The Chairman of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, Asaba Branch, Unique Mrs. Stella Macaulay, has pledged to build a more vibrant, inclusive and impactful association, stressing that the collective strength of members remains the greatest asset of the branch.
Macaulay made the declaration on Friday, August 28, at the Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the association held at the Ministry of Information Conference Hall, Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba.
The event, which had the theme, “Beyond Retirement: Thriving Through Good Health and Financial Stability,” brought together alumni members, public servants, professionals and other stakeholders to discuss retirement planning, financial security, healthcare and purposeful living beyond active service.
In her welcome address, Macaulay said her administration was committed to moving the association beyond routine meetings and social gatherings to a platform capable of delivering meaningful value to members and the wider society.
She said the branch would, in the next one year, focus on strengthening member participation, improving communication and welfare programmes, promoting professional and business networking, encouraging knowledge-sharing across generations and developing initiatives that would have tangible impact.
“Our collective strength is our greatest asset,” Macaulay declared, urging members to contribute ideas, resources and constructive support towards the advancement of the association.
According to her, the progress of the association could not be achieved by the executive committee alone, stressing that the active participation of members was essential to building a stronger alumni community.
Macaulay also highlighted the association’s recent activities on Thursday 27 August, including a visit to the Old People’s Home in where members extended love and made charitable donations, as well as a novelty football match with the Delta State University Alumni Association, Asaba Branch.
The novelty match, held at the NTA Sports Arena on Thursday, ended 3–0 in favour of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, Asaba Branch, attracting a large turnout and providing an avenue for members to promote friendship, healthy living and camaraderie.
She said the initiatives demonstrated the association’s commitment to compassion, welfare, healthy living, community engagement and service to humanity.
“Retirement should not be seen as the end of productivity or relevance, but as the beginning of another meaningful chapter of life,” Macaulay said, linking the theme of the lecture to the need for individuals to prepare adequately for life beyond active service.
She urged members and participants to prioritise their health, make sound financial decisions and remain purposefully engaged in their families, professions and communities.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to the keynote speaker, Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Mininim Oseji, for sharing her experience and 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, as well as the Royal Father of the Day, HRM Jackson Angalabiri, Egbain II of Kumbowei Kingdom, Delta State.
Speaking at the lecture, Oseji advised civil servants and other workers to begin preparing for retirement from the early stages of their careers, stressing that financial security was determined not merely by income but by effective financial management.
She urged workers to cultivate a savings culture and invest in legitimate ventures such as real estate, treasury bills, agribusiness, writing, publishing and other income-generating activities.
“There is money everywhere. Don’t wait until you are about to retire,” Oseji said, warning workers against delaying retirement planning until their final years in service.
She also cautioned public servants against corruption, stressing that financial pressure should never be an excuse for compromising integrity.
“If you like give them more money, they will still be broke,” the Head of Service said, emphasising the importance of financial counselling, discipline and responsible wealth management.
Oseji further encouraged younger professionals to acquire relevant skills and look beyond government employment, noting that entrepreneurship, professional services, agriculture, volunteer work and other productive ventures could provide sustainable opportunities.
On healthcare, medical practitioner, Dr. Danny Odianose, advised adults to make regular blood pressure checks a priority, noting that early detection remained critical to preventing serious health complications.
The event featured a free medical outreach where participants received blood pressure screening and health education on preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles.
Odianose identified family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, stressful work conditions and inadequate sleep among factors associated with hypertension, urging individuals to seek medical attention when necessary.
The Vice Chairman and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health Monitoring, Dr. Christopher Otene, leading the medical team also participated in the outreach and joined health practitioners in sensitising participants on the importance of preventive healthcare.
In another presentation, titled “How to Live Well After Retirement,” Mr. Solomon Ehikwe observed that many people spend their working years accumulating wealth only to expend their retirement resources treating health conditions.
He stressed that retirement could be an enjoyable and productive phase of life when workers prepared adequately and adjusted their lifestyles appropriately.
Macaulay said the lessons from the lecture and the association’s activities would further strengthen the branch’s resolve to build an alumni association founded on fellowship, welfare, professional development and service.
She called on members to support the new direction of the association, saying the coming year presented an opportunity for members to work collectively towards creating a stronger and more relevant platform.
“Let us continue to uphold the values of excellence, fellowship, service and the enduring spirit of the University of Port Harcourt,” she said.
