Mariam Akinloye
The newly sworn – in Chairman, Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), Class of 2002, Mrs SHOLANKE Bello Shakirat Eyitayo, has beckoned on her old mates to cooperate and join her in impacting further on their alma mater, Ikorodu community and the humanity in general.
Sholanke, who is the first female Chairman of her set, was elected few weeks back alongside other officers of the set.
She gave the charge during her formal inauguration as the Chairman, alongside other members of her cabinet, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Oriwu College hall, lkorodu.
Other executives of the set inaugurated were: Olalekan Qudus( Vice Chairman), Hassan Olumide( Secretary), Olowu Ayodeji(Financial secretary), Kareem Tosin Adeyemi( P.R.O), Busayo Otasanya Olabisi( Social/Welfare), Balogun Abraham ( Treasurer) and Shoda Yemi( Assistant General Secretary).
In attendance at the memorable event were a powerful delegation from the National Executive Council of the OCOSAN, led by Alhaji Muhammed B.S. Arole, the National President, Mr Wasiu Tijani, National Secretary, Mr Abiodun Abari, National Social Secretary and Mr Lateef Sholanke, National Publicity Secretary .
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Sholanke, while calling on the former students of the premier school in Ikorodu Division, for their support as a way to pay back to impact on the college impacted positively on them, also reminded them of the bond that they were able to form while in the school.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to stand before you today as the newly elected chairman of our esteemed alumni association. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for entrusting me with this important responsibility”, she said.
“As we gather here, we are reminded of the powerful bonds that unite us as members of this incredible community. Our alma mater has not only provided us with a world-class education, but has also instilled in us values of integrity, resilience and lifelong learning.
“Now, as we embark on this journey together, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for all that we can achieve. Together, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our alma mater, our communities, and the world at large”.
Sholanke gave insight into the agenda that her administration will be pursuing to impact on their alma mater and members of the set.
“I believe that our association can serve as a beacon of inspiration, a hub of collaboration, and a force for positive change.
“Whether through mentorship programmes, professional development initiatives, or social engagement, l believe there are countless ways in through which we can come together to support one another and give back to those who follow in our footsteps. Our class set is unique as many class sets envy us, we are doing good, but I am optimistic it can still gets better…”, she said.
“But most importantly, let us never forget the importance of staying connected and staying true to our shared values. Let us celebrate our successes, learn from our failures, and always strive to uphold the legacy of excellence”, she charged.
She expressed her thanks to her old mates for their commitment and dedication to the school.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to our association. Together, I am confident that we will write the next chapter of our association’s history, one filled with even greater achievements and even greater impact”, she said.
“Thank you, and let us embark on this journey together with courage, compassion, and conviction”.
While congratulating the new executives, OCOSAN National Presidential, Alhaji Arole charged every member of the set to work together and cooperate in making their association move forward and have meaningful impact at the national level.
He emphasized the importance of the Alumni Association, explaining to the Class of 2002 how his son got a permanent job through a former colleague of his whom he served in his company and how he was able to secure employment immediately he completed his national service through a former National President of OCOSAN.
He charged them to continue to give their old school their commitment and dedication.
The National Secretary in his own remarks charged the set to continue to be outstanding and allow the conflicts that they have passed through bring out the best in them.
Tijani congratulated the new executives and members of the set.
Also speaking, Abari, the National Social Secretary , emphasized that the OCOSAN as an alumni association is a social and philanthropic group set up by old students to give back to their former schools.
