The University of Jos Alumni Association, Kogi State Chapter, has held its Elective Congress in Lokoja, bringing together members of the association to review the activities of the chapter, elect a new executive council and chart a fresh course for greater development of the association and its members.
The congress also provided an opportunity for members to appreciate individuals and organisations whose contributions have strengthened the alumni community.
A major highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, Publisher, Kogi Reports, who spoke on the topic, “Alumni Associations as Catalysts for Institutional Development and Societal Transformation.”
He underscored the strategic role alumni associations could play in supporting their alma mater, promoting professional networking and mobilising resources for sustainable institutional and community development. He urged members to see alumni activities beyond social gatherings, stressing the importance of collective responsibility, partnerships and initiatives capable of leaving enduring footprints.
The congress also passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the global University of Jos Alumni Association, led by Dr. Gad Peter Shamaki, for its commitment to sustaining the legacy project of the association, particularly the Alumni Centre in Jos.
Members noted that the project would provide a valuable facility for alumni and Josites visiting the city, while also contributing to efforts to address the infrastructural challenges confronting the University of Jos and, by extension, public universities across the country.
In his remarks, the outgoing chairman, Dr. Sam Omale reviewed his tenure, highlighting the achievements recorded by the association under his watch. He expressed appreciation to members and stakeholders for their support and urged the newly elected executive board to consolidate the gains already made, while seeking new opportunities to expand the association’s impact and strengthen its bonds with members and the wider society.
The Elective Congress also resolved to continue to partner distinguished Josites who have demonstrated remarkable support for the association and its developmental aspirations. Those Distinguished Alumni include Chief Peter Owoeye, a prominent business tycoon in Lagos; Chief Inaju U. Inaju of the United Nations; Engr. Oyindo Enejoh, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Onyindo Onyido Construction Company Limited; and Dr. Musa Gabriel, former Project Coordinator of KOSACA.
Others appreciated at the congress were Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN, and Mr. Idris Yakubu, former National President of the University of Jos Alumni Association.
The gesture, according to the association, was intended to acknowledge the contributions of the distinguished individuals to the growth of the alumni community and encourage stronger collaboration between the association and well-meaning stakeholders.
The congress concluded with a commitment by members to strengthen existing partnerships and build new ones in the coming years, with a view to promoting the welfare of alumni, supporting the development of the University of Jos and contributing meaningfully to society.
The association expressed optimism that the new executive led by Mrs Kowonton Moturayo Folake would build on the foundation laid by its predecessors and further position the Kogi chapter as a vibrant platform for professional networking, institutional support and community development.
