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St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, commemorated its 65th anniversary with a grand thanksgiving ceremony that celebrated faith, history, gratitude and a renewed commitment to the school’s future.

The milestone celebration, themed “St. Pius X Grammar School: Then and Now – A Red Carpet Reunion,” attracted alumni from across Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside church leaders, community stakeholders, students and friends of the institution, all of whom converged on the school premises.

A defining moment of the anniversary was the unveiling of a statue in honour of the late Chief James Izah, the pioneer and longest-serving principal of the school, who headed the institution from 1960 to 1969. The statue was unveiled by the Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Celebration, Chief Gerry Ossai, an alumnus, who recalled with deep emotion how Chief Izah personally admitted him into the school.

Chief Ossai described the late principal as a disciplined, humble and exceptional educationist, renowned for his mastery of English and Latin. He said the statue was erected to immortalise Chief Izah’s enduring influence on generations of students. He also recalled the historic 1964 visit to the school by Cardinal Montini—later Pope Paul VI—which he described as an early signal of the greatness the institution was destined to produce.

Earlier, a Special Thanksgiving Mass was held on the school grounds. Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Mokwunye drew from the biblical account of the Annunciation, emphasising faith, obedience and the assurance that “nothing is impossible with God.” He described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as an alma mater—a nurturing “kind mother” that forms, guides and shapes her children.

Reflecting on his journey from student to priest, Rev. Fr. Mokwunye urged students and alumni to honour both their biological mothers and their alma mater by upholding the values and discipline instilled in them. He commended the revival of the school, noting the growth in student population from about 46 to over 200, and called on old boys to sustain their mentorship and support.

In his address, the National President of the St. Pius Xth Grammar School Old Boys Association (SPOBA National), Chief Zealiwe Edmund Ojeogwu, traced the origins of the school to the early 1950s when the Onicha-Ugbo community conceived the idea. He explained that formal engagement with the Ministry of Education of the former Western Region began in 1957 through Chief S.M.C. Chiedu, culminating in approval in principle and eventual authorisation by the Catholic Diocese of Benin on November 7, 1959, following the payment of £2,000 to the Catholic Mission.

Chief Ojeogwu noted that the school was initially sited along the Onicha-Ugbo/Idumuje-Ugboko Road before being relocated to its present location. He recalled the challenges of the government takeover era and expressed gratitude for the return of the school to Catholic mission management in 2012, which he said restored discipline, values and academic excellence. He thanked alumni for their sacrifices and steadfast commitment to preserving the school’s legacy.

The Principal of the school and Chairman of the Education Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Chuks Ogbolu, described the anniversary as a moment of deep thanksgiving and reflection. He attributed the school’s serene environment and steady progress to the selfless contributions of past students.

Rev. Fr. Ogbolu paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Banye, for initiating the turnaround of the school from a state of neglect, and praised alumni who rallied to restore its lost glory. He noted that products of St. Pius Xth Grammar School are excelling both nationally and internationally, a testament to the discipline, industry and focus instilled by the institution.

While acknowledging the progress made, the Principal highlighted pressing needs, including infrastructural upgrades, functional CBT facilities and the provision of a standard school bus. He appealed to alumni for sustained support, describing the school as “a mother that must be honoured.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Organising Committee, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, said the celebration was dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of Piusians in government, business, education, the military and community service. He expressed appreciation to donors, volunteers, the SPOBA National Executive Council and members of the planning committee for their dedication.

The event also featured the inauguration of the SPGS Board of Trustees, the presentation of a commemorative compendium, adoption of a national constitution, project launches, award presentations and the cutting of the anniversary cake.

Distinguished alumni honoured at the event included Mr. Tony Elumelu, CFR; Chief Prof. Ibe Kachikwu; Maj. Gen. Laurence Fejokwu (rtd); Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei (rtd); Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON; and Barr. Andrew Odum, SAN, among others.

Chairman of the occasion and former Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Gerry Ossai, described St. Pius Xth Grammar School as a cradle of character and intellectual excellence, singling out the Class of 1984 for special commendation for their contributions.

The 65th anniversary celebration concluded on a note of gratitude, unity and renewed resolve, as alumni and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the standards and sustaining the proud legacy of St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, in the years ahead.