Reunification Of Alumni Builds Progressive Institutions – Alake

University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide has placed priority on the reconciliation and reunification of aggrieved alumni, branches and chapters.

The board has the former governor of Kano State and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as vice-chairman.

The chairman of the Board of Trustees and Paramount Ruler and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III, made the declaration during the formal inauguration of the seven-member board at the University of Ibadan (UI).

He maintained that disagreements and grievances had affected relationships among some members and chapters of the association in Warri, Ughelli, Bayelsa, Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti and other locations.

While declaring that the association cannot afford to have “winners and losers” when members are divided, the replacement of board members whose tenures had expired and the filling of vacancies arising from the death of some former members.

In his inaugural address, Oba Gbadebo said one of the first major assignments of the new board would be to heal divisions and restore confidence among members of the association, saying the new board would not approach the disagreements from the standpoint of victory or defeat.

“We must build bridges where there are divisions, encourage dialogue where there are disagreements, and promote reconciliation wherever relationships have become strained. There should be no winners and no losers when Great UIites are divided. The real loser is the University of Ibadan Alumni Association itself,” the Alake said.

He said the Board would embark on consultations with aggrieved members, listen to different perspectives, encourage those with disagreements to return to the negotiating table, and, where necessary, facilitate constructive dialogue among individuals, chapters, and relevant organs of the association.

“Our approach will therefore be one of listening, consultation, reconciliation and healing. We shall seek to restore confidence, rebuild relationships and create an environment where every alumnus and alumna feels respected, valued and heard,” Oba Gbadebo said

The Alake said disagreements were natural in democratic and progressive institutions, but warned that differences must never degenerate into hostility, appealing to aggrieved members to remain open to reconciliation and urged those who may have contributed to disagreements within the association to demonstrate the courage to embrace peace.

“We can disagree without becoming enemies. We can contest ideas without destroying relationships. We can support different candidates or positions without questioning the patriotism or integrity of those who hold opposing views,” he said.

In his remarks, Ganduje recalled the University’s contributions to national development and its role in providing consultancy services during the early stages of Abuja’s development.

The former Kano State governor said his admiration for the professionalism of University of Ibadan scholars and consultants influenced his decision to pursue his doctoral studies at the institution.

Fire Outbreak Destroys Part Of Zamfara Governor’s Residence

BY NICHOLAS DEKERA, Gusau

Fire on Tuesday engulfed part of the residence of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Gusau, the state capital.

The fire broke out at about 7:20 pm, prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters to the residence. The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Fire Service Board, Engr. Bello Sani Gusau led the firefighting team to the scene.

“There is a fire incident at the governor’s residence, and we are currently working to contain it,” Gusau said. An eyewitness, who gave only his name as Umar, said the fire affected a security room in the residence.

The source said firefighters were working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the property. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were not immediately known at the time of filing this report.

When called for confirmation, the Spokesman for Zamfara State Governor Suleiman simply said, “I have no idea, I will call and get back to you.”