The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of Boys Secondary School (BSS) Gindiri, Gen. Jonathan Temlong said the missionaries that came from Sudan United Mission who founded Boys Secondary School Gindiri, Plateau State in 1950 didn’t only bring hope to hopeless Nigerians, but sacrificed their lives to educate children of the poor.
Gen Temlong who is among the 71 set of BSS stated this during a press conference to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Boys Secondary School Gindiri organised by the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA), which held at the weekend in Jos, Plateau State Capital.
Temlong said the 70th Anniversary celebration of GOSA is to give thanks to God for the sacrifice of the Missionaries which have produced great Nigerian leaders who have and still occupying high positions of responsibilities.
He also noted with gratitude the immense contribution of the Boys Secondary School’s alumni in fostering peace, unity and development in Nigeria.
“The Gindiri Old Students Association is made up of respectable Nigerians from different parts of the country; some of who were expatriates and children of missionaries were our classmates.
“We praise and thank God for the unique opportunity that the missionaries gave us despite all the fears, although Africa was called the White Man’s grave, the first four missionaries that came, one of them almost died and was sent back.
“The three continued and at the end, the mustard seed was planted. Gindiri has blossomed into a giant master tree. The missionaries came and brought hope to the hopeless and made Christ known to those who didn’t know Christ,’ he said.
Gen. Temlong explained that due to their high academic performance, most of the students graduate to pursue higher learning in Universities, Polytechnics and colleges of education.
“After graduation, students of the school gain employment in government and the private sector and are contributing their quota to nation-building. BSS has produced governors, vice chancellors, ambassadors, clergymen, top military and police officers, politicians, administrators, engineers and sportsmen amongst others”.
“Thus, the school has achieved a lot in 70 years, which deserves to be celebrated despite the current challenges plaguing it. The celebration is also aimed at giving back to the school by renovating some old structures and providing learning facilities.”
He explained that the programme will commence on Sunday, October 31, with spiritual outreach and culminate on Sunday, November 7 with an anniversary thanksgiving and reunion service.
Gen Temlong noted that GOSA will also offer free medical outreach to the Gindiri community on Wednesday and the new GOSA secretariat would be commissioned at Dogon Karfe.
According to him, other activities include courtesy visits on the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors’ Forum, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, The Gbong Gwom Jos, Chairman Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs and the COCIN President who is also the Proprietor of the School.
“There will also be an anniversary lecture (DCJ Foundation), commissioning of projects (modular labs, assembly and dining hall/kitchen) and national convention, election, anniversary dinner and launch of anniversary book among other events.
