings and social engagements.

He attributed the interest of groups and organisations in hosting events in the city partly to its peaceful atmosphere.

Beyond welcoming the delegation, the monarch invoked the blessings of the land upon the members and granted their request to visit the Asaba Massacre Memorial Monument at Ogbeosowe.

The proposed visit formed part of the delegation’s engagements during its stay in Asaba.

Club Explains Its Mission

Earlier, the club’s president, Pastor Ted Nevo, thanked the monarch for the warm reception and congratulated him on the celebration of his second coronation anniversary.

The Chairman of the club’s Board of Trustees, Tony Ekubo, also briefed the Asagba on the organisation’s objectives and activities.

Ekubo explained that the club was established 11 years ago as a distinct body comprising graduates of Auchi Polytechnic who shared common interests. Although separate from the institution’s alumni association, the club has maintained its own structure and programme of activities.

He added that the organisation uses its Annual General Meeting as an opportunity for members to reunite, with the gathering hosted in different regions of the country every two years. Asaba was selected as the venue for the current reunion.

According to Ekubo, the visit to the Asagba was intended to pay homage, seek royal prayers and blessings, and obtain permission to visit the Asaba Massacre Memorial Monument.

A Call to Turn Fellowship into Service

The monarch’s message placed alumni cooperation at the centre of the club’s responsibilities. Beyond reunions and professional networking, he encouraged members to use their collective achievements to support the institution that contributed to their development.

His appeal also highlighted the potential value of cooperation between alumni organisations. By identifying shared interests and working towards common objectives, such groups could broaden their capacity to support students, improve institutional facilities and contribute to wider community development.

For the Great Auchi Polytechnic Club, the reunion in Asaba therefore presents an opportunity to translate fellowship into practical support for its alma mater and society.