Mr. Joseph Ochigbo, a Senior Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated the need for old Students to contribute to the progress, growth and development of their Alma Mater.

Mr. Joseph said the roles of old Students to the success of their Alma Mater cannot be overstressed as government alone cannot do it all.

He made this known at Government Secondary School Riyom 42nd/43rd Graduation, Speech & Prize Giving Day which held on Saturday 13th July, 2019 where he served as Chairman of the occasion.

The event which held in the Examination Hall of the School was well attended by the graduands, their parents/well wishers, other students of the School as well as Old Students of the institutions. The event turned out to be memorable and historic event as old Students who have not seen each others for a long time were able to be together.

Mr. Joseph Ochigbo who graduated from the School in 1980 in his remark said the school played critical roles in their formative stage.

He said as Old Students, they are ready to give back to the School that played significant role in their lives.

He charged the graduates to be serious and live decent lives as they go into the wider world to further their studies. He maintained that the school has trained him and many others to become who they are today. He said the school is part of their success story urging the graduands to be good ambassadors of the School anywhere they may find themselves.
He commended the general academic performance of the school.
Mr. Ochigbo said the old students are willing and ready to join hands to help transform the School through their Association. He urged the Old Students to come together and work towards the progress and development of their Alma Mater.

Elder Bitrus Bako Nabasu mni, Federal Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology who is also a graduate of the School said he appreciates the school and holds it dear to heart.
He said the school must ensure it reclaim its prominence.
He admonished the graduating students to make the school proud and approach their future studies with utmost seriousness.
He called on government to employ and post quality teachers to the school who will make the school regain its past glory in excellence.

Hon. Bulus Bot, immediate past Commissioner of Physical & Urban Planning Plateau State commended the school for the epoch making event calling on the graduands to focus on developing themselves and good use of the social Media.
The National President, Riyom Old Students Association (ROSA), Mr. Yakubu Kadiya who was represented by the National Secretary, Cmr. Friday Bako said the place of the school in the lives of many is irreplaceable.
He said the school has produced great men and women who are doing the Country and continent proud in their various professions.
He said education is the foundation of the future and best legacy all parents must bequeath their children. He admonished the graduating students not to allow the freedom they will be enjoying in the wider world distract them or ruin them from achieving greatness. He charged them to pursue excellence, not to compromised their integrity and but live decent, godly and responsible lives so they can be useful to themselves and the society.
He said the registration of the Old Students Association with the Corporate Affairs Commission is at conclusive stage and said plans are in the pipeline to host a national congress, Dinner/Award Night of the Association.
He urged those who were awarded to use the recognition to spur them to perform better in the future.
He appreciated the First Lady of Plateau State, Her Excellency Mrs. Regina Lalong for lobbying and influencing the remodeling of the School under the ‘Lalong Legacy Project’
He also thanked all the Old Students who have been contributing immensely to the growth of their Association and the school at large.

Guest Speaker at the event, Elder Chom Bagu Deme a Civil Society Expert, spoke on the topic “Why we must take responsibility for our peace and security?”

Elder Bagu said the solution to violence and insecurity is nowhere than in the hearts of the people who started them.

He said the power and might of government in the country to control information and arms is not there.

He spoke on the proper and good use of the social media as tools for National unity, peace and development.

Baba Chom Bagu observed that war merchants are gaining seriously from the insecurity saying there is urgent and serious need to strengthen the national security to empower them towards optimal performance.

Mother of the Day, the Plateau State First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Regina Lalong who also graduated from the School was represented by the Education Secretary Jos South LGEA, Mrs. Paulina Pwajok congratulated the Graduands but charged them to discard irresponsible tendencies and abstain from illicit drugs which end result is destruction of the students, their potentials and bright future. She donated two laptop computers to the school as well as cash donation.

Principal of the School, Elder P. D. Gyang appreciated those who attended the event and thanked the efforts from the management/staff of the School, PTA and the Old Students Association who are working as a team with the common goal to see to the development and success of the school.
He presented the scorecard and challenges confronting the school.

A Graduate of the School, AIG Ibrahim Zanna who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Hadiza Zanna congratulated the Graduands charging them to display the good virtues they have learnt from the School. She said the school is still dear to her Husband who would had loved to be at the event but owing to his tight schedule he couldn’t. She also made donation on behalf of her Husband.

The Management Committee Chairman Riyom LGC said government will continue to implement policies that will enhance smooth and convenient learning environment. He said the Local Government Council has enlarged the I. C. T. Centre in the area to accommodate more students undertake their JAMB examination. He spoke on the importance of education and wish the graduating students brighter opportunities in their future endeavors.

Mrs. Mary I. Afan Permanent Secretary Teachers Service Commission Plateau State said government will continue to do its best in ensuring qualitative education is achieved in the State. She promised to work towards ensuring more staff are employed and sent to the school.

The Area Director of Education Riyom LGA, Mrs. Kangyang Dareng charged the graduands to remain focused and pursue excellence discarding tendencies that could ruin their lives.

The Chairman of the Parent Teachers’ Association of the School who is the Education Secretary Riyom LGEA, Hon. Davou Dambo urged parents to take the education of their wards seriously. He called on them to pay the school fees of their wards and also monitor their activities when they are home.

Prizes were given to deserving students who distinguished themselves academically.

Distinguished staff award went to Pastor Philip Kwol who has been a PTA Staff for 15 Years but performing exceptionally.
The Principal made case for his absorption as a full employee which the Permanent Secretary promised to do.

The event was colorful with special cultural performances by the students.

Old Students also took time to have group photographs and went round the school for sightseeing.

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Old Students Have Critical Roles to Play to the Progress of Their Alma Mater – Mr. Joseph Ochigbo