When Kuramo Old Students Honoured their Colleagues

Stories by Mary Nnah

It was an honour well deserved when members of the Kuramo College Old Students Association (KCOSA) decided to come together recently to honour a couple of their colleagues who had made not just KCOSA proud but their alma mater as a whole.

The occasion was the formal reception in honour of their colleagues, Mrs Bridget Iwinose Gold who was recently appointed the Director, Legal Services,  Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Mr. Johnny Ungwugwaye Agim, who was also recently made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Speaking during the event,  KCOSA President, Felix Uweribeno  said, “We have come here in support of progress and this is not just for Johnny and Bridget whom we are honouring  today as legal luminaries but for the glory of the entire school and members of KCOSA worldwide.” 

“Nothing good comes without commitment and today we see a defining example of how this commitment yields fruits by way of accomplishments and resounding acknowledgement by the accolades that must follow on the heels of any great achievement. And this is a moment when our Association must take as a sacred duty to honour those whom honour is due.”

Uweribeno explained that the duo were honoured because they had distinguished themselves in their professions and the process has brought honour to the school and this the association was so proud of.

“And in a time when our society has a penchant for honouring mediocrity, we have the privilege to celebrate at this level of accomplishment, standing for quality and authenticity and having the hallmarks of the true value of hard work and integrity. These are things our school installed in us growing up and we are glad their instruction has paid off “, the KCOSA president noted.    

While congratulating the honourees, the Chairman BOT of KCOSA, Pastor Francis Njoku, said, “I desire to see a more united and stronger KCOSA here in Nigeria and the diaspora. I want to hear of the exploits Of KCOSA members here in the county and in the diaspora. I know that God who has started it will continue to bring it to pass. We have come a long way; we have crossed so many waters and here we are today celebrating one another and we will continue to celebrate.”

Responding, one of the honourees, Mr Johnny Ungwugwaye Agim (SAN), said, “First I must say that I am elated and I lack the words to explain my feelings right now. I believe it is worth celebrating not just because I am a SAN today but as something that is a huge achievement for myself and the school. Because Kuramo College for those who know is a school that was considered for the children of the downtrodden – children who grew up in Maroko and the environs, so it is worth celebrating.  And for someone like me to grow up in that kind of environment and attain this height of  the legal profession is humbling and I thank God for the grace to have attained this success.”

While promising to be actively involved with the association’s activities as well as continue to contribute his quota, he said, “I understand that the essence of an association like this is to be able to mentor, encourage and show a good example  to those who want to achieve whatever success they  want to achieve in their different field of endeavour and so definitely they should expect that  and in whatever way they need me to contribute, I will give my best  to ensure that we don’t bring the name of the school to limelight but to equally let people know that irrespective of your background or wherever you are, you can equally get to the pinnacle of your chosen career.”

Iwinose on her part said, “I am happy to be here today and I thank you all for being part of this very special moment. In all honesty, it warms my heart to stand here and receive your heartfelt congratulations on my recent appointment as the Director of Legal Services at, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). I feel very honoured and your good wishes are very well appreciated.

She said the event was not just about appreciating her association’s achievements but she sees the occasion as a celebration of the strong spirit and togetherness that has defined KCOSA over the years.

“Again, I must sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share this joyous occasion with all of you that are here today and colleagues that have not been able to make it”, she said while noting that her husband,  immediate family and well-wishers have been her backbone.

“It’s a new dawn for me, to be honest, but one thing is sure, as I step into this new phase of my career, I will always feel a sense of responsibility and dedication. And I will carry the constant encouragement from colleagues, friends, family and as well as my driving force even as I face the challenges and opportunities that will come with it.

She promised that as a public servant, she would not do anything that would tarnish the image of KCOSA or her alma mater.  

“I promise to ensure that I stay true to the principles and ethics of integrity and steadfastness to my job”, she added.