UNIPORT Alumni Asaba Branch Sets Out Bold Agenda for Stronger, More Impactful Association
By Joy Omagha Idam
The University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, Asaba Branch, is charting a new course towards becoming a stronger, more inclusive and socially impactful professional community, with its Chairman, Unique Mrs. Stella Macaulay, declaring that the collective strength of members remains the association’s greatest asset.
Macaulay made the declaration on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the branch’s Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture held at the Ministry of Information Conference Hall, Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba, Delta State.
The gathering brought together distinguished alumni, public servants, professionals and other stakeholders for a thought-provoking conversation on life after active service, with the theme: “Beyond Retirement: Thriving Through Good Health and Financial Stability.”
Beyond the formalities of an Annual General Meeting, the event provided a platform for reflection on leadership, personal development, financial preparedness, healthcare and the responsibilities of professionals to themselves and society.
A New Vision for Alumni Engagement
In her welcome address, Macaulay outlined an ambitious agenda for the branch, promising to move the association beyond routine meetings and social gatherings into a vibrant platform capable of delivering tangible value to its members and the wider community.
According to her, the branch’s priorities for the coming year include strengthening member participation, improving communication and welfare programmes, expanding professional and business networking, promoting intergenerational knowledge-sharing and developing initiatives that will create measurable social impact.
“Our collective strength is our greatest asset,” she declared, calling on members to contribute their ideas, resources and constructive support to the advancement of the association.
Macaulay emphasised that building a successful alumni association could not be left to the executive committee alone.
Rather, she said, the active participation, commitment and goodwill of members would determine the extent to which the branch could achieve its objectives.
Her message was clear: an alumni association is only as strong as the people who make up its membership.
From Fellowship to Service
The branch’s renewed direction is already reflected in a number of activities undertaken by its members.
On Thursday, August 27, members visited an Old People’s Home, where they shared moments of love and compassion with the elderly and made charitable donations.
The initiative demonstrated that the association’s vision extends beyond alumni fellowship to include humanitarian service and community engagement.
The branch also strengthened its bond of friendship with another university alumni community through a novelty football match against the Delta State University Alumni Association, Asaba Branch.
Held at the NTA Sports Arena, the encounter ended in a convincing 3–0 victory for the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, Asaba Branch.
Beyond the scoreline, the sporting event provided an opportunity for members to promote friendship, healthy living, teamwork and camaraderie.
For Macaulay, such initiatives represent the kind of balanced association she wants to build—one where professional networking, social interaction, physical wellbeing and service to humanity complement one another.
Retirement Is Not the End
The central theme of the public lecture resonated strongly with the realities confronting many workers approaching retirement.
Macaulay noted that retirement should not be regarded as the end of productivity, relevance or purpose, but rather as the beginning of another meaningful chapter.
She encouraged participants to prepare early by paying attention to their health, financial decisions, family responsibilities and continued engagement with their communities.
The keynote speaker, Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Mininim Oseji, reinforced the importance of early preparation.
Oseji advised workers to begin planning for retirement from the early stages of their careers rather than waiting until they are close to leaving active service.
She stressed that financial security was not determined simply by how much a person earned, but by how effectively income was managed.
According to her, workers should cultivate a strong savings culture and explore legitimate investment opportunities, including real estate, treasury bills, agribusiness, writing, publishing and other productive ventures.
“There is money everywhere. Don’t wait until you are about to retire,” she advised.
She also warned against corruption, stressing that financial pressure must never become an excuse for compromising personal and professional integrity.
Her message was particularly relevant to younger professionals, whom she encouraged to develop skills, embrace entrepreneurship and look beyond dependence on government employment.
Professional services, agriculture, business, volunteer work and other productive ventures, she noted, could provide additional avenues for sustainable income and fulfilment.
Health: The Wealth That Matters
Financial stability, however, means little without good health—a point strongly emphasised during the event.
Medical practitioner Dr. Danny Odianose urged adults to make regular blood pressure checks a priority, noting that early detection remains critical to preventing serious health complications.
Participants benefited from a free medical outreach, which included blood pressure screening and health education focused on preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles.
Odianose identified family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, stressful working conditions and inadequate sleep among factors associated with hypertension.
He encouraged individuals to pay attention to warning signs and seek appropriate medical attention whenever necessary.
The Vice Chairman and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health Monitoring, Dr. Christopher Otene, who led the medical team, also participated in the outreach and joined other health practitioners in sensitising participants on preventive healthcare.
The medical intervention added a practical dimension to the lecture’s message: that preparing for retirement must involve not only saving money, but also preserving the physical and mental capacity to enjoy the years ahead.
Living Well After Retirement
Another presentation, “How to Live Well After Retirement,” delivered by Mr. Solomon Ehikwe, challenged participants to rethink the relationship between wealth and wellbeing.
Ehikwe observed that many people spend their productive years accumulating wealth, only to devote a substantial portion of their retirement resources to managing health conditions that could have been prevented through better lifestyle choices.
He stressed that retirement could be one of the most fulfilling phases of life when individuals prepare adequately and make appropriate adjustments to their lifestyles.
The message reinforced the broader philosophy of the event: successful retirement is not merely about having money after leaving paid employment. It is about having the health, purpose, relationships and financial discipline required to live meaningfully.
Recognising Distinguished Guests
Macaulay expressed appreciation to Dr. Mrs. Mininim Oseji for sharing her wealth of experience and practical insights on financial stability and retirement planning.
She also acknowledged the Special Guest of Honour, Engr. Kenneth Preyor, Chairman, House Committee on Works/Special Projects, Delta State House of Assembly and Member representing Bomadi Constituency.
The Royal Father of the Day was HRM Jackson Angalabiri, Egbain II of Kumbowei Kingdom, Delta State.
Their presence, alongside other dignitaries, alumni and stakeholders, underscored the growing relevance of the UNIPORT Alumni Association, Asaba Branch, as a platform for professional fellowship and community development.
The Road Ahead
As the branch looks towards the coming year, Macaulay’s leadership appears focused on transforming the strength of its membership into concrete programmes and lasting impact.
The vision is one of an association where members do not merely meet, but connect; where professionals do not only network, but create opportunities for one another; where alumni do not simply celebrate their university heritage, but give back to society.
From welfare and professional development to health promotion, sports, philanthropy and knowledge-sharing, the association is positioning itself as a community of accomplished individuals who can collectively make a difference.
Macaulay’s appeal is therefore both simple and profound: the future of the association depends on everyone.
“Let us continue to uphold the values of excellence, fellowship, service and the enduring spirit of the University of Port Harcourt,” she urged.
For the UNIPORT Alumni Association, Asaba Branch, the message from its leadership is unmistakable—when members unite their experience, expertise, resources and goodwill, their collective strength can become the foundation for an association that is not only stronger, but more relevant, compassionate and impactful.