Women in Nigeria have been identified as holding the key to major solutions to the many challenges plaguing the country.
This was the crux of the discussions during this year’s annual reunion of the Methodist Girls High School Old Students Association, MGHSOGA, themed “At A Time Like This” held on Saturday 31st of October.
Although the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the violent aftermath of the hijacked #endSARS protests had confined the usually elaborate event to a zoom meeting, not much changed as the event was well attended by old students from all over the world while speakers and panelists also delivered impactful quotes.
Regardless of the different time zones, members of the MGHSOGA joined the meeting from elite countries such as the UK, Ireland, Canada and the USA to mention a few; thereby boosting a already huge turn out from the home base, Nigeria where members had tuned in from different states across the federation.
Guest speaker at the reunion 2020, Professor Andrew Zamani urged women to get together for nation building, identifying that the changes we so desire in the world today starts with women.
The professor of Clinical Psychology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi further listed solutions to combat the various challenges posted ‘At A Time Like This’ as sound intellect for innovation, discernment to understand the times, courage to stand for what is right and deliver justice amongst many others.
Corroborating the assertions of the guest speaker, a Panelist at the zoom meeting, Adeola Falomo posited that the opportunities abound even at a time like this, if only women could identify them.
Mapping out some entrepreneurial skills that could help navigate the times effectively, the CEO of successful event brand, Courage Events maintained that the lack of innovation, creativity and doggedness is often the problem and not the lack of opportunities as thought by many
Falomo who is also the current Assistant General Secretary of MGHSOGA encouraged participants not to afraid of starting small as “Big is the accumulation of small”
She further highlighted: “What limits you is not what you don’t have, but what you have that you are yet to put to use; you can’t save the coin, you can’t save the note”
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, Kikelomo Longe who was also a panelist at the zoom meeting noted that women are a special breed called by God to showcase the much desired integrity in the nation, even in areas of finances.
Longe noted that women can help change the negative narrative around financial accountability and transparency.
Speaking on how to maintain a good mental health in these uncertain times, Lade Olugbemi advised participants at the Reunion 2020 zoom meeting to devise good coping mechanisms which may include staying connected with family and friends while exuding positive vibes at all times.
The UK-based mental health expert also emphasized that it is important to take time off social media to ward off the effects of negative news and to avoid trauma.
Listing the essential spiritual kits needed to create the right balance at a time like this, another panelist, Dele Kuku identified that it was important to commune with God In any circumstance while also assuring that the Supreme Being was always available.
Kuku further encouraged women to ensure they make positive impacts at all times as this was a way of making deposits in heaven.
She however countered the notion that one can only become successful by luck or grace noting that discipline was a key factor to achieving one’s set goal
The Panelist stated “It’s not luck, favour or grace that makes one successful, but discipline” and added “God makes everything work out in His time”
Earlier during her welcome address President of the Association, Major-Gen. Tilewa Amusu (rtd) had noted that unusual and unexpected circumstances of these times starting with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the #endSARS protests had necessitated the online commemoration of the the 141st anniversary as well as the theme.
Major-Gen Amusu however noted that despite the lockdown, the Old Girls association continued the engagement of members and infact held elections at the early stage of the lockdown,
“The nominations, campaigns, voting, counting as well as the handing and taking over were done electronically and over 1,500 old girls participated in the elections” she added
The President also assured that the current executive was working to fulfill their electoral promises and increasing the profile of the school and association.
She listed some of the projects by the new executive as the launching of the website which is now up and running, take off of the building project, fostering an inclusive sisterhood among old girls. as well as supporting the school to continue its mandate of raising women who contribute positively to the society globally,
The other members of the newly elected global executive of MGHSOGA include Oluremi Fadoju as vice-president 1, Bukky Durojaiye as Vice President 2, Koko Olugbenga as Vice president 3, Ope Orukotan as General Secretary and Adeola Falomo as Assistant General Secretary 1.
Others include Yetunde Oludare as Assistant General Secretary 2, Abiola Ogunbiyi as Social Secretary, Opeoluwa Ishiekwene as Social Secretary (Welfare), Joy Elumelu who anchored the zoom event as Assistant Social Secretary (Publicity).
Dupe Sadiq as Treasurer and Oyindamola Oyelese as Finacial Secretary make up the list of the new executive.
In a chat after the event which had about 250 sisters in attendance, Joy Elumelu said the success of the 141st anniversary “shows that our motto ‘must gain high standards’ is not just a motto, but a culture ingrained in us that has shaped our lives. It was an event for us by us”
The moderator of the programme was Pastor Mrs. Tinu Odugbemi, former Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Executive Director of Head High International Organisation and an old student of Methodist Girls High School.
Pastor Odugbemi who did both her ‘O’and ‘A’ levels in the 73-78 and 78-80 sets of the school respectively, set the tone for the programme in her analysis of this present time globally.
In her words: “At a time like this, reality wears a new face. Social relations has a new meaning. Daily linguo wears a new tone. An oddity has taken over the land where you have security men at the banks checking the body temperature of doctors and other medical professionals. Novel pandemic which was last experienced 100 years ago and has brought with it economic squeeze and political consequences. No aspect of life is spared.*
Other major high point of the zoom event which began at 4pm local time and ended at 8pm include a video presentation from 81 set and the rendition of the school song by all old girls in attendance. Meanwhile, the opening prayer was said by Kate Chinonye, vote of thanks by Abiola Ogunbiyi while closing prayer was said by Dele Kuku
Established in 1879, the Methodist Girls High School in Yaba Lagos is the first all girls Secondary school in Nigeria
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