By: Emmanuel Mbowa
Freetown 25th March 2026- The Bo School and its alumni association (OBBA) are set to celebrate a significant milestone across Sierra Leone, marking a momentous occasion that dates back to 1906. Under this year’s theme, “Celebrating a Rich Legacy and Inspiring Generations,” the National President of the Old Bo Boys’ Association (OBBA), Ing. Hadji Daboh, echoed the essence of honouring the past while building a future that breeds leaders, much like President Julius Maada Bio, who stands tall to transform the nation.
”While we acknowledge our own milestone, I want to be clear that this year’s celebration is deliberately and intentionally centred on the school itself,” Ing. Daboh maintained. “It is a tribute to an institution that has, for over a century, been a crucible for character, a forge for leaders, and a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone.”
He urged that the festivities must translate into tangible support for the current student body. “Our celebration must translate into action: action that uplifts the students and reaffirms the school’s critical role in national development. When we invest in Bo School, we are investing in Sierra Leone.”
Ing. Daboh commended the institution for fulfilling its original mandate: grooming Paramount Chiefs and nominees for leadership and administrative functions. “Bo School was established to cultivate a new generation of principled leaders, and for 120 years, it has done exactly that. From the corridors of government to the heart of our communities, OBBA alumni have served as Heads of State, Supreme Court Justices, captains of industry, and civil society champions.”
Schedule of Events
The National President outlined a robust itinerary for this auspicious occasion:
- Thursday, 2nd April: Commissioning of the new school gates and the amphitheatre constructed by OBBA and its partners. In the afternoon, a Durbar for 40 Paramount Chiefs and a cultural show will be held in the presence of President Bio.
- Friday, 3rd April: The Annual Speech Day and Prize-Giving ceremony begins at 11:00 AM, followed by Juma Prayers. The evening will host a reunion for alumni, friends, and the public on the school campus.
- Saturday, 4th April: The first session of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place in the morning. The afternoon features inter-school sports and games, followed by an evening Dinner and Dance.
- Sunday, 5th April: A Thanksgiving Service will be followed by a traditional “march-past” through the streets of Bo. The evening concludes with a celebratory carnival.
- Monday, 6th April: The second business session of the AGM will be held, followed by a unique closing ceremony.
“Normally, we do not have a formal closing, but this year we will host a ceremony to officially mark the end of these historic commemorations,” Ing. Daboh noted.
He concluded by calling on all “Old Boys” and current students to appear in their unique attire, embodying the traditional character that defines the school.
“All attendees, including OBBA members, alumni, and current students, are expected to wear full school attire in the official colours,” he urged. “This is not merely a dress code; it is a statement. When we stand together in our school colours, we erase distinctions of age, profession, and status. We stand as equals bound by a shared heritage; demonstrating the discipline, unity, and respect for tradition that have always set Bo School apart.”
