Kunle Adelabu
The newly inaugurated Chairman for the Class of 1997, Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), Arc. Omoshola Fatunde, has assured members of his
Class Set that their welfare and the strengthening of the association will top the agenda of his administration.
To set the ball rolling towards achieving his administration’s plans, Arc. Fatunde also dissolved all existing committees and set up five new ones – welfare, finance, advisory, communication and disciplinary committees.
Arc. Fatunde, gave the assurance at the Annual General Meeting/Installation of Chairman and Exco Members of OCOSAN Class of 1997, The new executives were inaugurated by the National Legal Adviser of OCOSAN, Barr. Tajudeen Anibaba, and decorated by the out-gone Chairman, OCOSAN 1997, Mrs Modupe Adepitan, represented by Mr Shakioye Olatunji, a former Chairman of the set, at a ceremony held at the Amicable Club 1980, Akasoleri along the Ikorodu -Itamaga Road, Ikorodu.
Others inaugurated were Babatunde Bamidele (Vice Chairman, Diaspora Coordinator), Oluwatosin Ojo (General Secretary), Remilekun Onasanya (Treasurer), Temitope Adaboyan (Financial Secretary), Muftau Adewunmi (PRO I), Sulaimon Abimbola (PRO), Lola Azeez (Asst. Gen Secretary), Alli Taiwo (Legal Adviser), Titilayo Fakunmoju (Social Secretary), Adelotan Opemipo (Welfare Secretary), Shakioye Olatunji (Ex -Officio I) and Tokunbo Egbebi – Ebitomiye (Ex -officio II).
Secretariat, financial and welfare reports for the year were presented by the outgone administration, discussed and adopted by members present, during the AGM.
In attendance were Alhaji MBS Arole, OCOSAN National President, Mr Lateef Sholanke, National Secretary, Mr Abiodun Abari, National Publicity Secretary, and Mr Samson Soneye, National Social Secretary. Also in attendance were Mr Bola Mabunmi, and Mr kehinde Olowu, both represented OCOSAN 2002 Class Set and Mr Michael Adekoya, Class Set of 2008.
Describing his emergence as the Chairman as a call to serve, Fatunde set out the vision and focus of his administration.
“With profound humility and gratitude to God Almighty, I accept formally the mandate entrusted to me today as the 6th Chairman of Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria, Class Set of 97.
“I sincerely appreciate every member of this great Set for the confidence, trust, and support demonstrated through this mandate. This responsibility is a call to service, and I pledge to justify the faith reposed in me. I equally commend and appreciate the outgoing Executive Council for their dedication, sacrifices, and the foundation they have laid for the continued growth of our association.
“This administration shall be guided by the core values of Unity, Service, and Excellence. Our mission is to build a stronger, more accountable, and more connected Class Set where every member matters.”
Setting agenda for the administration’s key priorities, he listed Members’ Welfare and Security; Development, Transparency and Accountability; Inclusive Participation and Technology; Unity and Member Engagement and Bond.
“The welfare and wellbeing of members shall remain a top priority. We shall commence the process of implementing a Group Life and Welfare Insurance Policy for all financial members.”
“This initiative, which I first clamoured for during my tenure as General Secretary, remains a major pillar of our commitment to ensuring that no member is left without support in times of need,” he said while presenting his plans for members’ welfare.
He emphasised the need to strengthen the structures of the association through improved accountability, transparency, and efficiency, stressing that financial records shall undergo audit twice a year, and quarterly publication of the bank statement of the Class Set.
In the area of inclusive participation and technology, Fatunde stated that:
“Members in the diaspora shall be fully integrated into the activities of the Set. Our meetings and major events shall adopt virtual participation platforms to ensure that every member, regardless of location, remains connected and involved.”
He also stressed the need to promote stronger communication, collaboration, and engagement among members both locally and internationally.
While calling members of the set to action, Fatunde enjoined them to collaborate with his administration for greater success.
“I, therefore, call on all members to join hands with the new Executive Council. Let us contribute our ideas, resources, time, and goodwill towards building the OCOSAN Set of 1997 that we all desire. Together, we can achieve greater milestones.”
“Once again, I sincerely thank you for this honour and trust. I pledge to serve with humility diligence, integrity, and the fear of God. May our decisions always be guided by wisdom fairness, and the interest of our beloved Set,” he said.
Alhaji MBS Arole., OCOSAN National President, speaking described the occasion as a significant one emphasizing that the sustenance of the set’s gathering strengthens the national body and the school.
“It is my distinct honour and privilege, as the National President of Oriwu College Old Students Association of Nigeria, to welcome you all and to formally inaugurate the new Executive Committee of1997 Class Set.
“Today is significant. Every new set that organizes itself and comes forward to take its place in this Association strengthens the foundation of Oriwu College. Class of 1997, your decision to continue to come together almost 30 years after graduation shows maturity, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility to the school that raised us.
While stating the products of the school have contributed in no small measures to community state and national development, Alhaji Arole urged the newly constituted OCOSAN 1997 excos on the to ensure that the maintain unity in their set.
“Oriwu College is not just a school. It is a legacy. For almost 80 years, it has produced men and women who are contributing to nation building. Our motto remains “Per Aspera Ad Astra.” Unity without service is empty, Service without unity is weak.
“As National President, my charge to every set — and especially to 1997 today — is this: organize for impact.
“To the new Exco of Class of 1997, I congratulate you. The work you have done to reunite, to register, and to present yourselves for inauguration is commendable”.
He also assured members of the set that the OCOSAN National under his leadership will continue strengthening all sets, old and new; partner with the College for sustainable development and ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusion
The outgone Chairman, OCOSAN 1997, Mrs Modupe Adepitan, speaking earlier described the opportunity to lead the association as historic and a privilege.
She was represented by a former Chairman of the set, Mr Shakioye Olatunji.
“With a heart full of gratitude and humility, I bid you farewell as I conclude my tenure as the first female President of our great association.
“Serving in this historic role has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated achievements, strengthened our unity, and laid foundations that will continue to benefit our association for years to come. Every milestone we reached was made possible through your unwavering support, dedication, and shared commitment to the vision of OCOSAN.
“Being entrusted with the responsibility of leading as the first female President is an honour I will cherish forever. I hope this milestone serves as a reminder that leadership knows no gender and that every member has the potential to make a lasting impact when given the opportunity to serve, ´she said.
While handling over the mantle, the outgone Chairman thanked members of the set for their support and urged them to extend their support to the new excos.
“As I hand over the mantle of leadership, I encourage every member to continue supporting the incoming leadership with the same passion, loyalty, and unity that have always defined us. Together, we can achieve even greater heights.
“As this chapter comes to a close, I leave with cherished memories, lifelong friendships, and immense pride in what we have accomplished together. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve, to learn, and to make history alongside you”.
In recognition of their contributions to the development of the association, certificate of appreciation were presented to members of the outgone executives.
