Queen of the Rosary Old Girls Association, QROGA, Gboko, Wednesday launched activities marking its 60th anniversary with the groundbreaking and fundraising ceremony for a proposed ultra-modern complex at Ajaba Road, Nyion Layout, Makurdi.
The event, which brought together old girls, stakeholders, and well-wishers, featured remarks from the chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Benue Internal Revenue Service, Joseph Kwaghgba, alongside national and committee leaders of the association.
In his address, Kwaghgba described the ceremony as a defining moment in QROGA’s history. He said the proposed complex was “far more than bricks and mortar,” noting it would stand as a monument to vision, unity, sacrifice and legacy.
“Today is not merely the laying of a foundation stone. It is a defining moment in the history of QROGA for posterity. It reflects 60 years of excellence, resilience, service, leadership, faith and enduring commitment to empowering women and building society,” he said.
Kwaghgba commended the institution for producing generations of women who have distinguished themselves in law, education, public administration, business, science, engineering, diplomacy and humanitarian service. He urged members, friends of the association, corporate organizations, philanthropists and government institutions to support the fundraising drive generously, stressing that “every enduring legacy is built on sacrifice.”
National President of QROGA, Queenite Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, said the complex and other anniversary projects belong to the entire QROGA community, not just the executive. She disclosed that the association will be 60 years in 2027 and it was “right and befitting” to leave a legacy for posterity.
“Just for the benefit of those that are not QROGA members, we will be having a proper fundraiser in August this year. The committee is already working on a QROGA cookbook and a storybook for children authored by QROGA members and children as well as a QROGA Who is Who which will feature the alumni. It will be a milestone publication featuring prominent daughters of the state and beyond who are alumni of QROGA,” she announced.
She appreciated everyone who attended the ceremony, saying it reinforced the QROGA brand and marked a critical point in the association’s history.
Co-Chairperson of the Groundbreaking Committee, Queenite Bibiana Ayabam, said the complex would include the QROGA House, a purpose-built secretariat, and a multi-purpose event and conference centre designed to serve members and the wider community.
“As we mark 60 years of impactful contributions to education, community development and empowerment, we also look forward with renewed hope. This landmark project is designed to create a sustainable platform for capacity building, skill acquisition and community engagement,” she said.
Presenting the project overview, Co-Chairperson of the Building Committee, Queenite Clara Abuh, said the QROGA Complex was conceived as a lasting legacy and a financially sustainable asset.
“The vision is to establish a functional, modern and financially sustainable QROGA Complex. It will provide a permanent presence and identity for QROGA, create a platform for continuous revenue generation, and serve as a hub for engagement, networking, mentorship and alumni activities,” she explained.
According to her, the development will feature a multipurpose hall and event centre with a commercial kitchen, storeroom and toilets, as well as a storey building with office spaces and shops on the ground floor and a conference hall and administrative offices on the first floor. She added that safety measures such as fire protection systems, emergency exits, surveillance and adequate ventilation have also been incorporated.
Abuh said the facility was deliberately designed as an income-generating asset to reduce reliance on donations and periodic fundraising. She commended the architects, who are alumni of the school, for producing the design at no cost to the association.
Backing the project, chairman of the Parent Teacher Association, QROGA, Usa Adi Frank, in his goodwill message, praised the vision and unity behind the project. He urged members to contribute according to their capacity, whether with money, time or skill, noting that “everybody matters in this project.”
“When there is love among you, the project will be completed in no time. Those with money and no time should bring the money. Those with talent should bring it. Everybody must contribute for the financial independence of QROGA,” he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony officially flagged off fundraising activities for QROGA at 60, with members expressing optimism that the complex would be completed as a proud symbol of the association’s strength, unity and excellence.
