Kunle Adelabu
-Dissolves existing committees
The new National President of the Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), Alhaji Arole Muhammed Busari Solebo, has unveiled his administration’s agenda for the association and the old college – Oriwu Senior and Junior Model Colleges, Ikorodu.
Arole, who was returned unopposed at the 2024 OCOSAN Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Elections held at the college hall on Sunday, pledged to embark on 4 Rs – Restructuring, Rescuing, Renovation and Reconstruction.
He announced his plans in his acceptance speech, titled, ‘The Beginning of A New Dawn!’, after his opponent, Olola Iluyombo Olusegun Olasunkanmi stepped down in the middle of the election.
The new OCOSAN National President also disbanded all the existing OCOSAN committees, including the Oriwu College at 70 Planning Committee inaugurated during the AGM by the immediate National President, Dr Hamed Olaide Sunmonu, Ph.D.,
Mr. Oshodi Olakunle (Deputy President), Hon. Olambiwonnu Olakunle Semiu (Vice President), Mr. Tijani Wasiu Olalekan (General Secretary), Mrs. Oladimeji Mutiat Abiodun (Treasurer) and Mr. Wajero Ambrose Olugbenga (Financial Secretary), were also returned unopposed.
Also returned unopposed are Mr. Sholanke Lateef Goriola (Publicity Secretary), Mr. Abari Ibrahim Abiodun (Social Secretary), Mr. Shitta Abiodun Olayinka (Auditor), Ms. Oshodi Olashile Abibat (Welfare Secretary) and Mr. Fatunde Omosola Olawale (Assistant Secretary).
Arole who thanked the entire college old students for their support, and added that the victory is for the entire alumnus of Oriwu College, who clamour for more active association.
“Today, I stand before you, profoundly humbled and deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. With immense joy, I accept the responsibility of leading OCOSAN as your president”, he said.
“Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who believed in the vision we set forth during this campaign. This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to each Oriwu College graduate who yearns for a stronger, more vibrant association.
“Our journey begins with the realization that OCOSAN is not just an association; it’s a family, a network bound by shared experiences and aspirations. Together, we embark on this exciting chapter, guided by the principles of (4 Rs) – restructuring, rescuing, renovation, and reconstruction”, Arole disclosed.
He pledged that OCOSAN, during his administration, will pursue the desires and aspirations of its members, give students in the school sense of belonging and continue with the school’s tradition of excellence.
“In the spirit of restructuring, we will adapt, evolve and innovate to ensure that OCOSAN is a reflection of our collective dynamism. Your input and ideas will be the building blocks of our renewed structure”, Arole said.
“Rescuing is not just about extending a helping hand, it’s about fostering a culture of support among us. Together, we will create a safety net, ensuring that no Oriwu College graduate is left behind.
“Renovation is about infusing new life into our association. We’ll revitalize events, enhance communication, and celebrate the richness of our shared heritage. Our collective strength lies in our ability to evolve while cherishing our traditions.
“And finally, Reconstruction. Together, we will build a stronger, more impactful OCOSAN. Our philanthropic endeavours will be a beacon of hope, echoing the excellence instilled in us by Oriwu College”, he added.
Disbanding all the existing committees, Alhaji Arole said that the emergence of the new administration will transform OCOSAN and make the association one that members are proud of.
“I want to assure you that this victory is not the end but the beginning of a transformative era for OCOSAN. I am committed to working tirelessly, hand in hand with each one of you, to make our alma mater proud”.
“Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in the potential of OCOSAN. Let us embark on this exciting journey together, united by the bond that began within the hallowed walls of Oriwu College.
“Thank you, and here’s to a future filled with shared successes and enduring friendships.
“All the existing committees are, hereby, dissolved until further notice”, President Arole declared.
Chairman, OCOSAN Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Mutiu ‘Labi Ishola Lemomu, said that his attendance at the AGM offered him the opportunity to relate with fellow alumni of the premier College.
In his speech titled, ‘Going Back To The Root’. Chief Lemomu, charged alumni to continue to thrive in maintaining the excellence that the school is known for.
“Oriwu College has a legacy of Brilliance and Excellence. So, I wasn’t surprised when a year ago it so, our own College was named ‘The Best in Nigeria’. Our students here must continue to carry the Touch – just like indigenous Ikorodu sons and daughters are doing today in the affairs of Lagos State and Nigeria. The sky must never be the limit”, BOT Chairman said.
“A short while ago, I said that Oriwu College has a Legacy of Excellence. Even in our days, some 60 years ago, many of our students demonstrated high academic skills and exceptional ability to move the College in the right directions. To mention just a few:
“Late Mukaila Onilere – brilliant all round student; Late Kareem Solebo – was pioneer Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Government; Bashorun Babatunde Tajudeen Rotinwa – Former Head of Service in Lagos State; Late Alhaji Musendiq Alogba – highly successful businessman and entrepreneur; Justice Moshood Olugbani – High Court Justice in Lagos State; Alhaji Sarafa Sule (Shafi Rose) Central Banker and Olumoroti Jaiyesimi (Tiny Moroti). All round intellectual and academic brilliance.
“So, really, all the awards and recognition have foundation laid by old students and iconic tutors/lecturers over the years”.
The BOT Chairman also charged alumni of the old school to always use their resources in supporting the school and ensure that it maintains its place of pride.
“OCOSAN should spare no expense to keep up grading our infrastructure and academics. The important role of Class sets cannot be over emphasised. They must stand up to be counted at all times”.
Dr Hamed Olaide Sunmonu, Ph.D., the immediate past OCOSAN National President, in his farewell speech at the AGM, expressed his appreciation to the alumni for their support for his administration in the last two years.
While stating that his administration was faced with several challenges, Sunmonu also said that it also recorded several successes.
“In the past two years of leading this prestigious Alumni Association, we have been faced with challenges and also recorded unprecedented wins as I would be pleased to highlight a few of them briefly”, he said.
“As we took over on January 16, 2022, we commenced fully with inauguration of Board of Trustees and proceeded to secure their official status as Registered Trustees with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under the Companies and Allied Matters Act as amended.
“Our action plan captured to embark on physical projects such as building a Resource Centre with adequate provisions of e-library, data resource base, halls and offices for use of our students and generality of our members. As lofty as this plan became, the dearth of adequate financial resources was responsible for the reason we couldn’t make it feasible”.
He listed the creation of an alumni website to improve communication among members and regular connection with various class sets with a view to ensuring that they provide conducive atmosphere for perfect friendships and togetherness as some of achievements in the last two years.
“Today, as I pass on the mantle of leadership of this great association to the next President, I am truly grateful to you all for giving me the lifetime opportunity to serve you. May the good Lord continue to keep us, guide us and our collective aspirations”, he said.
At the AGM, the Secretariat, Treasurer and the Auditor’s reports were presented and adopted.
25 Class sets of the premier college in Ikorodu Division, were presented with Membership Certificate in recognition of their financial commitment to the national body.
Immediately after its inauguration, the new executive council also met with the Principals of the Oriwu Senior Model Colleges, Ikorodu, during which they discussed their support agenda for the development of the school.
Some of the eminent alumni of the school that attended the AGM/elections were Sir (Otunba) Senator Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, KJW, Vice Chairman, OCOSAN BOT, Otunba Akinola Awomodu, a successful businessman, Hon. Gbenga Oshin, former Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Prince Yommy Shopitan, former Executive Assistant to Gov. Sanwo – Olu on Maritime, Chief Executive Officer, MALLO Petroleum and Mr Ajasa Moshood, Chairman LADAMOS Pharmacy/Supermarket, Ikorodu among others.
