Welcome to the website of
Saint Maria Goretti Old Girls Association ~ SMAGOGA North America.
We are a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization registered in the United States of America
Up Front...
THE HISTORY OF SMAGOGA
The credit for founding SMAGOGA goes to Evelyn Okunbor, nee Asemota (1973 set). In the late ’80s. Evelyn and I lived near each other in Ikeja, Lagos. Whenever we met, our conversations often centred on the profound impact St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School had on our early lives, as well as the dedication and commitment of our principal, the late Rev. (Dr.) Sister Henrietta Powers.
Evelyn and I discussed how wonderful it would be to establish an Old Girls association in Lagos, which would provide a platform for us to reconnect and give back to our beloved school. and give back to our old School. One day, Evelyn ran into her former classmate, Bridget Ali, nee Jituboh (1973 set), at Alade Market, Ikeja. Delighted at their reunion, Evelyn shared this encounter with me and pushed forward the idea of starting an Old Girls meeting. Our inaugural gathering took place at my home, 32 Ogundana Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Five of us attended this first meeting: Evelyn Okunbor (1973 set). Philomena Imohe, nee Ikpowonsa (1969 set), Bridget Ali (1973 set), Yemisi Akinrinade, nee Alonge (1971 set), and myself.
Initially, the meetings were held at my home, but later, hosting shifted to Evelyn Okunbor’s house. As our group expanded, we were joined by several Old Girls, including Dorris Omoh-Eboh, nee Enabaifo (1968), Moina Adekanye, nee Okojie (1969), Grace Ukpo, nee Eigbe (1969), late Christy Iruobe, nee Akagbosun (1970), Vicki Eikhomu, nee Esangbedo (1973) and many others. Eventually, we decided to rotate the meetings among our various homes.
Our objective was to support the School, ensuring it continued to provide future generations with the same educational and spiritual opportunities we had as students, while also fostering strong bonds among Old Girls. Our vision remains to restore our Alma Mater to its former glory, empowering young girls to positively impact on their communities
The history of St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School is closely tied to its longest-serving principal, the late Rev. (Dr.) Sister Henrietta Powers, who led from March 1962 to 1985. A firm believer in holistic education – spiritual, physical and vocational, she shaped the lives of many. Those of us fortunate enough to be under her guidance owe much of our success to the positive influence she had on our formative years. Like many Old Girls, I attribute my success in life largely to her impact.
SMAGOGA was officially inaugurated at the Ikeja Sheraton Hotel, with our late principal, Rev Dr Henrietta Powers in attendance. Mrs Caroline Sodeinde, nee Thomopulus (1965 set) was elected as the first President of SMAGOGA Lagos.
Subsequently, Benin branch was formed and following deliberations, both branches decided to unite under a national executive. In 2003, Mrs Osaretin Demuren, nee Lawal (1967) was elected as the first National President of SMAGOGA – the rest is history.
We thank Almighty God for the significant initiatives and support SMAGOGA has provided to the School over the years. There is still much to be done, lets all continue to join hands in supporting our Alma Mater and restoring it to greater heights.
Engr(Mrs) CHRISTY ADELOWO FNSE, FAEng
SMAGOGA branches still counting…
1.SMAGOGA Lagos
2.SMAGOGA Benin
3.SMAGOGA Portharcourt
4.SMAGOGA Warri
5.SMAGOGA Abuja
6.SMAGOGA Asaba
7.SMAGOGA Jos
8.SMAGOGA Ibadan
Diaspora Branches
9.SMAGOGA North America
10 SMAGOGA Ghana
11.SMAGOGA UK
12.SMAGOGA Europe
13..SMAGOGA Ireland
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. Evelyn Okunbor (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. Roseline Awomolo (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 Roseline Bozimo (nee Ogoluwa) and Chief (Mrs.) Doris Nwosa (nee Akhile) as pioneering Presidents respectively. 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. Osaretin Afusat Demuren (nee Lawal) was elected its first National President while Barr. (Mrs.) P.A. Ogedegbe was 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. SMAGOGA is now Global. Credit goes to the hard work and passion of our Pioneer Global President Mrs Angela Jesuorobo and her dedicated team. SMAGOGA North America was officially inaugurated in March 2025, during the National (now Global) Association’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary celebration in Lagos, Nigeria. The Association itself is 50 years from its inception in 1975. Long Live SMAGOGA!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
ST MARIA GORETTI GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Saint Maria Goretti Girls’ Grammar School was founded on March 4, 1959, by the Catholic Mission under the leadership of His Lordship Bishop P.J. Kelly of blessed memory. It was the first “All Girls” secondary school in Benin City, Nigeria.
The school was named after Saint Maria Goretti, a 12-year-old girl who stood for purity of mind and body, and who was canonized in the same year the school was established.
At its inception, the school was located at the present Bishop Kelly’s Pastoral Center along Airport Road, Benin City. It started with a two-room block of classrooms and a principal’s house. Between 1959 and 1961, the school had three principals. During this early period, Saint Maria Goretti Girls’ Grammar School became known for producing the best overall students in the West African School Certificate (WASC) exams in the then Bendel State of Nigeria.
One of the school’s most renowned principals, Sister Henrietta, emphasized dedication to duty, high standards, and excellent academic performance. Under her leadership, the students consistently excelled in the WASC Examinations. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Letters (D.Litt) by the University of Benin in 1982. She was also conferred with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by President Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and received the prestigious Aviers Award in the United States in 1994.
Rev. Sister Henrietta Power, a member of the missionary order Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, became the 4th principal in 1961 and served until her retirement in December 1984. In 1962, she oversaw the relocation of the school to its permanent site at Ugbekun Quarters, Benin City. The school operated as a day school until 1964, when boarding facilities were introduced.
Despite having only moderate amenities, the school maintained a serene and conducive atmosphere for learning. Sister Henrietta worked relentlessly to ensure that high academic standards were upheld. The first class of 22 students who enrolled for the WASC Examination in 1965 achieved a 91% pass rate, and in subsequent years, the school consistently maintained a 100% pass rate.
Sister Henrietta also believed in the holistic development of the students—spiritually, morally, vocationally, and academically. She encouraged active participation in music, sports, quizzes, debates, and cultural festivals. The school gained accolades in academic excellence, sports, art exhibitions, Children’s Day march past, and various competitions.
To this day, Saint Maria Goretti Girls’ Grammar School maintains a clear vision:
To develop a well-rounded, confident, and responsible girl child, and provide her with the necessary tools to achieve her full potential.
The mission remains:
To provide high-quality education in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Executive Principals advising students
Ribbon cutting ceremony of newly renovated administrative building by SMAGOGA North America
upcoming activities.
At the Riu Plaza Times Square HotelÂ
SAINT MARIA GORETTI GRAMMAR SCHOOL OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION (SMAGOGA)
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
ST MARIA GORETTI GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Saint Maria Goretti Girls’ Grammar School was founded on March 4, 1959, by the Catholic Mission under the leadership of His Lordship Bishop P.J. Kelly of blessed memory. It was the first “All Girls” secondary school in Benin City, Nigeria.
The school was named after Saint Maria Goretti, a 12-year-old girl who stood for purity of mind and body, and who was canonized in the same year the school was established.
At its inception, the school was located at the present Bishop Kelly’s Pastoral Center along Airport Road, Benin City. It started with a two-room block of classrooms and a principal’s house. Between 1959 and 1961, the school had three principals. During this early period, Saint Maria Goretti Girls’ Grammar School became known for producing the best overall students in the West African School Certificate (WASC) exams in the then Bendel State of Nigeria.
One of the school’s most renowned principals, Sister Henrietta, emphasized dedication to duty, high standards, and excellent academic performance. Under her leadership, the students consistently excelled in the WASC Examinations. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Letters (D.Litt) by the University of Benin in 1982. She was also conferred with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by President Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and received the prestigious Aviers Award in the United States in 1994.
Rev. Sister Henrietta Power, a member of the missionary order Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, became the 4th principal in 1961 and served until her retirement in December 1984. In 1962, she oversaw the relocation of the school to its permanent site at Ugbekun Quarters, Benin City. The school operated as a day school until 1964, when boarding facilities were introduced.
Despite having only moderate amenities, the school maintained a serene and conducive atmosphere for learning. Sister Henrietta worked relentlessly to ensure that high academic standards were upheld. The first class of 22 students who enrolled for the WASC Examination in 1965 achieved a 91% pass rate, and in subsequent years, the school consistently maintained a 100% pass rate.
Sister Henrietta also believed in the holistic development of the students—spiritually, morally, vocationally, and academically. She encouraged active participation in music, sports, quizzes, debates, and cultural festivals. The school gained accolades in academic excellence, sports, art exhibitions, Children’s Day march past, and various competitions.
To this day, Saint Maria Goretti Girls’ Grammar School maintains a clear vision:
To develop a well-rounded, confident, and responsible girl child, and provide her with the necessary tools to achieve her full potential.
The mission remains:
To provide high-quality education in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our Team - Executive Council
Lucy Dunmi Ukponmwan
President
SMAGOGA North America
Vice President
SMAGOGA National
(Global, Worldwide)
Rev Helen Ighodaro
Vice President
SMAGOGA North America
Alero Ukwunna
Secretary
SMAGOGA North America
Mercy Ozieh
Financial Secretary
SMGOGA North America
Kismet Imaruagheru
Publicity Secretary
SMGOGA North America
Committee Chairs and Other Special Members
Blessing Ehiagwina
Chair
Constitution Review
Ehis Afeonkhai
Fundraising Chair
Our Patrons
Saint Maria Goretti.
Our patrons will be revealed and sworn in during our inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) in February
Join Us
You can make a difference in the lives of current students of our Alma Mater while connecting, reigniting, and building relationships with other alumni of Saint Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School.
Relationships made whilst at School can be some of the strongest and most memorable of our lives however, it is easy to lose touch with old friends. The Association helps all Alumni who seek to reconnect with previous classmates or continue to maintain contact beyond graduation by providing the medium to do so.
