St. Maria Goretti Grammar School Old Girls’ Association was inaugurated at the University of Benin, Ekenwan Campus, on February, 1975 and was formally launched on the 6th of July, 1975 at the St. Maria Goretti Girls’ School Hall.

Late Barrister (Mrs.) Pat Ogedegbe (nee Okoro) was the pioneer President, while Mrs. R. E. Oratokhai (nee Omodiale) was the Secretary. With her zeal to succeed, and fully aware that the beginning of every endeavor is difficult, she worked night and day, reaching out to all old students, with the support of Mrs. R.Oratokhai and others. Initially, many were reluctant to belong for one reason or the other but with more effort, more ex-students responded. Dinner parties were held annually to enable old girls come together for reunion. The enrolment of new members increased and more branches were opened in several higher institutions, including the University of Benin, Edo State University (now AAU), Ekpoma and Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi.

An annual dinner was held by the Old Girls at the Bendel Hotel (now Edo Hotels) on 27th February, 1988, where our most indefatigable Principal, Rev. Sr. Henrietta Power was given a send-off party after her retirement from the service of Edo State Government as principal of the school.

As the years rolled on with more encouragement and pressure from the ‘Mother’ branch in Benin City, more branches were opened. The Ibadan branch was formed in January 1991 with Dr. (Mrs.) ElizabethEkpo (nee Obazee) as its President. It is worthy to note here that late Mrs. Rosaline Awomolo (nee Omogiale) played a key role in the inauguration of this branch. The Association was very active at the time but later went into oblivion. We hope the Association will be brought back to life in the near future.

The Lagos branch was formally launched on Saturday March 21st, 1992 at a dinner forum held at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos. This was made possible through the hard work of Mrs. EvelynOkunbor (nee Asemota) and Engr. (Mrs.) Christy Adelowo (nee Jacobs). The occasion was chaired by Rev. (Dr.) Sr. Henrietta Power and Mrs. Caroline Sodeinde (nee Thomopulous) was elected its first President.

Also, through the initiative of late Mrs. RoselineAwomolo (nee Omogiate) and with the assistance of Justice Monica Mensen, the Abuja branch was formed in the year 2000, with late Mrs. R.Awomolo as its pioneer branch President. Unfortunately, the tempo died down after a few years. It is gratifying to note that the branch bounced back again under the leadership of Mrs. Esther Oyero (nee Urhoghide). The Warri and Port-Harcourt branches came into being in 2008 with Hon. Justice RoselineBozimo (nee Ogoluwa) and Chief (Mrs.) Doris Nwosa (nee Akhile) as pioneering Presidents respectively. We also have an Association of our Old Girls in Europe and America. They are called Goretti Old Girls International (GOGI). They are also doing well.

Special thanks to Late Barrister (Mrs.) P.A. Ogedegbe, Mrs. R. E. Oratokhai, Justice Gladys. K. Olotu, Engr. (Mrs.) Christy Adelowo and others for the birth of these branches. Two special events took place within the formation of the old students’ Association. One was the celebration of the Silver Jubilee in 1984 under the Chairmanship of Mrs. R. E. Oratokhai. It was a great event and was climaxed by a dinner party at the Saidi Centre, Benin City.

There was also the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of our Alma mater in the school premises on July 6th, 1999. It was resolved at this event that for the unity and well-coordinated activities, a National Executive body be inaugurated. The National Association of SMAGOGA was therefore formed on July 6th, 2000 at a convention held in Benin City. Mrs. OsaretinAfusatDemuren (nee Lawal) was elected its first National President while Barr. (Mrs.) P.A. Ogedegbewas elected the Vice President. The new National Executive worked tirelessly to steer the Association to greater heights.

After three years, the mantle of leadership passed on to Engr. Christy Adelowo in July, 2003 and ever since SMAGOGA has grown from strength to strength it is pertinent to note here that we are lucky to have the Oba of Benin, OmoN’Oba, UkuAkpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa as the grand Patron.