The Old Students Association of Luminary Secondary School, LUSESC, in Warri, Delta State, has called on members of the alumni to utilise the power of networking to uplift each other and the need to pool resources together towards building an association that "empowers, enriches, and endures" for all time.

The call was made at its mid-year meeting which was presided over by the National President of the alumni association, Mr. Gabriel Ukuli, at Ogunu near Warri, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

In a keynote address delivered by a member of the alumni, Ugochukwu Ikeraolo, titled "We Rise By Lifting Us: Alumni, Alliances and The Power of Collective Progress," reminded members of the power of unity to do and achieve more, than on individual basis.

According to tbe Ikeraolo, who is the Head of Advisory Committee (from 2001 set), "collective struggles become lighter when shared" as demonstrated by artisans through associations where members "support one another with referrals" thereby fulfilling  'The Power of "US" and Not "Me", he stated.

He also tasked members to see the association beyond "a social group" but as "a network of opportunities" they can exploit by interacting and engaging in exchanges with fellow members by way of alliances, stressing further that "collective progress is how the world works now", giving examples of other alumnus that have exploited "The Power of Us" to venture into real estates, cooperatives, investment clubs, establishing of tech hubs, among other collective gains. 

Ikeraolo further advised members of LUSESC to have a mindset shift by thinking big, patronising and engaging with members, and the importance of being informed always and visible to others.

"Let's no longer allow this alumni body to be a 'passive presence' instead let's make it a platform," Ikeraolo charged, and then added a clarion call that, "We don't want to be remembered for our school; we want to be remembered for what we became because of each other. Let's rise by lifting us," he said in conclusion.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the National President, Mr. Ukuli stated that the mid-year meeting of the LUSESC alumni is to add faces to the voices heard on its WhatsApp group and to build a bond among members, especially as most are outside Warri and Delta State.

Mr. Ukuli also revealed that, one of his vision in the push to make society via the alumni better, is to unify or bring together other old students in order to have a stronger association for greater impacts in society.

The LUSESC, an alumni association, was established with the vision to illuminate humanity through morals and standards, while its mission is to create an enabling environment for growth, to foster welfare, unity, solidarity among members and humanity at large.

The body has embarked on several programmes in Delta State in its bid to alleviate hardship and suffering of humanity and promote wellbeing especially through education and health.

Other members of LUSESC in attendance include Jacinta U. Uti - (Vice President - 2003), Mariega Efe (Secretary General - 2004), Okon Mary +Welfare Head - 2003), Believe Gold (Public Relations Officer 1 - 2006), Omagbemi S. Nesley (Public Relations Officer 2 - 2004), Osesua Kelvin (Deputy Speaker, Advisory Committee/Member RDC - 2003).

Other members are Toritseju Hope (Project Head for World Menstrual Day & Hygiene Management Day - 2004), Bubor Pere (Set Coordinator/Member Advisory Committee - 2004), Fuyobode Vivian (Secretary Advisory Committee - 2003), Bekesot Gabriel (Member - 2003), Amaigue Ejiro Blessing (Member - 2003), Onyeka Ebiem (Member - 1999), and Tarela Tonkumoh (Member - 2000). 

Other members who could not make it to the venue as well as others outside town or abroad joined the meeting online.

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