By Stephen Adeleye
The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN), has elected new set of leaders, with Dr. Ekundayo Samuel emerging as the President for the second term.
Dr. Samuel, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan’s Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, was re-elected due to his impressive performance and evidence-based deliverables during his first tenure.
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In a virtual Quarterly General Meeting on Friday, Dr. Samuel and other newly elected National Executive Committee members were inaugurated, with Barrister Titilope Adeyemi administering the oath of office.
The new executives are expected to serve for two years, renewable for another two years for eligible members.
With a strong background in academia and community service, Dr. Samuel is well-positioned to lead COSFAN in achieving its objectives.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Samuel pledged to work closely with the British Council Nigeria and the Nigerian government to sustain mentorship and developmental programmes.
Dr Samuel, who is also the Executive Director, Dove-Haven Foundation (DHF), promised to empower COSFAN members to make positive impacts in their respective niches or communities toward national development.
He urged government at all levels, national and international organisations, institutions, MDAs, and all relevant bodies to take the unique opportunity to engage their pool of experts and professionals for excellent service delivery.
Dr Samuel commended COSFAN’s Patrons; His Excellency, Prof. (Amb) Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR, and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, for being pillars of support and courage to the Association.
Other elected executive members are- Vice President: Dr. Badia Maje-Sayyadi, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Kano; and Secretary-General: Mr. Josiah Owoeye, Sustainability Lead, Tolaram Group, Lagos.
Treasurer: Dr. Oluwatosin Igbayiloye, Lecturer, University of Ilorin; and Publicity Secretary: Engr Adewale Adeniyi, Project Manager, Pivot-GIS, Lagos, among others.
The Association also elected six Regional Coordinators across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria; Prof Rayyan Garba (North-West), Mrs Victoria Shoyombo (North-Central), and Dr. Fatimas Baba-Ari (North-East).
Others are Prof. Olayinka Nwachukwu (South-East), Prof Emmanuel Akpabio (South-South), Dr. Adetoun Mustapha (South-West), and Dr. Abiola Adimula who serves as the Ex-Officio.
COSFAN is a non-profit organization comprising eminent Nigerians who have benefited from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s sponsorship.
With over 3,000 Nigerians benefiting from the scholarships and fellowships awarded by the Commission, COSFAN aims to utilize the knowledge and training received by its members to impact Nigerian society, particularly in areas related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and education.
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