St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, marked its 65th anniversary with a grand thanksgiving celebration that blended faith, history, gratitude and renewed commitment to the future of the institution.
The milestone anniversary, themed “St. Pius X Grammar School: Then and Now – A Red Carpet Reunion,” brought together alumni from across Nigeria and the diaspora, church leaders, community stakeholders, students and friends of the school at the college premises.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a statue in honour of the late Chief James Izah, the pioneer and longest-serving principal of the school, who led the institution from 1960 to 1969. The statue was unveiled by the Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Celebration, Chief Gerry Ossai, an alumnus of the school, who recalled with emotion how Chief Izah personally admitted him into the school.
Chief Ossai described the late Izah as a disciplined, humble and outstanding educationist who taught fluently in English and Latin, noting that the statue was erected to immortalise his enduring influence on generations of students. He also recalled a historic visit to the school in 1964 by Cardinal Montini—who later became Pope—describing it as an early sign of the greatness the school would produce.
Earlier in the day, a Special Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at the school premises. In a homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Mokwunye, the cleric drew inspiration from the biblical account of the Annunciation, stressing faith, obedience and the truth that “nothing is impossible with God.” He described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as an *alma mater*—a “kind mother”—that nurtures, instructs and guides its children.
Rev. Fr. Mokwunye who reflected on his personal journey from student to priest, urged students and alumni to honour both their biological mothers and their alma mater by upholding the values and discipline instilled in them. He praised the revival and growth of the school, noting the rise in student population from about 46 to over 200, and called on old boys to continue mentoring and supporting the institution.
In his address, the National President of the St. Pius Xth Grammar School Old Boys Association (SPOBA National), Chief Zealiwe Edmund Ojeogwu, traced the historical roots of the school to the early 1950s when the Onicha-Ugbo community conceived the idea. He explained that formal engagement with the Ministry of Education of the former Western Region began in 1957 through Chief S.M.C. Chiedu, leading to approval in principle and eventual authorisation by the Catholic Diocese of Benin on November 7, 1959, after the payment of £2,000 to the Catholic Mission.
According to Chief Ojeogwu, the school was initially located along the Onicha-Ugbo/Idumuje-Ugboko Road before being moved to its present site. He recalled the challenges faced during the period of government takeover and expressed gratitude for the return of the school to Catholic mission management in 2012, which, he said, restored discipline, values and academic standards. He thanked alumni for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to sustaining the school’s legacy.
The Principal of the school and Chairman of the Education Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Chuks Ogbolu, described the anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection. He said the serene environment and progress recorded by the school were largely due to the selfless contributions of past students.
Rev. Fr. Ogbolu paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Banye, for initiating the turnaround of the school from a state of decay, and commended alumni who rose to the challenge of restoring the institution’s lost glory. He noted that products of St. Pius Xth Grammar School is excelling nationally and internationally, a testament to the discipline, industry and focus imparted by the institution.
While acknowledging progress made, the Principal highlighted pressing needs, including infrastructural upgrades, functional CBT facilities and the provision of a standard school bus, calling on alumni to rally together to address them. He described the school as “a mother that must be honoured” and appealed for sustained support.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Organising Committee, Sir. Patrick Ejidoh, said the celebration was dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of Piusians across government, business, education, the military and community service. He expressed appreciation to donors, volunteers, the National Executive Council of SPOBA and members of the planning committee for their commitment to the success of the celebration.
The event also featured the inauguration of the SPGS Board of Trustees, presentation of a commemorative compendium, adoption of a national constitution, project launches, award presentations and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
Awards were presented to distinguished alumni, including Mr. Tony Elumelu, CFR; Chief Prof. Ibe Kachikwu; Maj. Gen. Laurence Fejokwu (rtd); Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei (rtd); Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON; and Barr. Andrew Odum, SAN, among others.
Chairman of the occasion and former Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, *Chief Gerry Ossai, described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as a cradle of character and intellectual excellence, singling out the Class of 1984 for special commendation for their contributions to the school.
The 65th anniversary celebration ended on a note of gratitude, unity and renewed resolve, as alumni and stakeholders pledged continued commitment to advancing the standards and legacy of St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, in the years ahead.
