On Thursday 6 April, the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association, Nigeria (COSFAN) held the swearing-in of its new Executive Committee, as part of a wider Commonwealth Day celebration.
Outgoing president, Commonwealth Alumnus Dr Ruth Abiola Adimula (2010 Professional Fellow), opened the occasion with her reflections on the work and progress of COSFAN during her tenure. Highlights included establishing a relationship with the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Federal Scholarships Board; delivering training to Hon. Magistrates and Area Court Judges in Kwara State on family court and chief justice administration; and bringing Commonwealth Alumni and local communities together to mark Commonwealth Day annually.
At the close of her address, Dr Adimula urged the new Executive Committee to continue to build on these successes. In acknowledgement of her dedication to COSFAN and thanks, Dr Adimula was presented with an award for Excellent Leadership.
Welcoming the new Executive Committee
The swearing-in of the new Executive Committee was administered by Barrister Oluwafunmilayo Oniwinde and members were presented a Certificate of Office by Commonwealth Alumnus Professor Julius Otusanya (2005 Scholar and 2013 Academic Fellow), who represented the Board of Trustee Chairman, Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede (1979 Scholar).
Commonwealth Alumnus Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa (1975 Academic Fellow), COSFAN Advisor commended the process and wished the New Executive a successful tenure.
Members of the new Executive Committee are:
- Dr Ekundayo Samuel (2017 Split-site Scholar), President
- Azizat Amoloye-Adebyao (2007 Scholar), Vice President
- Maryam Quadri (2012 Professional Fellow), General Secretary
On behalf of the new committee, Dr Ekundayo Samuel delivered an acceptance speech. He reiterated the mandate of COSFAN to support Commonwealth Alumni to give back to Nigerian society. He called on the Nigerian government at all levels, national and international organisations, institutions and parastatals, security outfits, and other relevant bodies to engage COSFAN’s pool of experts and professionals, and thanked COSFAN partners, collaborators, and sister organisations in Nigeria and other countries for their support.
Dr Ekundayo ended on a promise to continue the good work that the out-going executive had started.
Improving Democratic Governance for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria
To mark Commonwealth Day which took place on Monday 13 March, the event included a guest lecture on ‘Improving Democratic Governance for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria’. The lecture was delivered by Dr Benjamin Adeniran Aluko, Senior Research Fellow, University of Ibadan and closed with an engaging and active Q&A session.
The event was brought to close with a vote of thanks delivered by Commonwealth Alumnus, Dr Maryam Quadri.
