By JIDAUNA DARING
The Global President of the Saint Anne’s Secondary School, Otukpo Global Association of Past Students (SASSOCAPS), Mrs. Bridget Aladi Otote, has commended the Jos branch of the association for being the first to host their maiden global convention.
Mrs. Otote gave the commendation during the SASSOCAPS 2025 annual convention, held at the Silk Suites Hotel, Zaramaganda, Rayfield Road, Jos, with the theme: ‘Beyond memories, giving back and moving forward’.
The president charged members: “My highly respected alumni members, what we have done for ourselves dies with us, while what we have done for others and the world remains, and is immortal. Our moving forward can be likened to life being like a bicycle, where we must keep riding to maintain balance.”
She added: “Our memories are the only paradise from which we can never be expelled. We can never rewind life to restart the beginning, but we can always start where we are and change the ending. As they say: ‘The day you wake up is your morning.’”
Mrs. Otote further urged members who had remained inactive to “come forward and change the narrative in SASSOCAPS.”
She noted that the convention provided a golden opportunity to relive these memories, stating that both physical attendees and online participants would create moments that last only for seconds but whose memories live forever as timeless treasures.
“As long as we keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things out of curiosity, it will lead us down new paths. Success is not final, failure is not fatal, but what counts is the courage to continue,” she said.
She also emphasised that real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present.
“When one takes action for others, one’s own suffering is transformed into the energy that can keep one moving forward,” she explained.
The president used the occasion to appreciate members, particularly the foundation members and leaders for laying the foundation, with special reference to the Platinum Set, popularly known as the Oracles (the 70s set).
She also acknowledged sisters in the diaspora who sacrificed financially and otherwise to support the mission.
Earlier, the chairperson of the Jos branch, Stephanie Oyilom, welcomed all members to the SASSOCAPS 2025 Convention.
“This gathering is a testament to the strong bond we share as alumni of St. Anne’s Secondary School, Otukpo. Let us celebrate our Alma Mater’s legacy, share knowledge, and forge meaningful connections for the benefit of our school.”
Oyilom encouraged members to enjoy the fellowship, networking opportunities and talks aimed at rebuilding the school’s legacy.
Speaking separately with THE NIGERIA STANDARD, some alumni expressed gratitude to the global leadership and members for keeping the association alive.
They promised to continue growing the association and emphasised the importance of encouraging every set to participate actively.
The alumni expressed optimism that the association would continue to grow globally and strengthen over time.
Our correspondent reports that the event featured a dinner night and Sunday Thanksgiving at St. Finbarr’s, Rayfield, Jos.