49 years after, Umahi reunites with his primary school mates in emotional home coming

What began as a simple reunion turned into a heartfelt celebration of friendship, gratitude and shared history as the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, welcomed his 1976 classmates from Umunaga Community School, Uburu, to his country home on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

For many of them, it was the first time in decades that they were sitting under the same roof with the boy they once knew from the dusty classrooms of Umunaga — a boy who would later rise through the ranks as party chairman, deputy governor, governor, senator and now Minister of Works. They came with stories, laughter and a sense of pride, thankful for what they described as “God’s grace on them and specifically one of our own.”

Umahi, clearly delighted, slipped easily into the spirit of nostalgia as they traded memories from their early years. He spoke openly about the value of staying connected and the quiet strength that comes from shared roots.

“We are better when we stay together,” he said. “When people come together, they share in the grace of one another. Some carry greater grace, and that grace can uplift others. We all need help in life, and even prayer itself is a form of help.”

He reminded his classmates how remarkable it was that nearly five decades after leaving primary school, they were still alive and healthy.
“We’re not better than those who have passed on,” he said. “So we’ll set aside a day to thank God for keeping us. And don’t look down on yourselves. This meeting should be a turning point. Whether you’re a farmer or whatever you do, you can still make a difference. Nobody here looks their age because God has kept us well.”

Umahi encouraged them to keep their faith anchored in God while putting in the work needed to succeed.
“Look beyond any of us and look to God,” he advised. “He turns the heart of a king however He wants. If something hasn’t come your way, maybe it’s simply not the time. Keep working. What God planted in you is still there. The moment you stop thinking, the mind begins to weaken.”

His classmates in turn showered him with gratitude. Many recalled how he had assisted several of them over the years with jobs, medical support, education and other forms of help. They even teased him with memories from their school days, including the moment he joined Ishiagu High School and stunned everyone by earning a perfect score.

Those present included Mrs Nwaja, Pharm. Njoku Nwaze, Mr Okoro Isaac, Mr Chidiebere Chukwu, Mr Edwin Chukwu, Rev. Onu Chukwu, Mr Ori Chukwu, Mr Joseph Chukwu, Mr Onu Nwogba, “Onye Army” and others — each with their own story of how far they had come since 1976.