For four straight days, the ancient city of Irrua in Edo State buzzed with excitement as the Annunciation Catholic College Irrua Old Boys Association (ACCIOBA) gathered to usher in a new chapter. Their mission? To officially install Dr. Joseph Adonor Ohens as the new Global President of the alumni body. And trust them—it wasn’t just an ordinary handover; it was a full-blown celebration.
Annunciation Catholic College, fondly known as ACC, has been a bedrock of learning for 70 years. But what makes it special today is the legacy its old boys are building. Through ACCIOBA, the school has evolved beyond education—it’s now a symbol of community, progress, and serious transformation, especially in Edo Central.
In just four years, ACCIOBA has poured over ₦2.9 billion into revamping the school. The results? Simply breathtaking. Think of the best high schools in Canada or the UK—ACC now boasts that standard. From fully tarred roads and renovated classrooms to science labs, a medical center, a convent, and even fish ponds—this is no ordinary school; it’s a movement.
Before taking the reins as global president, Dr. Joseph Ohens had already left his mark. He led ACCIOBA North America and chaired the project committee that raised funds across continents. Now, as president, he’ll steer the ship with a team of accomplished professionals: lawyers, doctors, academics, and entrepreneurs—all old boys dedicated to the cause.
Dr. Ohens isn’t just a proud alumnus. He’s a seasoned journalist, legal scholar, and top executive in America’s healthcare space. With degrees from LASU and UC Berkeley, and a role as Senior VP in one of California’s biggest health systems, he brings experience and vision. He also teaches law, proving that giving back is second nature.
The school’s platinum jubilee began on March 27 with an award-filled welcome night in Ekpoma. The next day saw Victoria Aleogho House clinch victory in a fierce football final. But the highlight came on Saturday with a lecture by Engr. Adams Okoene (Class of ’63), an awards presentation, and the official inauguration of the new leadership.
After being sworn in, Dr. Ohens didn’t waste time. He led a guided tour of the campus alongside the Edo State governor’s representative, proudly showcasing what ACCIOBA has accomplished. The celebrations ended with a classy dinner party and a soulful thanksgiving mass at the school chapel.
It was more than an inauguration—it was a statement. With powerful names flying in from all over Nigeria and abroad, including colleagues from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, the message was clear: ACC is back, bigger and better—and its old boys are just getting started.
