*Dr Chinedum Ahaiwe’s Umuahian Journey
Tha man, Dr Chinedum Israel Ahaiwe’s history and Commitment to Government College Umuahia, my Great Alma mater.
I started working for Umuahia in class 4 as Scout Master, and in Niger house in 1972, Niger House football Captain that won the School Football trophy in 1973. I was also a member of GCU football team under Mogambo and Egbukichi the East Central State Academical Stars. I was a Niger House Sub Prefect, later House prefect then House captain, Deputy School Captain and finally School Captain in 74/75. I left to University of Lagos while a student, was an errand boy to Prof Laz Ekwueme on Umuahian issues. I left to USA and was one of the Pioneer members and Constitution drafting committee member of GCUOBA USA Chapter under Prof Ukeje the Pioneer President. Dr Ukpong spent 2 weeks in my house in Baltimore strategizing on the first ever GCUOBA Restoration fundraising when I was the President of 4 states, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland Washington DC. We made restoration history with Nkele Onyema as President. On that day, I gave my personal original GCU School Captain’s tie, my life memorabilia for auction bought at $700.00. I was pioneer class captain ‘67’ and Chairman 2017 homecoming and hosted late Dan Nzenwa then GCUOBA National President from Lagos came to my house in Umuahia to join in strategies for success. Fed Govt of Nigeria invited me back to Nigeria as one of 23 members of NUC Linkages with Experts and Academic in Dispora Scholar (NUC LEADS) anchored in UNIABUJA and immediately I was elected as GCUOBA Vice Chairman Abuja branch for four years, then Abuja Chairman for 2 and half years and later overwhelmingly elected as GCUOBA National President in December 16, 2023. Fellow Umuahians, Late Dr Ukpong and Nwosu (Papa Doc) before death charged me to liberate the soul of GCU even when I had no intention to run for National President. They emphasized GCU landgate. Papa Doc in his last meeting in Abuja said “Ahaiwe keep your eyes on the ball” My goal now is to secure GCU boundaries, FENCE FENCE FENCE and sanitize and reform GCUOBA the best I can to do things in right honest Umuahian spirited way and create a sustainable path for the best future so that posterity will see a legacy that will not hunt us. We have established an Office for GCUOBA/FEDT Secretariat inside the GCU Compound instead of far away Victoria Island Lagos where some Old boys have dragged their fellow Old Boys to court. May we shine as one.
Dr Chinedum Ahaiwe, FAIPH
National President
GCUOBA
