It was celebration galore on Sunday, 21st April, 2019 when the 1996 set of UNILORIN Engineers Alumni held its Maiden Reunion dinner and awards night. On that day, members converged to rejoice and share memories of their old days in the school. The event was held at the club house of the Association of Friends at Plot 88, Ikorodu Road, Maryland Ikeja, Lagos.
The event witnessed the coming together of old classmates and friends who have gone ahead to record numerous life accomplishments in their various fields, 23 years after they graduated from the school.
It was also put together to recognise outstanding lecturers. Awards of Excellence were also given to some Alumni Executives.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, UNILORIN Alumni Engineers, Class of ’96, Engr. Opeoluwa Edunjobi said the purpose of organising the get-together was to provide members with an avenue to relax, unwind and network. He said this maiden edition of Unilorin Engineers, CLASS OF 96 REUNION was the first of its kind, “since we dispersed from the walls of University to NYSC Orientation Camp in 1996, 23 years ago! We are an offshoot of University of llorin Alumni Association, a chapter under the umbrella.
To all our guests, spouses, awardees, and those who have one reason or the other to be here with us today, I welcome you all! We must give honour to whom honour is due, I cannot do without mentioning but few among important dignitaries and captains of industries in our midst. This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! We thank God for preserving our life to witness this beautiful day that had seemed impossible, but where there is will there will be way and God has made that way possible and become testimony today.
We thank God for the privilege to witness today, we remember our mates whom God has called to be with Him right from inception then in the University till date (a minute silence) may their departed soul rest in peace Amen!”
“We are a peculiar set with great sense of empathy, our zeal for success sees us through walls of the university helping one another to succeed (you … you … you leave that place I don’t want to see you here you are hard guys) from ferocious entrance screening, the gully erosion of 100L, escape from turbulence Fluid Mechanics of 200L through the final year.
From “Engineers does it best” to “Engineering for creative minds”! This is congregation of classes within class, the Hommies, the Left Wingers, the Right Wingers, the Back Benchers, the Book Warmers, the Clergies, the Caliphates, the Abeigis of those days are now captains of industries holding esteem positions across the horizons and verticals of our society.
There is no better time to come together than now, this is the right time to synergize with our usual spirit of empathy, lift up each other, celebrate each other, appreciate partners in our success journey and collaborate to give back to our Alma mater; University of llorin (great Unilorites!) and the society at large. We are up together to play formidable roles in providing support to our Alma mater, mentoring the young ones and sharing our leadership experience gathered from various economies across the globe. This is just the start, we pray for God’s mercy, favour, grace, prosperity and good health upon our members for disposal of our good intents’’.
The event kicked-off around 3:00p.m with the MC MOG doing what he knows how to do best after members of the alumnis, the guests had been ushered in and the stage was set for talk off.
The red carpet session had begun a few minutes earlier and members took time to take group pictures with former classmates. Others exchanged witty banters with their old friends.
A short prayer session was observed, it was led by Engr. Mustapha, who prayed the Islamic way.
THE DIGNITARIES ON THE HIGH TABLE
Some of the dignitaries were introduced and invited to the high table afterwards. Amongst the dignitaries on the high table were the special guest of the occasion, Prof. Bolaji F. Side Sule (Deputy Vice Chancellor Management Services, UNILORIN), Dr. T. A. Ishola, Engr. Ambali I.O., Dr. Seye Kehinde (Publisher of City People Magazine), Engr. Opeoluwa Edunjobi, Engr. Feso Olugbenga, Dr. Shuaib Babata and Engr. Akin Adeola. Many dignitaries amongst members were also recognised.
THE CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS
Engr. Opeoluwa Edunjobi, the Chairman of UNILORIN ALUMNI ENGINEERS 96 set expressed his gratitude at the turnout of friends and family members who made it to the event. He appreciated all special guests on the high table before he reflected on some the interesting moment they shared while in school.
DEPARTED SOULS REMEMBERED
Before Engr Edunjobi ended his speech, he solicited for a minute silence to remember and honour some of their colleagues who have departed.
ENGR. BIODUN PRESENTS PROJECT IDEA
They all believe this is the time to Give Back To The School. And so they are set to embark on almost 10 major projects to do for the school. The proposed project idea was read out and also shared on their whatsapp platform by Engr. Biodun Onabanjo.
THROWBACK MOMENT
One interesting moment at the event was what was termed the ‘throwback moment’, an avenue for members to regale the audience with stories of their days in the school and recollect fond memories of the time spent with friends. Members responded by telling different tales of interesting moments spent. Others recollected names of classmates and teachers who impacted them.
DEAN, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY FACULTY SENT MESSAGE
Prof. D.S Ogunniyi-Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, UNILORIN was ably represented on this very day by Engr. Ambali, who read out the Goodwill Message.
DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR APPLAUDS ’96 SET
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) of UNILORIN, who was the Special Guest of Honour and who also represented the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, applauds the UNILORIN ALUMNI ENGINEERS ’96 set for the bold steps they’ve taking and encouraged them to celebrate the 25th anniversary in Ilorin.
AND THE CAKE WAS CUT
After the DVC’s speech, dinner was served afterwards and, having exchanged contact and banter, members of the executives were invited to the podium for the cutting of the cake. Group pictures were taken on the podium too.
MEET THE 17 AWARDEES
In giving honour to whom it’s due, 17 individuals were given an award of excellence for their selfless service to the students and the growth of University of Ilorin. They were; Dr. Mrs Oduwaye- President, National Alumni, Engr. Prof. S.A Abdulkareem-Vice Chancellor, Engr Dr. D.S Ogunniyi-Dean, Engr. Dr. Yusuf-Sub-Dean, Engr Dr. Y.L. Suaiab-Babata-HOD, Material & Mettallurgical Engineering, Engr. Dr I.O Ohijeagbon-HOD, Mechanical Engineering, Engr Dr. T.A Ishola-HOD, Agric & Biosystems Engineering, Engr. Dr O.O Adeleke- HOD Civil Engineering, Engr Dr. S.O Bilewu- HOD Water Resources and Environmental Engineering,
Engr. Dr. Mrs N. Surajudeen-Bakinde-HOD Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Engr. Dr. J.F Opadiji-HOD Chemical Engineering, Engr. Dr. Mrs T.E Odetoye-HOD Computer Engineering, Engr. Dr. M.O Ibitoye-HOD Biomedical Engineering, Prof. Ochende Mechanical Engineering-Mech. Engineering post humours, Prof. Adejumobi-Electrical Engineering Lecturer and Dr. Fakehinde-lecturer. Also members of the Executives were also honoured with an award.
MEET THE EXECUTIVES
They were 13 in numbers. They made everybody proud for their commitment and how they were able to organize the successful Reunion Party. Edunjobi Opeoluwa-Chaiman, Oyefeso Olugbenga-Vice Chairman, Lekan Adeosun-Vice Chairman Europe, Niyi Elesin-Vice Chairman South America, Biola Obilanade-Social Secretary, Awe H.O-general Secretary, Kazeem Lawal-welfare Secretary-diaspora, Sadiat Kosoko-Treasurer, Dr. Shuaib Babata- Pro, Kayode Owolana-Welfare Secretary, Lookman Aremu-whip, Patrick Diabana-Assist. Financial Secretary And Kola Osunsanmi-Financial Secretary.
–SUNDAY ADIGUN
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