It was an atmosphere of excitement, funfair, jollification and exchange of pleasantries as Old Students of Ekiti Parapo College, EKPACO, both home and abroad, inaugurated their newly elected executive members who will pilot the affairs of the Association for the next four years.
The event, which took place at the school premises, had in attendance members of the association and well-wishers.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected National President, Ekiti Parapo College Old Students Association IDO EKITI Mr Lanre Arogundade, noted that there are high expectations from the inaugurated executive members particularly on improving and surpassing the performance of their predecessors saying that with the enthusiasm and support of members, it would be easy to attain the vision of uplifting the Alma mater.
Mr Arogundade itemized the project before the new executive members to include security of the academic environment, perimeter fencing because of encroachment on the land of the school, rehabilitation of facilities like the library, hostels and laboratory which are in dilapidated condition, and the hall where the old students usually meet which is lacking infrastructure.
The newly elected National President, who is the Executive Chairman of the International Press Council (IPC), pointed out that if all these were put back in proper shape, it would be easy to restore the glory of the school that has produced so many fantastic Nigerians.
He also said various visions and collective suggestions of members would be harmonised to uplift the school, while the ideas raised by the school principal would be looked into for the betterment of the Alma mater.
Earlier, the outgoing National President, Mr Dotun Adekanbi, noted that the immediate past executive of the Association had achieved a lot by bringing more members together and generating improved funds for the development of the school.
Earlier, the School Principal, Mr O.A. Owotuyi, had commended the association for various efforts put in place over the years for the development of the school, but solicited assistance in the area of provision of school buses, renovation of the college library, drainage and grading of the school entrance road for easy access.
The election also produced other officers, including the Vice President, Dr Ogunsina Olusola, General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Ayodeji, Ass. Gen. Secretary, Mrs Adeola Adewumi Babatunde, Financial Secretary, Mr Joseph Adesuyi, Public Relations Officer, PRO, Mr Ayo Ajiboye, Auditor, Mr EKundayo Folorunso and Legal Adviser, Mr Okimoba Kayode, who are expected to assume their roles immediately.
Many alumni expressed optimism that Mr Arogundade’s wealth of experience in media, administration and advocacy will bring fresh energy and direction to the association, ultimately contributing to the continued development of EKPACO and the nurturing of future generations of students.
