It was a moment of reunion for the 1978 set of Government Secondary School, Koton-Karfe Old Students Association (GSSKKOSA), then in Kwara State, now Kogi State, when they gathered at popular JB Motel, Lokoja, to rejoice themselves after a long time departure from school.
The coming together looked like old wine in a new bottle after long seeing each other, hence culminating to hugging and exchanged of pleasantries, open up discussions about life after leaving school and memories of school days.
The moment was filled with joy, excitement and happiness for excelling in their various professional callings and seeing themselves alive to reunite again.
In his opening address, the chairman of the ’78 set of GSSKKOSA, Alhaji (Dr.) Nasiru Bala Salisu, the Katuka of Lokoja thanked Almighty God for making it possible to be together and for his classmates various contributions to the association.
He disclosed that the occasion marks the second reunion meeting of ’78 set, and that the first was held on 6th of November, 2021 at same venue and that it has taken them another period of three years to reconvene again, gives thank to Almighty God.
The former Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, further explained that between then and now, they lost two members, Late Mr. Julius Ariko, and Alhaji Abdulkarim Ibrahim, and others before them, prayed God continue to grant them eternal rest, and for those of them still alive, give God the grace for good health and life.
The Katuka of Lokoja, enumerated some of the association’s achievements under view, saying the set facilitated the renovation of the school hall with a grant of four hundred thousand naira, (N400,000) and of the project which was done through the Kogi State Community Development Agency, and thank members for their approval.
He further stated that the set assisted late Mr. Julius Ariko with the sum of one hundred thousand naira, (N100,000) when he was hospitalized, and also supported Alhaji Adamu Alabi with the sum of fifty thousand naira, (N50,000) towards his turbaning ceremony, as the Matawale of Lokoja in September, 2025.
The Katuka of Lokoja, who is also a Member of Kogi State House of Assembly Service Commission, further added that recently, members donated money to purchase a Smartphone for one of their female members, Mrs Abisetu, that cost ninety eight thousand naira, (N98,000) which suppose to be presented to her at the occasion but was absent due to an accident she had about three weeks ago; wishing her quick recovery.
The chairman expressed his sincere appreciation to the host, Chief Julius Biodun Arojojoye, JP, for the venue, provision of chairs and accommodation for classmates that passed the night, and prayed God continue to keep them for one another, wishing all members a peaceful reunion meeting and God’s journey mercy to their various destination.
In his remarks, the host, who is the Proprietor of JB Motel, Ltd, Lokoja, a businessman, Politician and a Philanthropist, Chief, Hon. Julius Biodun Arojojoye, JP, welcomed all members and appreciate them for the honour done him to host them.
Chief Julius highlighted that the purpose of the coming is together is to fraternize and get acquainted with one another after a long period of departure after leaving school and that he is highly elated for seeing themselves excelled in their various field of endeavour.
He said their coming together is very important as it will go a long way to foster unity and build a stronger relationship that existed between them while they were students .
The business mogul also urged all GSSKKOSA members to endeavour to attend their meetings inorder to join hands to build up the society in their own way and to assist one another when the needs arises.
The Dan Baba as usually fondly called by the chairman, the Katuka of Lokoja, briefed members on his sojourn on how he joined them as a student of GSS, Koton-Karfe, says it was rough but saw the light at the end of the tunnel and that today they are all together celebrating as GSS, Koton-Karfians.
He boosted the association by donating the sum of N500,000, Barrister Sunday Omoroge SAN donated N500,000, Retired PermSec. Ministry of Justice, Barrister Etsu Umar Mohammed donated N1, million and donations poured in from members.
In a related development, the 1975 and other set also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Government Secondary School, Koton-Karfe which was established in 1975. The ’75 set also joined the ’78 set for the come together meeting and party at JB Motel, Lokoja.
Earlier on, Chief Julius Biodun Arojojoye hosted them to a get together mini party where DJ Sagbata thrilled and dished out to them Old Skools collections.
Those that graced the occasion includes: Alhaji Nasiru Bala Salisu, the Katuka of Lokoja, Hon. Julius Biodun Arojojoye, Barrister Sunday Omoroge, SAN, Barrister Etsu Umar Mohammed, Mr. Abdul Aneke, Head of Department, Federal College of Education, Okene, Alhaji Ado Shu’aibu, Retired PermSec. Alhaji Hamidu Shu’aibu, Alhaji Kenchi Ibrahim and host of others.
