The Executive Chairman of the International Press Council (IPC), Mr Lanre Arogundade, has been elected the new President of the Ekiti Parapo College (EKPACO), Ido-Ekiti Old Students’ Association, following a well-attended general meeting held on Saturday, 22 November, at the school’s assembly hall.
The gathering drew alumni from various graduating sets across several decades, many of whom commended the smooth, transparent and peaceful conduct of the election. Members described the exercise as a reflection of the unity and maturity that have continued to strengthen the EKPACO alumni community.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Mr Arogundade expressed profound gratitude for the confidence entrusted to him. He pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to reposition EKPACO and to initiate programmes aimed at upgrading infrastructure, promoting academic excellence and expanding alumni engagement.
“This is a privilege and a responsibility. Together, we shall renew our commitment to the growth of EKPACO and ensure that our alma mater continues to thrive,” he said.
Mr Arogundade itemized the project before the new executive members to include security of the academic environment, perimeter fencing because of encroachment on the land of the school, rehabilitation of facilities like library, hostels and laboratory which are in dilapidated condition, the hall where the old students usually meet that is lacking infrastructure.
The newly elected National President pointing out that if all these were put back in proper shape, it would be easy to restore the glory of the school that has produced so many fantastic and great Nigerians.
He also said various vision and collective suggestions of members would be harmonized to uplift the school while the ideas raised by the school principal would be looked into for the betterment of the Alma mata.
Earlier the outgone, National President, Mr Dotun Adekanbi noted that the immediate past executive of the Association had achieved a lot by bringing more members together and generated improved fund for the development of the school.
The outgoing President, praised the election committee for its diligence and urged members to extend maximum cooperation to the incoming leadership so that ongoing projects can be sustained and new initiatives successfully implemented.
Also, the School Principal , Mr O. A Owotuyi had commended the association for various efforts put in place over years for the development of the school but solicited assistance in the area of provision of school Bus, renovation of college library, drainage and grading of school entrance road for easy access.
The election also produced other officers, including the Vice President, Dr Ogunsina Olusola, General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Ayodeji, Ass. Gen. Secretary, Mrs Adeola Adewumi Babatunde , Finacial Secretary, Mr Joseph Adesuyi, Public Relations Officer, PRO, Mr Ayo Ajiboye, Auditor, Mr EKundayo Folorunso and Legal Adviser, Mr Okimoba Kayode who are expected to assume their roles immediately.
Many alumni expressed optimism that Mr Arogundade’s wealth of experience in media, administration and advocacy will bring fresh energy and direction to the association, ultimately contributing to the continued development of EKPACO and the nurturing of future generations of students.
