26 Years After Leaving BMGS, NYCOP President Returns With Books, Message Of Hope
Twenty-six years after leaving the classrooms of Birabi Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori, President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Comrade Barinuazor Emmanuel, has returned to his alma mater with a message of hope and a donation of school books to students.
Emmanuel, who is also the JRCO Leader, said his return to BMGS as the President of NYCOP was a testimony to the power of education, determination and commitment.
Addressing the principal, staff and students during his visit, Emmanuel recalled his days as a student of the school, noting that he once sat in the same compound, wore the school uniform and occupied the same type of classroom seat as the students before him.
He said returning 26 years later in a leadership capacity should serve as an encouragement to the students that their own future remained full of possibilities.
“Twenty-six years ago, I was a student of this great school, BMGS. I sat in this same compound, wore this same uniform, and sat on the same chair where you are sitting today. Today, by the grace of God and through education, I return to this same school as the President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People, NYCOP,” he said.
Emmanuel explained that the donation of the books was in fulfilment of NYCOP’s constitutional mandate to promote the educational advancement of the Ogoni people.
He referenced Article 2, Aims and Objectives, Paragraph 10 of the NYCOP Constitution, which mandates the organisation “to encourage and promote educational, economic, cultural and advancement of the Ogoni people.”
“That is our mandate and we are here to live it,” he said.
The NYCOP President urged the students to take their studies seriously, saying many of them could grow to become governors, doctors, engineers, lawyers and future leaders of NYCOP and MOSOP.
“When I look at you today, I don't just see students of BMGS. I see many leaders among you. I see future governors, doctors, engineers, lawyers, and future Presidents of NYCOP and MOSOP,” Emmanuel said.
He encouraged the students to aim high, drawing from his own experience as a former student of the school.
“If I could make it from this same BMGS to become President of NYCOP, you too can make it to the top. But it will only happen if you take your studies seriously,” he told the students.
Emmanuel also cautioned the students against cultism, drug abuse and violence, urging them to make education and personal development their priorities.
“Say no to cultism, say no to drugs, say no to violence. Choose books over guns. Choose education over cultism. BMGS is known for producing great leaders, not cultists,” he admonished.
He described the donated books as a token of love and encouragement from NYCOP, urging the students to make good use of the materials, read widely and strive to make BMGS and Ogoniland proud.
“These books we are donating today are our token of love and encouragement. Use them well. Read them and make BMGS and Ogoniland proud,” he said.
The NYCOP President assured the students that the organisation remained committed to supporting young Ogonis and encouraged them to remain focused on their education.
He concluded with the council’s message: “Think Ogoni, Think Peace.”
Emmanuel also wished BMGS and Ogoniland continued progress, saying NYCOP was proud of the students and would continue to support their educational development.
