Protocols.
Ladies and gentlemen, I congratulate every one of us for witnessing the fourth month of the year 2024. The Lord has made it possible again. Of course, it is neither by our power nor our strength, but by the amazing grace of God, for which we remain grateful. Today marks the commencement of the second quarter of this year and it is a subtle reminder that this year is also fading out. Time waits for no one; therefore, we must utilize it productively in all ramifications.
We are in a festive mood with the Easter Celebrations in place and the Ramadan fast also in its twilight with the concomitant Eid celebrations. What better opportunity do we have for reflection and gratitude? We must not forget the religious admonition for forgiveness, compassion and love for humanity as always exemplified by the teachings of the Holy Books.
In this month’s address, I want to share the thoughts of an Islamic Scholar, Umar Faruk Abdallah, in his publication; Living Islam with Purpose, which has been summarised with the Acronym “TREES” as follows:
Ø T – Trusting Reason
Ø R – Respect in Dissent
Ø E – Embracing Maxims
Ø E – Empathizing Social Obligations and
Ø S – Setting Priorities
We need to reflect on all these in our daily lives and utilize them in fostering acceptable interpersonal relationships that is akin to GODLINESS!
Let me use this opportunity to thank members of the Committee for the Digital Centre Project under the distinguished leadership of Mrs. Kofoworola Ajelabi, nee Ogunbiyi for their readiness to serve. I have been briefed about the establishment of a working subcommittee and that a formal report to the Exco is on its way. With the visit of the Chairperson to the school a few days ago and a series of activities going on, I wish to assure you all that this project is on course. Meanwhile, a temporary CBT training arrangement has been made for students preparing for this year’s JAMB in the school to assist them before the launching of our own centre.
Furthermore, we shall deliver on our promise to provide decent and modern toilet facilities to the students in due course. Details will be unveiled as soon as we are done with our Digital Centre Project.
I am delighted with the encouraging and reassuring reports from our old students who made unscheduled visits to the school in the last few weeks. We are happy that the repositioning is gradually taking shape.
I rejoice with those buddies who marked their birthdays during the month. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless them and their esteemed families.
May I single out our dear brother, Elder Adegboye James Adebayo (1966-1970) who marked his 75th birthday yesterday, 31st March 2024. I thank God for his life and the spirit of giving back he demonstrated by paying for the 2024 NECO final examination fees of 13 students who meet the specified criteria set by the Adegboye James Adebayo Foundation. We appreciate this uncommon gesture. In the words of the Secretary of the Association, we cannot list all that Elder Adegboye has done to lift the Association and members. Our prayer is that the Lord will give him good health and a long life to enjoy the fruits of his labour. May I at this point call on other interested Buddies to emulate Elder Adebayo by institutionalizing philanthropic programs in our school.
With a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, I wish to use this medium to commiserate with the 89 and 77 Sets once again and the entire AHSO family on the demise of Late Pastor Emmanuel Olanihun and Late John Akintunde. I pray that God Almighty will forgive their sins, grant their souls a peaceful repose and give their families and indeed, all of us, the fortitude to bear the losses. No doubt, their passing on will cause a lot of pain and regrets but, as believers, we must thank God for their lives.
My brothers and sisters, let me say it loud and clear again that death is inevitable, but we can do so much to prevent untimely one when we take quick and timely actions about our health issues. Please talk to the nearest National or Chapter Old Students Association officer nearest to you if there are challenges. Such can be brought to our attention, just in case, we are able to provide solutions within our capacity as an active Old Students’ Association.
Let us remember the popular adage that says health is wealth. I want to reemphasize my earlier postulation that a healthy soul is a function of what we do to, and for ourselves. The essence of our participation in the Group Life Insurance Scheme cannot be overemphasized. I want to appeal that we all key into this scheme as another opportunity will soon come our way. May God put an end to unpleasant incidences in our midst. I would like to stress the need for us to register with our States’ Health Insurance Agencies. Ailments like Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, etc. that often become fatal when not addressed on time are usually comprehensively covered by the Basic Health Insurance Schemes now available.
Lastly, I want to say thank you all for your support and the confidence in the leadership of the Association. I pray that our Association will continue to grow from strength to strength.
May Allah, the most Beneficent and Merciful, provide for our needs in the months and years ahead. Amen.
THANK YOU ALL AND HAPPY CELEBRTAIONS!
Lateef A. Bakare, FCA, FBR