All protocols duly observed,
Ladies and gentlemen, Happy new month to you all.
Thank God for the grace to witness the 9th month of the year and pray that He will continue to be our provider and protector as we commence the “ember” months, signaling a gradual farewell to 2023.
Let me first appreciate all members of the Executive, who made it to the first EXECUTIVE RETREAT of the Association on Saturday, 5th August 2023. No doubt, it was a lot of sacrifice in terms of time and finance. I also wish to thank our Prayer Warriors and all members of the Association for your time and commitment to the AHSO Project.
We had a very successful stay at Osu during which we interacted with the school management on the various problems affecting the students’ performances and the school as a whole. At the end of the plenary sessions, we were able to generate a lot of robust ideas on how to revitalize the academics and co-curricular activities of the school, and above all, to make the Association a formidable one in the years ahead.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is our desire to be more involved in the administration, maintenance and general development of the school considering the Association’s input in recent times, and the interest shown by individual members. I have not taken all these for granted and on behalf of EXCO, I wish to place on record our appreciation for all the efforts.
The EXCO will be meeting shortly to reconstitute the various Sub-Committees for effective discharge of their responsibilities. The Education Committee under the Chairmanship of our 1st Vice President, Prince Adedokun Agunlejika, which is considered the Engine room of the Association’s interface with the School, Students and Parents, would be saddled with a lot of additional responsibilities which will require the support of non-committee members.
At this juncture, I want to appeal to all individuals that may be contacted to lend a helping hand whenever their services and experiences are required to please avail the Committee of their Time, Talent and Treasure. Certainly, we cannot do it alone.
The Retreat also broached the establishment of certain investment organs to provide avenues for profitable engagement of members and broaden the revenue base of the Association. Details are
being worked out and we will make appropriate announcements as we progress on this project. We also intend to put in place a befitting Alumni Secretariat to provide “on site” interface with the School authorities and where our various activities can be effectively coordinated. It is germane to say here that we have a number of very successful businessmen and professionals among us whose wealth of experience and exposure can be effectively utilized in this direction. EXCO wants to build a very dynamic Association and look for a way of engaging our members.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR SMART AND INFORMED CHOICES WITH LONG TERM IMPACTS AND BE WILLING TO SOW THE REQUIRED SEEDS NOW.
It is with deep regret that I report the demise of one of our compatriots, the Senior Prefect of the 1971 Set, from Ile Ife Chapter, Mr. Lawrence Adedeji on August 18, 2023 and was buried on August 22, 2023 with the School appropriately represented.
The death of Mr. Adedeji, though very unfortunate, provides us the opportunity to reflect on our activities as a Buddy.
We need to be more engaged, look out for ourselves and take personal responsibility for our affairs. We must take solace in the promise of Allah in Quran Chapter 94, verses 5 (Surely with difficulty is ease) and 6 (Surely with difficulty is ease). “Darkness before dawn” is a natural phenomenon that we experience all the time, hence we must not allow present difficulties from beclouding our hope for a better tomorrow, which must work towards without fail.
I cannot but continue to reiterate the need for all of us to key into the Association’s Group Life Insurance Policy which is in place. It provides a level of support in case of any eventualities. The opportunity to participate is still open to all our members and I urge you all to subscribe. The N18,500 (Eighteen thousand five hundred Naira) pails to nothing if there is any claim.
In due course, we hope to reorganize the platform for the benefit of all of us and hoist a website for the global activities of the Association. As Oliver Twist, we shall continue to request for your support, maybe through your Chapters, Sets and NGOs for the success of our Association.
As usuaI, I want to appreciate all distinguished old students for your prayers, moral, material and financial support.
God bless you all.
Lateef A. Bakare