The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso; Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Olatunji Disu; former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour; and distinguished medical practitioner and businessman, Dr. John Abebe, were among prominent Nigerians honoured by the St. Gregory’s College Old Boys’ Association (SGCOBA) for their contributions to society and their alma mater.
The honours were conferred at the weekend during a Grand Reception organised by SGCOBA at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, in honour of Cardoso and Disu, as well as the conferment of Lifetime Achievement Awards on distinguished old boys.
The event also featured the formal launch of the SGCOBA Endowment and Perpetual Fund, designed to provide sustainable financial support for the development and future of St. Gregory’s College.
Abebe, Emeritus President of SGCOBA, received particular recognition for decades of service to the college, his role in preserving its heritage and his contribution to its physical and academic development.
In his citation, the association described him as “a true son of St. Gregory’s College—a man in whom the College lives, and through whom its legacy has been renewed.”
A medical doctor, businessman and Chairman of Inducon Nigeria Limited, Abebe returned from postgraduate studies in 1979 and joined an Old Boys’ meeting as one of its youngest members.
According to the citation, he subsequently resolved to contribute to the institution that had helped shape him.
The association credited him with playing a prominent role in defending the heritage of the college during the period of government takeover, including leading fellow Gregorians to court in an effort to prevent alterations to the school’s grounds.
His tenure as President of SGCOBA was also highlighted as a period of significant development. Elected unopposed in December 2012, Abebe oversaw projects that transformed several facilities at the college.
The citation listed the rehabilitation of the College Chapel, described as a mini-basilica with a capacity of 1,200 worshippers; renovation of the football field and cricket pitch; construction of the Grotto; establishment of the Monsignor Pedro Martins Laboratory Complex, comprising 12 modern laboratories; and expansion of the boarding facilities.
The association also recognised Abebe’s contribution to sports and youth development, particularly his longstanding involvement in cricket.
According to the citation, he has personally sponsored cricket in Nigeria for more than 40 years and provided sporting kits to young athletes.
As President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, he was credited with running the federation without government funding and personally sponsoring national teams on international tours.
His support for education was also highlighted, with the association noting that he had awarded scholarships to indigent students of St. Gregory’s College.
Abebe, who was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Lagos in 2017, was praised for a record of service built around voluntary contributions, personal relationships and commitment to the ideals of St. Gregory’s College.
The association said his contribution demonstrated that “true greatness lies not merely in what we acquire, but in what we give back.”
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Disu expressed appreciation to SGCOBA for the recognition, describing an honour from one’s alma mater as particularly significant.
“The best award anybody can get in the world is the one given to him by his school. So this is the best that has ever happened to all of us,” he said.
Disu, who described St. Gregory’s College as a great school, also spoke about the enduring bond among its old boys and the values instilled in students.
“St. Gregory’s College, in short, everywhere you go, you meet a Gregorian. A Gregorian is ever ready to assist any other Gregorian,” he said.
He urged younger Nigerians to uphold the “Gregorian spirit”, respect their elders, continue learning and strive for excellence.
“When you look at the array of people here, all walk with pride. They do so well, anywhere you go you are sure to meet a Gregorian,” he added.
