The bonds of friendship forged in the classrooms and corridors of secondary school often stand the test of time, and for members of the Western Boys High School Old Boys Association (WOBA), Class of 1980, those bonds remain as strong as ever.
Last weekend, members of the class gathered in a warm atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration in Benin City, courtesy of one of their own, Mr. Gabriel Odabi, who is ordinarily resident in the United States of America and currently in the city on a visit.
The memorable get-together was hosted at the historic Ogiesoba residence of the late Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief D. U. Edebiri, providing an ideal setting for old friends to reconnect, reminisce, and strengthen the ties that have united them for more than four decades.
The event was marked by generous hospitality, with guests treated to an array of delicious local delicacies. The menu featured steaming bowls of goat pepper soup, well-prepared rice dishes, and sumptuous servings of pounded yam, accompanied by an assortment of drinks that kept spirits high throughout the gathering.
Beyond the food and festivities, the occasion underscored the enduring values of friendship, loyalty, and collective identity that continue to define WOBA Class of ’80.
In their separate remarks, prominent members of the association, including the Vice Chairman of WOBA Class of ’80, Mr. Richard Ogolo, Mr. Wellington Okpibhele, and Mr. Odoligie Edebiri, paid glowing tributes to Mr. Odabi for his unwavering commitment to the class.
They praised him for consistently hosting and entertaining members whenever he visits Nigeria, noting that his generosity and dedication have helped nurture a strong sense of belonging among classmates scattered across different parts of the world.
According to the speakers, Odabi’s effortsUse the information below to write a beautiful story for newspaper publication and use the writing style suitable for a soft sell magazine and lifestyle magazine.
Gabriel Odabi how is ordinarily resident in the United States of America is an old boy of Western Boys High School, (WOBA) Benin Class 80. He is in Benin City for a visit and decided to fete members of WOBA 80 in Benin City. The get together held the Ogiesoba residence of the late Esogban of Benin City, Chief D. U. Edebiri. There was a lot to eat and drink as members were treated to goat pepper soup, rice and pounded yam. The numbers present, including Richard Ogolo, the vice chairman of WOBA Clas 80, Wellington Okpibhele and Odoligie Edebiri in their various remarks eulogised Odabi on how he’s been feting members on his visits and his efforts to foster the clas as a family. have transformed the class into more than just an alumni association, fostering a family-like atmosphere where members continue to support and celebrate one another despite the passage of time and geographical distances.
For many in attendance, the gathering was a reminder that true friendship does not diminish with age. Rather, it grows richer through shared experiences, mutual respect, and the willingness to keep cherished relationships alive.
As laughter echoed through the venue and old memories were rekindled, the reunion once again demonstrated that the spirit of Western Boys High School’s Class of 1980 remains vibrant, united, and deeply committed to preserving the enduring brotherhood that began many years ago within the walls of their alma mater.
Present at the event was Shola Erhatiemwomon, Dr. Dave Otote, Sir Nath Cole, Elder Jesuorobo Imade, Patrick Ibizugbe and Henry Edebor, the host High Chief Gabriel Odabi amongst other old boys.