St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, on December 20, 2025, marked its 65th anniversary with a colourful and well-attended celebration themed “St. Pius X Grammar School: Then and Now – A Red Carpet Reunion.”
The milestone event combined thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to the school’s future, drawing alumni from across Nigeria and the diaspora, Catholic clergy, community leaders, serving students, and friends of the institution.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a statue in honour of the school’s pioneer principal, the late Chief James Izah, who led the institution from 1960 to 1969.
The statue was unveiled by an alumnus and Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Chief Gerry Ossai, who paid glowing tribute to Chief Izah’s legacy of discipline, humility, and academic excellence, particularly his mastery of English and Latin.
Chief Ossai described the statue as a lasting symbol of institutional memory and excellence, and recalled the historic visit of Cardinal Giovanni Montini—later Pope Paul VI—to the school in 1964, which he said underscored St. Pius Xth Grammar School’s destined prominence.
The celebration commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass held on the school premises.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Mokwunye reflected on the biblical account of the Annunciation, emphasizing faith, obedience, and the boundless possibilities of God.
He described the school as a true alma mater that nurtures character and intellect, urging alumni and current students to uphold its long-standing values of discipline, morality, and service.
He also highlighted the school’s growth in enrolment from about 46 students to over 200, calling for sustained alumni support.
Speaking at the event, National President of the St. Pius Xth Grammar School Old Boys Association (SPOBA), Chief Zealiwe Edmund Ojeogwu, traced the school’s origins to community initiatives in the 1950s, culminating in formal approval in 1959 after the payment of £2,000 to the Catholic Mission.
He commended the return of the school to Catholic management in 2012, noting that it restored discipline, academic standards, and moral instruction.
The current Principal, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Chuks Ogbolu, expressed deep appreciation to alumni for rescuing the school from years of neglect, while acknowledging the foundational efforts of his predecessor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Banye.
He noted that graduates of the school are excelling in various fields across the world, but appealed for further support to improve infrastructure, including the provision of a CBT centre and a school bus.
Other highlights of the anniversary included the inauguration of a Board of Trustees, the launch of development projects, presentation of awards, adoption of a school constitution, and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
Distinguished alumni honoured at the event included renowned businessman Tony Elumelu, CFR; former Minister Prof. Ibe Kachikwu; retired Generals Laurence Fejokwu and Raymond Ochei; Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; and Barr. Andrew Odum, SAN, among others.
The celebration concluded on a note of unity and gratitude, as stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining St. Pius Xth Grammar School’s enduring legacy of character formation, academic excellence, and moral upbringing.
