Dear Old Girls,
These past two weeks have been really instructive, testing, and pleasurable.
Instructive because the electoral process was professionally run. Some have joked that with some refinement to our process, we can show Nigeria how to conduct national elections. We are grateful for the potential that has been revealed.
Many thanks to the electoral committee for their tireless and thorough conduct of the elections. I thank them for the effort to instill confidence throughout the process. This is the start of the openness and transparent conduct of the affairs of the association. And whilst we give them this credit, we must see how the process can be refined.
It’s been such a pleasure discovering so many old girls on the campaign trail. We now have a rich database as we forged closer ties across generations and across continents. These global networks are foundations for the work ahead. Many old girls have shown enthusiasm for service as they came out to contest. I am particularly delighted by the post 90s MGHS old girls. Besides those on the frontline in the race for offices, there were many others serving in a variety of capacities behind the scenes. Truly our school is blessed with those who join hands to build it up.
For most of the time, it was fun, but at times the campaign was testing as the competition got fierce. But we thank God that we were able to run a clean campaign devoid of bitterness. As I said during my campaign, we were sisters before the elections; we are still sisters now as we all commit to supporting both our OGA and the school as much as we can.
We’ve competed as good sportswomen, and in this case, the winner does not take all. We can all regard ourselves as winners since there is so much for each of us to do. So, let each be ready to step up and serve in love when summoned to do so.
The greatest appreciation goes to all old girls who came out to vote – the support for your candidates made the exercise electric. There is no greater validation than that which comes from such broad-based participation. At final count, there were more than 1500 voters, with 99% completion ratio. The lion share of the votes (almost 7 out of 10) came from Nigeria /Africa, one out of every five votes were cast in the UK. North American votes were slightly less than this. This is remarkable; yet considering that our school has been in existence for 140 years, there are still sisters to be found. With all hands on deck, the work ahead can be made light.
Having reflected on the campaign, the thrust for this executive is six-fold:
- Raise funds and build the MGHS OGA Block.
- Foster an inclusive sisterhood among old girls at home and in the diaspora.
- Adopt and practice of the MGHS OGA Constitution.
- Advance welfare opportunities for our elderly members.
- Network to enhance shared interests and collaboration for the economic and social well-being of members.
- Support the school management to elevate the profile and standard of MGHS.
I look forward to working with the elected cabinet to achieve these. We should convene electronically before long, though mindful of the dire effects of COVID-19 being experienced worldwide. I pray that God will be with us and all ours through this storm.
By His grace, we’ll start forming the committees with their terms of reference and hope they would be able to commence work within the next 6 weeks.
Dear Mothers and Sisters, this is no victory lap; the work has just begun. I’m acutely aware of the enormity of the task ahead of us. We are hard-pressed to deliver on all we have pledged, as God is our help.
- We are determined to deliver the building project. By God’s grace, it will not be a white elephant project.
- So the fundraising which was begun under the previous executive must be continued vigorously.
- With so many of us who have now engaged with the association, our internal contributions and other efforts can make a big difference.
- I urge you all to stay alert. Having come out now, please do not retreat. Rather I plead that you bring along those who are yet to join up to do so, first at set level, then at chapter and national levels.
The more we are together, the happier we shall be.
- As we promised, we shall be judicious and transparent in the use of your money.
- This executive will be accountable.
- Clearly, we desire the best for our school as does the management.
- Our liaison with the school and other stakeholders will remain strong in all that we need to do.
- The matter of social welfare for the members especially the young and older members is still key.
- May the good Lord make us all strong in every way.
What can we do in our own strength? If not that God be for us, shall MGHS OGA now say. Only through our God shall we do valiantly. In our school tradition, please let us pray. Pray along with us, for wisdom. Pray for the nation that the tide will be on our side. Pray for the nations of the world too – current events show that it can’t be business as usual. Really we covet your prayer support always.
By God’s grace when our tenure is over and our share of the work is done, then we can truly celebrate the victory that the Lord has given us all. So, help us, God.
Once again, I thank you very much for the confidence reposed in me and the team.