ADDRESS BY MR. D. V. O. OMOIKHOJE, PRINCIPAL HTGS, SABONGIDDA-ORA, ON THE 7^TH FEB., 2004 AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF THE OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

The National President

National Executive Committee

Branch Executive Committees

Distinguished Old Students

Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the Staff and Students I welcome you to the 56^th Founders Day Annual General Meeting (AGM).  I thank God for granting you traveling mercies to this place.  It is interesting to note that the attendance this year is impressive.  This must be due to my passionate appeal last year for members to show more concern and commitment to our Alma Mater.

In that message, I also mentioned that some individual were already identifying themselves with the plight of the School.  I am very sure; many more Old Students will today follow those who are already doing something great and marvelous in the School by identifying themselves with one project or the other.

I am particularly happy today for there are significant changes in the School, compared to about 3 years ago, when I first addressed this gathering at the 53^rd AGM.  No doubt these changes are made possible by the collective actions of all of your.  I equally feel proud to be part of it, because my coming here has created the awareness and good environment for the Old Students Association to invest in the School.  I promise once again, that I will continue to do my best to justify the confidence repose on me.  There is nothing too much for us to show in appreciation for what H.T.G.S. has done in our lives.

1.         ACADEMIC REPORT

The problem of shortage of teacher continues unabated because of the incessant postings and transfers of teachers from the School.  Right now there are no teachers Mathematics, Government, English Language, Biology, Agric Science etc.  Where they exist, they are inadequate and the School has to make do with the services of part time teachers or Corps Members.

However, inspite of this poor Staffing position, the School still strives to maintain academic standard and excellence.  The performances of the School in the SSCE WAEC/NECO results have not still reached an enviable standard.  However, the Students individual performances increased in the numbers of distinctions and credits obtained.

It is necessary to highlight the results of Miss Cordilia Aiugbogun, the Head Girl of 2002/2003 Session, who got the best Students award at the last AGM in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Economics.  At the 2003 SSCE Results, she made 4 Distinctions and 5 Credits in WAEC and 6 Distinctions and 3 Credits in NECO (Seatable).

These results are fantastic particularly for a girl, she deserves to be encouraged.

2.         EXTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES

The School features in every extramural activity to expose the Students and also propagate the name of the School.  This is yielding the desired results as we continue to excel in all the events we participate.

(a)        The 2003 UNN Alumni Association Edo State Branch essay competition, Miss Mabel Saliu SS2 won the best 6^th position with 69.73% and was awarded N1,000 consolatory prize.

(b)        Miss Adizatu Umoro, SS2, came 2^nd in an essay competition organize by Restral Consulting firm from Lagos for 100 Students on the topic – WHO IS LEADER?  This led to her excursion to parts of Europe sponsored by Col. Solomon Giwa-Amu, in August 2003.  The third position which was won by Master Raymond Imadu also HTGS was not as lucky to go to Europe.

(c)        In Cultural dance, Since the School won the 3^rd Position at the National Theatre in Iganmu Lagos in early 20s, the School has continues to lead others in the Local Govt. Area and beyond.

(d)        The Inter Schools Debate in honour of the Late Barrister David Osemebo Eboreime, the School defeated Uokha Grammar School at the 2003 encounter.

(e)        Sports:-  The School has been doing very well in all sporting activities.  The School has regained the Sir/Lady Joe Okhiku Female Soccer Golden Cup for the 4^th time in 2003.

Miss Augusta Aihidimen SS2, got the highest goal scorer award and the best Female footballer for one year Scholarship by the Donor.

Master Daniel Ifidon, Miss Augusta Akhidimen and Miss Augustina Enagboro all in SS3 also qualified to go for the National Soccer camping at Owerri, Imo State, later this year.  You can see that we are still making breakthroughs as it was in the times of the Ijirigos and Macumazas.

3.         CONCLUSION:

This address will be incomplete if I do not express my profound gratitude to everyone who has made every success story possible particularly those who have within this period contributions in kind and cash to the development of this School.

May the Almighty God bless all of your in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Amen).

Thank you for listening, I wish you useful deliberations.

AD’ MAJOREM GLORIAM DEI

MR. D. V. O. OMOIKHOJE

PRINCIPAL