THE MOUNT Saint Michael’s Secondary School Aliade Old Boys’ Association (AOBA) has elected a new National Executive Council, with Comrade John Odah emerging as the association’s new National President.
According to a communique signed by Dr. Ukeyima Adugu Gbileve, (Outgone) Caretaker Secretary and Chairman, Convention Planning Committee, the new leadership was elected at a Special National Convention of the association held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Mount Saint Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade, Benue State.
The convention, which was convened principally to elect a new national leadership for the association, coincided with the Feast Day of the school’s patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel.
The event also brought together old students who travelled from various parts of the country to participate in the convention and deliberate on issues affecting their alma mater.
The 73-year-old institution, founded in February 1953, marked the occasion in keeping with its tradition, beginning with the celebration of High Mass at the school’s chapel by the representative of the Bishop of Makurdi, Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Anagbe.
The Bishop was represented by Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ioryue, CSSP, Parish Priest of SS Peter and Paul, Aliade.
New Leadership Promises Action
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Odah, a member of the 1978 set and former General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, expressed appreciation to delegates for travelling from different parts of the country to attend the convention and for the confidence placed in the new executive.
Odah pledged that he and his colleagues would work assiduously to justify the mandate given to them.
He acknowledged the challenges before the new leadership and called on delegates to communicate to members in their respective branches and sets the need for collective action to address the problems identified by the school principal.
The new president disclosed that he had personally assessed the condition of the school and promised to work with the new executive to explore ways of giving the institution a new facelift.
In his message to the old boys, Rev. Fr. Ioryue said the Bishop, who is the proprietor of the school, holds members of the association in high esteem and had planned to attend the convention but was unable to do so because of unforeseen circumstances.
He urged members of AOBA to draw inspiration from Saint Michael the Archangel, whom he described as a protector and peacemaker who fought for the progress of Christ’s kingdom and against corruption.
He called on the old boys to emulate those qualities by protecting their alma mater and their various communities, while demonstrating good character and working for peace and progress in the school, the Diocese and wherever they found themselves.
School Seeks Urgent Intervention
According to the communique, the convention also provided an opportunity for the school’s authorities to draw the attention of the old boys to a number of challenges confronting the institution.
In his welcome address, the Principal of Mount Saint Michael’s, Rev. Father Moses Orti, appealed to the old boys to support the school in addressing what he described as pressing challenges.
Among the issues he highlighted were the deteriorating condition of staff quarters and students’ dormitories. He said the facilities required urgent attention to ensure that teachers and students could live and learn in a safe, decent and conducive environment.
The principal also raised concerns over encroachment on the school’s extensive land and property, stressing the need to preserve the institution’s integrity to guarantee its future development.
Other challenges identified included the provision and sustainability of adequate water and electricity supplies, as well as the reconstruction of St Luke’s House, which was gutted by fire some years ago.
Rev. Fr. Orti described AOBA as an important catalyst for the development and modernisation of the school, noting that Mount Saint Michael’s, in more than seven decades of existence, had produced human resources who had contributed to the development of Benue and other parts of the country.
He expressed confidence that the support, experience and commitment of the old boys would make a significant difference as the school seeks to overcome its challenges and sustain the quality of education, formation and character-building for which the institution is known.
Call For Peaceful Convention
Opening the convention at the school’s Assembly Hall, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Pius Ochefu, led delegates in singing the old school anthem.
Dr. Ochefu welcomed the old students and urged them to conduct the business of the convention peacefully in order to provide the association with a leadership capable of advancing its vision.
He reminded the old boys of the values expressed in the school anthem, particularly the call for Michaelites to stand for God and His glory.
The Board of Trustees chairman also encouraged delegates to use their presence at the school to personally observe the state of its infrastructure and work collectively towards making improvements.
Caretaker Committee Report
In its report, presented by Dr. Ukeyima Gbileve, the National Caretaker Committee outlined the circumstances surrounding its constitution by the Board of Trustees, its activities and the outstanding responsibilities awaiting the incoming national executive.
It also identified areas in which the association needed to intensify its efforts and called for stronger commitment from AOBA branches and sets to enable the incoming leadership to succeed.
New Executive
Others members of the newly elected national executive Mr. Michael Awange, Vice President; Mr. Samuel Yina, National Secretary; Mr. Michael K. Ogwuche, Assistant National Secretary; Mr. Anthony I. Oyih, National Treasurer, and Mr. Ito Andrew, National Financial Secretary.
Others are Mr. Elijah Agaku, National Publicity Secretary; Mr. Ogo M. Otegwu; National Social Secretary; Pastor Guda J. Mishi, National Auditor; Mr. Mark G. Ibiem, Esq., National Legal Adviser; and Dr. Emmanuel T. Amon, National Provost.
