It was an evening of nostalgia, gratitude and renewed commitment as members of the University of Benin Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) Class of 2001 reunited after 25 years at an end-of-year get-together party held on Saturday, 3 January 2026, at Paragon Bar, Benin City, Edo State.
Beautiful smiles, warm embraces and cheerful laughter filled the venue as old classmates, some seeing one another for the first time since graduation, gathered with their spouses to celebrate life, friendship and shared memories.
Welcoming members to the event, the Interim Chairman of the BPA 2001 Old Students Association, Mr. Dickson E. Asia, expressed deep gratitude to God for preserving the lives of members over the years.
“I thank God for the gift of life. Seeing these beautiful faces 25 years after graduation is truly a dream fulfilled,” he said. “Being able to gather in such large numbers to celebrate today gladdens my heart.”
Mr. Asia revealed that the idea of forming the association had been nurtured for several years before it finally took shape, with encouragement from classmates including Sheriff Ebozei, Tony Agholor and Adolor Osezua, whom he described as catalysts to the actualization of the vision.
According to him, the association held its maiden meeting on 1 May 2025, recording an impressive turnout. Since then, members have met monthly and also convened three virtual meetings, largely to fine-tune arrangements for the end-of-year get-together.
“One of our key achievements so far is the drafting of a constitution for the Association,” Mr. Asia disclosed. “Members are encouraged to study it and make necessary inputs. Once finalized, the Association will be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.”
He also commended members who contributed financially to the success of the event and urged others to reach out to classmates yet to identify with the association, while calling for ideas and cooperation to move the body to greater heights. He concluded by announcing that the gathering would, by God’s grace, become an annual event.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Tony Agholor could not hide his excitement at seeing his former classmates again after two and a half decades. He called on members to continue to offer meaningful suggestions that would help the association achieve its goals.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Deacon (Dr.) Domingo Alaba Obende and media practitioner and online publisher of theromanews.com Comrade Andrew Ohwobetehe, thanked God for sparing the lives of members. The duo pledged their “unflinching and unalloyed support” for the association and challenged members to strengthen their commitment and cooperation to ensure the realization of its aims and objectives.
The highlight of the event was the lavish entertainment that followed, as members and their spouses dined, laughed and reminisced. Glasses were raised amid cheers and heartfelt toasts to peace, progress, prosperity and long life for all members—marking not just a reunion, but the beginning of a renewed collective journey.
