Queen of the Rosary College Onitsha, Class of 1983, holds grand reunion after 42 years

By Sunny A. David, Awka

It was a celebration of friendship, unity, and nostalgia as members of the 1983 graduating set of Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, gathered for their 2025 reunion and convention.

The four-day event, hosted at Moonshine Residence in Uru Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State, brought together old classmates to rekindle bonds and celebrate four decades of shared memories.

The programme was marked by activities reflecting service, philanthropy, recognition, fitness, entertainment, and thanksgiving.

In her welcome address, the Association’s President, Prof. Viola Chinenye Udeze, praised the enduring commitment of members since the group’s inception, noting that their togetherness had grown into a family. She explained that the purpose of the reunion was to ensure that distance and time would never sever their connection with one another or with their alma mater.

“We are gathered today to re-connect, share achievements, inspire one another, and reaffirm our commitment to building better futures for ourselves and society,” Prof. Udeze stated.

A highlight of the reunion was the presentation of patronship awards to three distinguished men for their support and contributions: Engr. Ike Edward Amene; Igwe Gerald Mbamalu (Igwe Oranyelu I, Eze Ojoto III), and Prof. Victor Madubuko.

In addition, Dr. Ifeyinwa Madubuko, a former senior prefect of the class, was honoured for her benevolence and dedication to the association.

The Group also paid homage to traditional rulers, including H.R.H. Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, the Obi of Nnewi and Grand Patron of Anambra Traditional Rulers Council, as well as Igwe Gerald Mbamalu.

In a show of charity, they donated essential items to the Motherless Babies Home in Nnewi. Fitness sessions, including jogging and aerobics, added a lively touch to the reunion.

Speaking after receiving her award, Dr. Madubuko described it as a “monumental treasure,” appreciating her colleagues for their trust and recalling her journey from Nigeria to Russia on a federal government scholarship before eventually settling in the United States.

The pioneer President of the class, Lolo Ngozi Obi Anyabolu, expressed joy that her vision of unity had become reality.

“After 42 years, we are still one family, bound by love and friendship. This reunion proves that distance and time could not divide us,” she said.

Chair of the organizing committee, Amb. Chinenye Nebolisa-Amene, who flew in from the U.S., described the event as “absolutely inviting” and attributed its success to the resilience of members. She recalled that the class had previously renovated and equipped the school library.

Other members, including Chief Uju Oduyemi (Vice President), Dr. Ifeanyi Offor (Secretary), and Mrs. Emelda Ezeuzor (LOC Chair), all spoke of their pride, gratitude, and commitment to sustaining the group’s bond.

Several alumni, such as Mrs. Oby Nwanja, Dr. Ify Iloghalu, Mrs. Obiamaka Ikemefuna-Okoye, and Dr. Nneka Atuanya, described the event as colourful, exceptional, and deeply memorable, vowing to keep the spirit alive ahead of the 2027 edition.

The reunion concluded with a thanksgiving Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Uru-Umudim, Nnewi, where members made donations in appreciation.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Prof. Tochukwu Victor, Barrister Obiamaka Ifediche Madubuko, Mr. Mahmood Hadeja, Dr. Emma Nsoedo, and Mr. & Mrs. Amobi Chukwuka.

The 2025 QRC Class of ’83 reunion not only celebrated 42 years of friendship but also reaffirmed the Group’s legacy of service, unity, and commitment to community.