Kunle Adelabu
The Class of 1997, Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), has inaugurated the first female Chairman, Mrs Modupe Adepitan, at its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The new chairman pulled 94.1% of the total votes at the elections in April this year.
At the AGM held at the HOMAT Event Centre, Igbogbo, on Sunday, ten other members of the new executive council, were also inaugurated. They are Bamidele Babatunde (Vice Chairman), Bada Temitope (General Secretary), Gladys Amiandamhen (Assistant General Secretary), Omoshola Fatunde (Treasurer) and Adabonyan Afusat (Financial Secretary).
Others were Jumoke Amokunmosa (Social Secretary), Shonubi Kemi (Welfare Officer), Muftau Adewunmi (PRO), Ogedengbe Kudirat (Legal Officer) and the immediate past Chairman, Shakioye Olatunji (Ex – Officio).
At the AGM, the Secretariat, Financial and the Welfare reports were presented to members and after deliberations, all the reports were accepted with commendations for the outgone executives.
Mr Shakioye Olatunji, in his last speech at the AGM, as Chairman, expressed mixed reactions at his exit.
He expressed his satisfaction at the achievements of his administration in the last four years.
“It is with great pleasure to stand before you today for the last time as President at the 4th annual general meeting of our association. I’m filled with a mix of emotions – pride, gratitude, and a hint of sadness.
“It’s hard to believe that my term has come to an end, but I’m excited to pass the baton to our new leader, particular to a woman, this is a sign the gender discrimination does not exist amidst us.
“I want to extend a warm welcome to our members, stakeholders, patrons, patroness, advisers, national executives, guests, and friends of the association. Your presence here today means the world to me, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to serve this incredible association.
“As I look back on my tenure, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. We’ve faced challenges, celebrated successes, and grown as a community. I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me, and I’m humbled by the experience and most especially, the birthday gift and surprise party you guys organized for me.
“Without any hesitation, I can emphatically state that our class set has lived up to its objectives through its contribution to the growth of the alma mater, to the lives of her members and especially, to the national body of the association.
“In the year under review, one of us was re- elected as the Assistant General Secretary, he has represented us well in the past, there is no doubt that his representation will do us good as a class set”, he said.
While assuring members and guests that he is leaving the association in good hands, Shakioye also called for members’ of his set to give their support towards successful participation in the upcoming 75th anniversary of Oriwu College, lkorodu, which is being organized by the national alumni body.
“Today, we’ll be reviewing our accomplishments, discussing our financials, and induct new leadership. I’m confident that the association is in good hands, and I’m excited to see the innovative ideas and energy that our new President will bring on board”, he said.
“Permit me to challenge us that the association has a lot of tasks ahead, particularly the 75th year anniversary of our prestigious Oriwu College, lkorodu. However, alongside all other class sets, with God on our sides and as our dedication, we shall record success stories”.
Shakioye remembered the death of one of the set’s member, and thanked members for their support.
“The death of our own, Dr. Richard Adekola Idowu, came to us as a rude shock, I pray that his soul shall continue to rest in peace.
“Before I hand over the reign, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all members for the cooperation, support, and commitment throughout the year. You all have contributed in no small measure to growth of the association, and for the achievements recorded in the year under review.
“Your donations, payment of dues, selfless services, above all, always sacrificing your time such that the association will not be found wanting, cannot but be appreciated.
“Let’s make this meeting a celebration of our collective achievements and a smooth transition to new leadership. Thank you again for your support, and I wish our organization continued success in the years to come”.
The former Welfare Director of the association, Mrs Oluwakemi Mustapha, in her report, said that the Class set performed very well in taking care of members’ welfare.
She listed support for members to include Christmas packages for members, Ramadan packages for members, palliative distribution to some members and celebration of members on their birthdays, wedding anniversary and children’s graduations among others.
Meanwhile, in her acceptance speech, the first female Chairman, Mrs Modupe Adepitan, said that her emergence depicts the progress that members of the association have made together.
She thanked the founding fathers of OCOSAN, for their mentorship and motivation.
“It is with profound gratitude and immense pride that I stand before you today as the first female president of our esteemed alumni association (Oriwu College Ikorodu). This moment is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the progress we have collectively achieved.
“It reflects our shared commitment to equality, inclusion and the empowerment of all members of our community.
“When I think back to my days as a student, I remember the guidance and inspiration I received from many who came before me. Their stories of perseverance, innovation and leadership shaped my journey and motivated me to reach for heights I once thought unattainable.
“Today, we celebrate those who paved the way and acknowledge the ongoing efforts of our diverse and dynamic alumni”, she said.
While also acknowledging the impact of the old school on her and her colleagues, Adepitan said her agenda for the OCOSAN 1997 set aligns with that of the school, which, according to her, are mentorship, professional development and collaboration.
“Oriwu College has always been a beacon of excellence and companionship. It has connected us across generations, fields of expertise and geographical boundaries. As we move forward, my vision is to strengthen these connections even further.
“We will create new opportunities for mentorship, professional development and collaboration. We will support one another in our personal and professional endeavors, ensuring that every alumnus feels valued and empowered.
“I appreciate the outgoing officers for taking the welfare of members as priority, it is a very good policy and I assure and reassure you that this administration will do more in this regard. As we all know, our friendship is from childhood and it has lasted for over 3 decades now, my team and l shall continue to protect it, as it is well cherished”, she said.
She pledged to run an inclusive administration and thanked everyone for their support.
“Diversity and inclusion will be at the heart of our initiatives. We will work tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, background, or field of study, has a voice and a place in our association.
“We will celebrate our differences and harness them as strengths, recognizing that it is through our varied perspectives that we achieve true innovation and progress.
“My dear colleagues and friends, as we embark on this journey together, I invite each one of you to share your ideas, your passions, and your expertise, left us build a future where our alumni association is not just a network, but a thriving, dynamic community that makes a positive impact on the world.
“Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will achieve great things”, she said.
Alhaji Muhammed Arole, the National President, OCOSAN, in his remarks, congratulated the set for the successful completion of an administration and induction of a new one.
While also acknowledging the support of the set to the national body and the old school, Alhaji Arole charged members of the set to support the new administration.
The National Chairman also charged members of the Class of 1997 to support the national body to have a successful 75th anniversary slated for September and October 2024.
The Chairman, Oriwu College at 75 anniversary committee, who also doubled as the National Social Secretary, Mr Tommy Abari who also spoke at the AGM, also charged members of the set to give more support to the national body towards the milestone celebration.
Other important guests at the celebration were Alhaji Kasumu Ibrahim (Mallo), Mr Wasiu Tijani, National General Secretary, Mrs Oladimeji Mutiat Abiodun, OCOSAN National Treasurer, Mr Lateef Sholanke, National PRO and Mrs Oshodi, National Welfare Secretary.
