OGBONNAYA ONU POLYTECHNIC’S SBMT MARKS HISTORIC MAIDEN DAY, HONOURS ACHIEVERS
Despite a heavy rainfall that forced a last-minute change of venue, the School of Business and Management Technology (SBMT) of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, on Monday, July 27, 2026, celebrated its maiden SBMT Day in a colourful ceremony that showcased academic excellence, leadership, entrepreneurship and talent.
The landmark event, the first of its kind since the inception of the institution formerly known as Abia State Polytechnic, Aba was moved from the SBMT car park to the ICT Auditorium, where staff, students, alumni and distinguished guests gathered to witness the historic occasion.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Clement Ukandu, described the rainfall as “showers of blessings” and commended the Dean of SBMT, Dr. Chinweoke Nwaeze, for initiating what he called a memorable milestone in the history of the school.
He praised the dean’s leadership and urged participants to look forward to the unveiling of the newly inaugurated students’ executive, patrons and other highlights of the celebration.
In his address, the President of the School of Business and Management Technology Students Association (SBMTSA), Comrade Ibelo Samuel Tochukwu, described the occasion as more than an academic event, saying it was a celebration of innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, teamwork and excellence.
He appreciated the school management, lecturers and members of the planning committee for making the maiden edition of SBMT Day a success and urged students to seize the opportunity to strengthen relationships and celebrate their collective achievements.
In his address, the Dean of SBMT, Dr. Chinweoke Nwaeze, expressed gratitude to the chairman, head of departments, lecturers, students and invited guests for attending despite the inclement weather.
He disclosed that the establishment of school-based students’ associations was part of the reforms introduced by the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, noting that SBMT became the first school in the Polytechnic to inaugurate such an association.
According to him, the maiden SBMT Day was conceived to provide students with a platform to showcase their talents, cultural heritage and leadership abilities and creativity while promoting interaction between staff and students. He stressed that no student was charged any fee for the event.
He said the event also provided an avenue to recognize some individuals who had distinguished themselves in their various professions and whose accomplishments could inspire students to pursue excellence.
Dr. Nwaeze commended the Rector for his unwavering support, revealing that approval to relocate the event indoors was granted almost immediately after he informed him of the heavy rainfall.
The Dean also lauded Governor Alex Chioma Otti for his developmental strides in Abia State and encouraged students to remain responsible citizens by participating actively in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and encouraging others to do so in order to re-elect him in 2027.
He advised students to take their studies seriously, discover their individual talents and work diligently towards achieving their career aspirations.
The event featured a colourful fashion parade put together by the Director of Socials of the National Association of Polytechnic Accountancy Students (NAPAS), Comrade Prince Uchezco.
The fashion parade featured models including Mr. NAPAS, HRM Peter Evans (Youngest), Miss NAPAS, HRM Amarachi Eke, Face of NAPAS, HRM Oluomachi Nwabueze (Diamond), Chigozie Marvelous, Innocent Confidence and Imo Nnenna thrilled the audience with impressive catwalks and stage performances.
Impressed by their display, Dr. Nwaeze commended the models for adding glamour to the occasion and promised to present them with branded SBMT T-shirts.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the newly inaugurated SBMTSA executive led by Comrade Ibelo Samuel Tochukwu as President and Queen Nmasinnachi as Vice President.
The Dean charged the new executive to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing purposeful leadership and serving as worthy ambassadors of the school.
The school also unveiled its patrons, described by the Dean as men and women of proven integrity and outstanding professional accomplishments.
Those honoured included Princess Chinenye Maxwell, Dr. (Mrs.) Lovina C. Emelogu, Princess Roseline Ogalabu, Dr. Kingsley Onyele, Dr. Azu Oko Kalu, Dr. Onyedikachi Okoroafor, Engr. Kingsley Ezebunwa, Ugonna Ogbonna and Ugochukwu Nwaoha among others.
Speaking on behalf of the patrons, Dr. (Mrs.) Lovina C. Emelogu thanked the school for the confidence reposed in them and assured students of their commitment to mentoring and supporting them academically and professionally.
She encouraged the students to remain focused, stressing that success is achieved through deliberate hard work, discipline and perseverance.
The event also witnessed the presentation of Excellence Service Awards to outstanding individuals in recognition of their contributions to education, sports, leadership, business, media and community development.
Among the recipients were the Chairman of Abia Angels Football Club, Mr. Nwosu Johnson Alozie (JJ); Super Falcons goalkeeper, Miss Fatima Oloko; the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba; Engr. Kingsley Ezebunwa; Dr. C. A. Ogbuji (Deputy Rector, Administration); Dr. Fijoh Kalu Ome (Deputy Rector, Academic); Hon. Obialor Anyanwu (Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area); Princess Chinenye Maxwell; Comrade Samuel Igwe (Managing Director of Finsure Microfinance Bank); Michael Mba (Chief Executive Officer of Model TV); and several other distinguished personalities.
In his response, Mr. Nwosu Johnson Alozie expressed appreciation to the school for the honour done him as well as recognizing the achievements of Abia Angels FC and Super Falcons goalkeeper Fatima Oloko.
He encouraged students to combine academics with sports, describing education and athletics as complementary tools for personal development.
Princess Chinenye Maxwell, a chartered banker, chartered stockbroker and human resources professional, pledged to provide free mentorship for interested SBMT students.
Similarly, Comrade Samuel Igwe, an alumnus of the institution and Managing Director of Finsure Microfinance Bank, described the award as a great honour from his alma mater and promised to continue contributing to the growth of society.
The ceremony also featured the cutting of cake, entertainment and dance performances before concluding with a closing prayer.
