Women

Harbour Road Girls Class 83: Celebrating 40 Years Of Uncommon Bond

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2023

Forty years in the life of an individual or institution is a remarkable feat that attracts attention, either on a note of celebration or villainy. For Class ’83 of former Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt it was a moment of celebration. The old classmates came together to solidify their unbroken union and camaraderie of forty years in a grand and unique style.
For four days, the old girls gathered together, not in their dormitories of old in the school, but in a cosy environment of Kristov’s House, a hospitality outfit in Government Reserved Area (GRA), Phase Three, Port Harcourt, from where they relived experiences and shared moments of joy and ecstasy.
The four-day reunion commenced on Thursday, July 6 2023, with joyous arrival of the old girls, who came in from within and outside Rivers State. The joy was more electric when those from the Diaspora arrived to the warm embrace of those who had never met each other in the last forty years.
The arrival was commemorated with fun, music, especially the dance hall rhythms of the late 1970s and 80s. It was spiced up with enough barbeque and assorted drinks. As each member arrived the hotel, she was greeted with shouts of joy, and the nickname she bore while in school.
It was a gathering of alumni with shared identity and fate anchored on a common bond and fellowship dating back to their formative years at the then Government Girls Secondary School, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt, now Methodist Girls High School(MGHS).
The event was reflective, momentous and enthralling as some of the old students were meeting themselves once again 40 years after graduation.
The programme was spanned to accommodate the line- up of events, which included mentorship training for the students of the school, health, wellness and entrepreneurship talks for members, award presentations, dinner night and special thanksgiving service.
Apart from sharing the fun of yesteryears through the nostalgic reunion, the central theme of the programme was to draw attention to the development of the education system, and address the festering rot in the system.
Thus, Day Two of the reunion featured the “Back to School” programme, aimed at inspiring the students and also giving back to the school through various donations.
These included paper presentation by popular Nollywood actress and an old girl of the school, Hilda Dokubo, who spoke on “Mentoring the Girl Child and Current Realities”, Mrs Ivy Ayanaba Etokakpan, a media expert who spoke on “Benefits of Social Media/Online Marketing”, and Mrs Adiki George, a health practitioner and member of the Set who spoke on, “Self Examination and Discussing with Parents/Mentors”.
Highlight of the Day Two event was the presentation of two Posthumous Honours Awards to Mrs Elfrida Eneni Abrakasa (1978-79) and Dr (Mrs) Boma Iyagba(1979/81),former distinguished principals of the school. Other award presentations and cash gifts were to five former teachers who taught the Set, some of whom were traced up to the day of the award presentation.They include Mrs Binan Ajmani(Indian), Dr (Mrs) Seniba Ariweriokuma, Elder (Mrs) Henrietta Fashola, Mrs Evelyn Akparanta and Mrs Florence Amiesimaka.
Also, as part of the presentation, 40 students of the Alma Mater were honoured in areas of academic excellence and extra curricular activities. Of this number, five best students received cash gifts.
Furthermore, two MGHS teachers were given awards as the best and longest serving staff of the school.
To round up the day, there was old students/current students dancing.
Another highlight of the reunion was the Dinner Party held at the Chinese Restaurant of Visa Karena Hotels in Port Harcourt on Saturday 8th July to mark Day Three of the reunion. Glamorous outfits adorned by the old girls was astonishing, fascinating as they sparked up the dinner night with their elegant appearances. They were joined at the occasion by spouses, relatives and selected old boys and girls associations (Class of 1983), of Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, A.C.M.G.S. Elelenwo and Holy Rosary College, Port Harcourt. Also, in attendance were the President, Prof (Mrs) Blessing Ahiauzu and members of the Executive of GGSS/MGHS Harbour Road Alumni Association.
The Pioneer President of the Association, Prof (Mrs) Hope Ilanye Bell-Gam was also in attendance with her spouse, Prof. Winston Bell-Gam.
The Dinner Party was chaired by Senibo Celestine Ogolo, a renowned journalist, author and administrator who commended the ’83 Set for their uncommon vision and urged them to remain united to attain greater heights.
Addressing guests at the Dinner, the Pioneer President of the Harbour Road Old Girls Association, who was also the Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Hope Bell-Gam described the Class ’83 of the school as exceptional in their vision.
To spice up the Dinner, was a talk on Health/Wellness presented by a Certified Health Coach based in the United States of America and a member of the set, Mrs Magdalene Jack-Boyle.
Highlight of the night was the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentation of honourary awards to three members; Mrs Magdalene Jack-Boyle, Mrs Adiki George and Lady Delphine Ekpenyong for their dedication towards the success of the 40th anniversary celebration. Also, two members and their spouses; Mr Frank/ Mrs Martha Alli and Senibo Celestine/Dr.(Mrs) Ibinabo Ogolo for their commitment to the Class ’83 over the years and success towards the 40th Anniversary celebration.
To round off the celebration, the class went for a Thanksgiving Service at Wesley Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Port Harcourt.
For members who attended the event, Mrs Precious Vivian Eli-Shama-Vice Chairman,40th Anniversary Committee and resident in Abuja, thanked God that the aim of the reunion was achieved where members of repute came in from round the globe to celebrate each other. Also, Dr (Mrs)Leah Wokoma, said that the 40th anniversary was a wonderful experience with refreshingly unforgettable memories. Another member, Princess Ibinabo Ogan-Ukachu, resident in Canada said, “the event was amazing and wonderfully organised. I do not regret coming down for it”.
Also, Ala Akiri, resident in United Kingdom said “the event was wonderful. I enjoyed every bit of it”.
Other members that followed the reunion activities via social media platforms commended the organisers for a job well done. For Mrs Doris Verchuur, resident in Netherlands, “the event was phenomenal, gorgeous and beautiful. I will not miss it next time for anything”.
Wakaebinyo Inengite, resident in Canada stated that every segment of the event was awesome.The planning was excellent.
Also, a former teacher who followed the events online, Mrs Evelyn Akparanta, resident in the United States of America said she was overwhelmed by the award.”I never dreamt that I would be honoured by you girls in my life time.Thank you”.
Veterans of the institution were on ground to cheer up the celebrating old girls and gave them a pat on the back for remembering and assisting in the development of their Alma Mater.
The Global President of GGSS/MGHS, Harbour Road Alumni Association, Prof Blessing Ahiauzu was particularly impressed about the comportment of the Class ’83 of the school, for the unity of purpose and making positive impact in the mentorship of the younger generation.
On his part, the Principal of the school, Rev Daniel Marcauley thanked the Class ’83 for their contributions.
Describing the set as good role models, the principal commended them for becoming worthy ambassadors of the school and urged the students to copy their good examples to improve their lives.
He said, “I’m proud to be associated with the Class ’83 of this great institution, they have consistently demonstrated great concern for the development of this school through their kind heartedness, we are ready to partner with them to move the school to greater standards”.
On her part, the Senior Prefect of 1979 Set, Mrs Jessie Shaw-Nwele who was specially invited for her benevolence towards the ’83 Set during their starting years thanked and congratulated the set for remembering and honouring her after 44 years and for a well thought out programme to celebrate 40th years after school.
Some of the schools that were invited said it was worthy of emulation and some said they were going to organise their own 40th anniversary soon.
The Leader of the Set, Mrs Martha Frank-Alli expressed gratitude to God for keeping the ’83 Set of the institution in unity 40 years after graduation.
Summing up the entire four- day event, the Secretary of the Set, Dr (Mrs) Ibinabo Celestine Ogolo, said the enduring unity and love among the ’83 set have helped them to remain focused and shaped their vision of giving back to the society.
Commenting on the overall event, Lady Delphine Ekpenyong who chaired the 40th Anniversary Committee, said the event was remarkable as it united members of the Set from all over the world.
About 50 members of the Class of 1983 were physically present for the anniversary.

By: Taneh Beemene

Women

Girl-Child Development And Early Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

Early marriage occurs when the persons involved are in the ages of 13 and 15 years. In fact any marriage contracted before the age of 18 is termed early marriage.

Early marriage has become a problem affecting many nations, cultures, religion and ethnic groups.

In early marriage, the girl-child is always the one to suffer the consequences because it is associated with many problems. In most cases the partner, that is the man is usually older and more experienced. In the first place, she may not have completed her secondary education to be more knowledgeable in making the right choice in terms of marriage.

A situation where a 13-year-old girl will be forced and given to a 50-year-old man in marriage should be condemned. This may happen due to certain reasons. The truth is that some of the marriages involving minors as we have seen do not last. The cause of some divorce cases in recent times are as a result of early marriages. After marrying in ignorance, when the girl becomes aware of things she never knew before the marriage will begin to make moves to quit. I have seen a girl whose parents forced into marriage with an old man. When she later saw that her mates were getting married to younger men she simply withdrew. Others may demand to complete their secondary education or to further into tertiary institutions.

Parents will sometimes push their girl-child into marriage feeling that she is a burden to them, so giving her out in marriage will reduce the liability on them. Some parents are of the opinion that girls who go into marriage on time, will have more chances of pregnancy and children than graduates. Anybody can still have children after school, it just depends on planning.

I want to say that the problems associated with early marriage outweigh the gains. There is also this inequality between boys and girls which emanates from harmful social and gender norms, they will say the incomes they have should be used to train their male children since the girl will leave the parents’ family one day while the male child will remain.

Parents think that when girls get married on time, it will protect them from violence and insecurity, but in our society today, mature married women are also kidnapped and raped.

Others feel that younger wives are more submissive than the older ones as well as dowries paid on younger ones are less than when the woman becomes a graduate and gets more mature.

Many early marriages had caused our girls to drop out of school. In these days of civilisation, socialisation and computer age, even if a girl completes her secondary education at 18, it is still early. An 18-year-old girl needs more awareness on marriage. Marriage is not something you jump in and out, it has to do with maturity in mind, soul and education.

Education acquired in character and in learning will guide her in managing herself when she finally settles down. With this level of education and empowerment, she can cope when the spouse is not doing enough.

I have seen a situation where a girl who got married with a school certificate requested to further her education and the husband refused and said she must give birth to children as much as he wants first. If the man is not a graduate may be apprehensive that the woman will become his rival one day.

Most underage in marriage usually end up as full-time housewives. Being a full-time housewife has its own implications. A wife without empowerment that will depend on her husband for everything. When her demands are not met troubles may occur.

When a girl gets married at a tender age, the right choice may not be there. Recommendation comes through friends, relatives and well-wishers. This kind of marriage comes with persuasion and at the end of the day problems occur because she never made the choice herself. When a lady gets mature before marriage, she can handle issues that may arise. She chooses her spouse herself perhaps after courtship, in this case, will not blame anyone if problems arise.

Pregnancy and childbearing have to do maturity. A minor or an adolescent who is unable to manage herself going into marriage will definitely end up frustrated. One who behaves like a baby cannot take care of another baby. At night she may fall asleep and abandon the baby while he or she is crying.

In girl-child pregnancy, the danger of being infected with one form of disease or the other is there. Underage mothers have difficulty in labour because according to medical experts the muscles in the hip and all the mechanism that facilitate delivery may not have developed. The cervix and the uterus which connect the womb may be affected which can lead to cervical cancer. The complication to lead to the death of both mother and child.

Furthermore, early marriage can occur when a man forcefully impregnates a girl and the parents ask the man to take her for a wife, the man could decide to drop her later. When that happens the girl becomes a single parent. This is a situation parents should guide against.

To put a stop to this in our society, government should enforce laws that will protect girls from forceful marriages and rape cases. Any rape case concerning our girls should be taken serious and the perpetrator be brought to book.

I call on the Ministry of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of protecting the girl-child and women to review policies and programmes that will educate communities and our schools at secondary and tertiary levels on the dangers associated with girls and early marriages.

More awareness should be raised and in fact, we engage local and religious leaders, parents, informing them that empowerment of girls through education and employment is necessary.

When girls go to school, the knowledge they gain help protect them from illness, unwanted pregnancies and social vices.

Educated girls gain certain potentials, social and economic status in the society. They contribute to the health care and welfare of their immediate and extended families as well as where they from with the income got from jobs after graduation.

An empowered girl-child can cater for her family in the absence of her husband.

Remember, train a woman and you train a nation.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

Dealing With Issues Of Singlehood

Published

2 weeks ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

Singlehood is not a cause. It is a situation where a lady is without a spouse. She may or may not have a child. She is not controlled by anyone. She can visit friends at will and spends as many days as she can. She travels to places of choice without restrictions.

Singlehood is for a while and God has a time he has prepared for singles. A single person is also valuable so it is important you treasure your life even as a single.

But many single ladies want to be married if you ask them. So as a single lady, why do you want to get married? Is it just getting married or there is a purpose for it?

Some have a purpose for marrying. When you get married tomorrow, you have to have intelligence to be able to manage your spouse.

Randomly, you must not marry the person you know but it is also necessary to know the person to marry. You must find out if the two of you are compatible by asking questions.

Although some traits don’t unfold in relationships until marriage proper. It is good to get counseling from people around you before proceeding into marriage. Seek advise because it is important. It is people around you that will tell you whether you are making the right choice in marriage or not.

Listening attentively is good for choosing a potential partner.

Addiction to many things can hinder a single lady from getting married. Such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, social media addiction, can prevent a single lady from making good choice for marriage.

Problem of anger and violence should be dealt with before going into marriage.

Being truthful to a proposed partner is good before going into marriage. A single lady can tell her admirer that she has a child outside wedlock. That prior information can help to solidify the relationship and marriage when it eventually comes to pass.

Double and dual relationship can ruin a marriage when it is contracted. This should be discouraged. Let honesty be your watchword while expecting a spouse.

Every person wants to be respected in marriage. Don’t look down on a person you want to marry.

If someone displays explosive anger, you better avoid that person. It is better to fix it before venturing into the relationship. Avoid saying it will be fixed when you go in.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

Cooking And Its Importance To Women

Published

1 month ago

December 13, 2024

The Tide

Cooking is the process of preparing food by using heat. It involves a variety of techniques and methods, such as grilling, baking, boiling, frying, and steaming. Cooking also requires ingredients, utensils, and appliances to create delicious and nutritious meals. Cooking is for all irrespective of sex.
It may interest you to know that there are many benefits to cooking at home, including the ability to control the ingredients and portion sizes, save money, and customize dishes to suit individual tastes and dietary restrictions. Cooking also allows for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, as well as the opportunity to share meals with family and friends.
When you cook, it enables you to know the right ingredients to use for a particular meal. Getting prepared food outside home will not give such opportunity and in fact it is cheaper.
For you to carry out cooking successfully, prepping ingredients ahead of time, is very important. Using the right tools and equipment, adjusting cooking times and temperatures as needed will make one a good cook and tasting and seasoning dishes to ensure they are well-balanced. A good cook should be able to taste and add adequate seasoning to ensure that dishes are consumed without stomach crams.
Cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity, whether you are a novice or experienced chef. It can also be a form of self-care and a way to explore different cuisines and flavors from around the world. Overall, cooking is an essential skill that can help you eat healthier, save money, and enjoy delicious meals at home.
Good chefs earn a living through cooking. Good ones who are opportuned to work in big hotels and smaller eateries make huge sums of money as well as earn free meal at work.
According to experts, cooking involves a wide range of techniques that can be mastered through practice and experience. Some common culinary techniques include sautéing, searing, braising, roasting, marinating, poaching, and blanching. Each technique contributes to the flavor, texture, and appearance of the final dish.
In addition, understanding how different ingredients work together to create a balanced flavor profile is key to successful cooking. This includes experimenting with sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors and learning how to add these flavors in a dish to create depth and complexity. The right ingredients work together to give the right aroma and taste a good cook deserves.
Furthermore, exploring the diverse culinary traditions from around the world can open up a world of new flavors and cooking techniques. Trying out recipes from different cultures can help you broaden your culinary horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for global cuisine.
You may discover that different cultures believe in their own food and meals. Someone from the Eastern part of the country may not be comfortable with the kind of food or meal prepared and consumed in the northern part of the country.
Interestingly, gas cookers are in vogue because they cook faster especially in families with the presence of kids. Having the right tools and equipment in the kitchen can make a big difference in your cooking. From basic essentials like knives, cutting boards, pots and pans to specialized appliances like blenders, food processors, and slow cookers, having the right equipment can help you cook more efficiently and effectively.
In this 21st century, a lot of innovations have actually come into the practice of cooking. The use of wood and stove are gradually going down especially in the urban centres.
Planning your meals ahead of time can save you time, money, and stress in the kitchen. Meal planning involves selecting recipes, creating a shopping list, and preparing ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process. This can help you eat healthier, reduce food waste, and make the most of your time in the kitchen.
A lot of families plan their meals so as to minimize waste, especially now because of high cost of living.
The safety of the food to be consumed in a home should be the concern of every good cook. Practicing proper food safety and hygiene is essential in cooking to prevent foodborne illnesses. This includes washing hands, utensils, and surfaces regularly, storing food at the correct temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
A cook should ensure that ingredients for a particular meal are properly washed. Food stuffs must be properly preserved if they are not to be used immediately. When it comes to refrigeration, experts should be contacted for proper advise on how long they should be kept.
Some persons due to health challenges are placed on special diets. Medically, some persons are advised to consume food with low salt intake as well as sugar. It is important that a good cook adheres to those instructions. If you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions or preferences, learning how to cook for special diets can be a valuable skill. This may involve accommodating allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
Moreso, cooking at home allows you to have better control over the ingredients used in your meals, leading to healthier eating habits. By cooking from scratch, you can avoid processed and unhealthy ingredients, reduce the amount of added sugars and preservatives, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Meals prepared at home obviously may not taste as the one consumed from outside. The food got outside may contain excess spices more than meals prepared at home.
Cooking is deeply intertwined with culture and tradition, and exploring different cuisines can be a great way to learn about different countries and regions. Trying out recipes from various cultures can expand your culinary skills and palate, introducing you to new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques.
As peoples culture differs that is how the kind of food they consume also differ. When a chef finds himself or herself in a particular region, it is better to learn the kind of food that is being consumed.
When you talk about cooking, the meal prepared for an adult definitely differs from that of a baby. Excess pepper in meal may not be good for infants.
The use of mutter and pestle is gradually phasing out with the innovation of electrical appliances such as blenders. A good cook should be able to train herself on the usage of such kitchen equipment.
With the use of microwave oven has come to stay as hotels (eateries) and homes use them thereby saving the use of kerosine in stoves and gas.
Odoo-e Precious is a student of Pan African Institute of Management and Technology, Port Harcourt.