The Chairperson of the OSPO/RUGIPO Alumni Association, Akure Chapter, Chief Mrs Yinka Ogunleye, has called on members of the association to demonstrate greater commitment by attending meetings and programmes as and when due.


She emphasised that it is imperative for members to come together for the growth and development of the chapter, adding that the alumni platform is a vast and valuable one that provides opportunities for members to reconnect with old friends while building new relationships.


Mrs Ogunleye made these remarks at the end-of-year party of the OSPO/RUGIPO Alumni Akure Chapter, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.


According to her, “the unity of this alumni body is very important and non-negotiable. We must leverage our strength as a chapter located in the state capital to build an indivisible and formidable association that will be the cynosure of all eyes among other chapters.”


She expressed concern over the low level of participation by some members during important events, noting that attendance tends to increase only during election periods due to personal interests.


“I cannot fathom why our people are not forthcoming whenever we have important events like this. It is only during elections that you see them trooping in, and once the elections are over, they disappear,” she said.


Mrs Ogunleye stressed that such attitudes must change, adding that the association would no longer operate on a business-as-usual basis.


“We will put strong mechanisms in place to checkmate and put an end to such practices. I will engage my executives and key stakeholders on how best to reposition and repackage the association for greater effectiveness,” she stated.


She encouraged members who have remained committed not to be discouraged, assuring them of a brighter future for the association.


“I assure you that we are going to have a better and stronger association. The future is brighter than ever,” she added.


The Chairperson also urged members to promptly pay their annual dues and appealed to them to work with her in mobilising more alumni to join the association.


She expressed her appreciation to the representative of the national body, Mrs Jumoke Arowolo, for her presence at the event, and commended the planning committee led by Mr Wale Ige, alongside the Secretary, Engr Oluwaseun Adeyeye, FNSE, and other members of the committee for a job well done.


In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Wale Ige, thanked the Chairperson of the Alumni Association for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the committee to serve the chapter.


He underscored the need for unity among members, stating that the strength of any higher institution lies in the capacity and cohesion of its alumni.


“On this note, I seek the support of members to attract more eminent personalities into our chapter. We have them in large numbers here in Akure. Let us work together to make our alumni association great,” he said.