As a way of having a strong foundation for the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo Alumni Association, the Interim National President, Mr. Kola Amole recently led his Executive Council members into a parley with staffers of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo who are members of the alumni family.
The meeting was targeted at mobilizing all alumni family members (SACOED/OYSCOED/EACOED) into one big family under same umbrella.
Declaring the meeting open, the College Chief Executive, Dr. Nelson Aderemi Oyewo expressed his delight on the decisions and efforts of the Alumni Interim National Executive.
According to the Ag. Provost, “the purpose of inaugurating the Alumni Association is yielding fruits. The benefits of an Alumni Association are too numerous to mention. Our College like many other institutions, is in dare need of contributions of her alumni for her development. This led us into making the vision a realistic one and I am delighted to be part of this history. I therefore congratulate you all for being part of the history while I hereby formally declare this meeting open”.
Speaking at the historic event, the Interim National President, Mr. Kola Amole thanked the College Management ably led by the Ag. Provost, Dr Nelson Aderemi Oyewo, for the opportunity given to him and his team to chart the path for the integration of all year sets, so as to organize and conduct elections into the National body of the Alumni Association. He equally lauded the Alumni Relations Officer, Dr. Oladapo Ojo and his officers for the yeoman’s job they are doing.
According to him, “the world that we live in gets more complicated with each passing day. We get involved with our families, work and those outside the circle, including the Alumni. A smooth take-off of National Alumni activities was hindered by a number of variables, some of which we are all aware of. We thank God that the harsh and turbulent situations of the past couple of months did not consume us.”
Speaking further, the renowned Business Management Consultant states, “we made this place our first port of call because this is the base or headquarters of EACOED National Alumni Association. And we are lucky that a significant number of the college staff are Alumni members.” “One of the mandates given to us is to coordinate a functional and sustainable electoral process. To achieve this, we plan to develop a data base of all our members, by embarking on a membership drive. I therefore humbly implore you to join this crusade, by helping us to sensitize every member of the Alumni. Very soon, we shall be creating a platform for all the heads of all identified branches and chapters. This will eventually pave way for the creation of a truly National Platform.”
While congratulating the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE on his re-election for a second term in office, the UK- trained Business and Finance graduate highlighted some basic facts about the alumni body. These include:
1. It’s membership doesn’t expire. It is designed to last a lifetime. And the only qualification required is to have graduated from this great college.
2. Members must try to create time, because we are all volunteers.
3. Alumni events helps to enhance the social experience of members. It also helps to support camaraderie amongst them.
4. Money is not the primary concern, but financing is a major issue, and it could be an obstacle to development.
“The primary aim of an Alumni Association like ours is to provide opportunities for members to interact and help each other grow in their personal and professional lives. And also contribute to the development of our Alma-mater.”
“I therefore challenge each and every one of us to start thinking of ways of giving back to this great institution that made us what we are today. It is a sacrifice we must make at whatever degree we are comfortable with, for our group to succeed. This is not necessarily monetary, though it is always welcome. It could take the form of attending social, welfare and academic events, as well as, career mentoring and volunteering time. You will realise in the process of doing any of these, that _“giving back makes you feel good”._ The successes of the products of this great institution must be seen and felt within and outside the college, and this could be more easily achieved through a united front.”
“When we get together as a group, we don’t only receive benefits, but we are also given the opportunity to sacrifice for our fellow colleagues in various ways. Efforts must be made to ensure that the welfare of members are properly attended to at all times”, stated the SACOED 1987 Economics/Political Science graduate.
“I therefore appeal to you to kindly support all the programmes and activities of the Association, and also encourage others to do the same.”
Tens of staffers of the College who are alumni members who spoke at the parley could not hide their joy as it was a landmark event for them. They all thanked the Interim National President and his team for making it a duty to rally their support towards having a virile and formidable Alumni Association. _”We shall support this vision”, stated Dr. Olugbenga Ayena who was one of those who championed the cause of having an active alumni association._
Members of the Interim National Executive Committee who were on the team included Dr. Sophia Adeyeye, General Secretary; Rtn Adewale Azeez, General Coordinator; Mrs. Mojisola Ezekiel, Treasurer; Mrs. Busayo Olayiwola, Financial Secretary; Dr. Mrs. Aminat Agoro, Chief Adviser and Mr. Hammed Adio, Member
