By Egwuonye Ujuaku
It was Jubilation galore at the famous Moonshine Residence, Uru Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State, as the Alumni of the prestigious class of 1983, Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, marked their 2025 reunion and convention.
The reunion was a bid to strengthen their unity and spirit of oneness that had kept them for four decades and two years, after their secondary school education.
The memorable event, marked recently, was a fabulous show of service, commitment, magnanimity, philanthropy, appreciation, recognition, healthy living and fitness, elegance, entertainment, thanksgiving, and above all, solidarity.
In her opening remarks at the event, the president of the association, Prof. Viola Chinenye Udeze, acknowledged the unwavering support, care and concern unequivocally exhibited by the members since inception, which she said, has strengthened and galvanized them into a family.
Stating the objective for the reunion, Prof. Udeze said QRC Onitsha, Class of 83, converged in Nnewi to ensure that distance and time did not separate them from their alma-mater after forty two years of acquiring secondary school education.
“We are gathered today to re-connect and strengthen the bond among us, to share and celebrate individual achievements, to inspire and motivate each other, and to rekindle our relationships and commitments in building better future for ourselves and humanity,” she said.
Hallmark of the event was the presentation of patronship awards to three deserving, supportive, successful, pragmatic, resourceful men namely: Engr. Ike Edward Amene, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu (Igwe Oranyelu1, Eze Ojoto 111), and Prof. Victor Madubuko.
Similarly, as a mark of recognition for her benevolence, hospitality, enthusiasm and passion for QRC, Dr. Ifeyinwa Madubuko was also honoured.
Earlier, the group paid courtesy visits to the longest living monarch in Africa, H.R.H Igwe Dr. K.O.N Orizu III, CON, JP (Igwe Nnewi and Grand Patron, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council) and H.R.H. Igwe Gerald Mbamalu (Igwe Oranyelu1, Eze Ojoto 111).
They also visited the Hotherless Babies Home, Nnewi, where they donated valuable items. Keeping fit was also a highlight of the event as members engaged in jogging and aerobic exercises.
Reacting to her award, the senior prefect of QRC Class of 83, Dr. Ifeyinwa Madubuko, said the award was a monumental treasure to her. While appreciating her colleagues for believing in her, and praying for patronage for Moonshine Residence, she said, “Serving as a senior prefect in 1983 was a turning point in my life, because, I probably did my best by studying hard and exhibiting good conduct in the discharge of my duty.
“I thank my brother, the C.E.O of Moonshine Residence, for his massive consideration. He gave us 75% rebate in the apartment rates. I wish him all the best in his hospitality businesses.”
Highlighting the importance of education, Dr. Madubuko said, “I travelled to Russia courtesy of the federal government scholarship scheme for my academic pursuit from first degree to doctorate degree, before migrating to U.S.A.”
In an interview with the pioneer president of the class of 1983 QRC, Onitsha, Lolo Ngozi Obi Anyabolu, who double as a Distinguished Member of Igwe Ojoto Royal Cabinet, said she felt elated to be the brainchild of the association, saying that her dream of uniting the group has been achieved.
In her words, “As the pioneer president, I feel fulfilled seeing that my dream of unifying us has come true. After forty two years, we are here as a formidable team, united in love, communal living, sharing as one big family, reaching out to one another. I am truly glad that distance and time did not divide us.”
In her remarks, chairman of the organizing committee, Amb. Chinenye Nebolisa-Amene, expressed her delight. According to her, “I flew in from the United States for this reunion. It is a biannual event. I dedicate the success of this programme to the tenacity, contributions and corperations of our members. I am thrilled to be here at Moonshine Residence, Nnewi. The ecstasy, the aura, the ambiance is absolutely inviting.”
On the contribution of the class of 1983 to QRC, Amb. Amene said few years ago, the set renovated and equipped the library for the students.
Also, the Vice-President of the association, Chief Uju Oduyemi, maintained that her alma matter is still a school to beat academically and morally. She described the 2025 reunion as a fascinating one.
She said, “Without mincing words, we had a reunion two years ago in Lagos, but this 2025 edition is simply fascinating and fabulous. It is simply the best of all.”
Secretary of the association, Dr. Ifeanyi Offor, said she felt so proud and inspired to partake in the 2025 reunion. She disclosed that the cord that binds the class of 83 would not be broken.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mrs. Emelda Ezeuzor, thanked members and all their benefactors, especially the Madubukos, for their inestimable roles.
A member of the 1983 class, Mrs. Oby Nwanja, said the reunion was colourful with huge blessings. She said the memories would linger for a long time. While thanking organizers and donors, she said she wouldn’t wait to partake in the 2027 edition.
Another member, Dr. Ify Iloghalu, beaming with smiles, said the class of 1983 was unique and blessed. She wished all members the best in their endeavours, saying that she was praying and looking forward to celebrating the 2027 convention with all the members in good health.
Mrs. Obiamaka Ikemefuna-Okoye, speaking, submitted that the 2025 reunion was spectacular in all ramifications. “I mean this reunion is the best of it’s kind. I see it as a stupendous event. I am rating it 100% exceptional,” she said.
The Refectory Prefect, Class of 83, Dr. Nneka Atuanya, joyfully said, “I give kudos to our set because, we are immortalizing Q.R.C, Onitsha.
The convention was a success story, ranging from cutting of the cake, cultural display, donations and award presentations.”
Mrs. Ngozi Okoye, who compered the Gala Nite did justice to it by ensuring a lively and lovely atmosphere alongside other members.
The 2025 reunion was wrapped-up with thanksgiving service at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Uru-Umudim, Nnewi, where members made donations for the apostolate.
Dignatries that graced the occasion include: Prof. Tochukwu Victor, Barr. Obiamaka Ifediche Madubuko, Mr. Mahmood Hadeja, Dr. Emma Nsoedo, Mr. and Mrs. Amobi Chukwuka.
