By Ajayi Toyyib & Hamzat Aminat
It was an atmosphere filled with glee, jubilations, and words of accolades for the members of ASCICS; The Polytechnic, Ibadan chapter as they celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the existence of the Cooperative Organization. The event which was held on 17th March 2021 at Assembly Hall, North Campus of the institution had in attendance; top management members, Chief and Senior Staffs, Lecturers, Pensioners, top-notch individuals, and guests.
“We are here today to merry, and we give thanks to the Almighty for sparing us till date. We also give kudos to the leaders that have been heading this great society since 1996. Severally, I have been able to borrow money here in this cooperative society to erect a house, buy cars, land and send brothers and sisters abroad”. This was the testimonies of Mr. Olusoji Olatunj who is also a member of this cooperative Society.
In the introduction to the high table, of which the society’s executive include, Mr. S.B Babarinde [incumbent president], Mr. Kosemani [2nd president], Mrs. Grace Amoke[auditor in charge of ASCICS], and other several executive officers hence, there was an honor special guest; Rector of the institution, Professor Adebiyi Kazeem and some other administrative officers of the institution done with a standing ovation in respect of the national dignity, state honor, and accolades to the institution’s respect through the anthem.
Consequently, in his welcome address, the President of the Academic Staff Cooperative Investment and Credit Society Limited. TPI chapter, Mr. S.B Babarinde, “the reason that led to the existence of the society was lack of organized welfare package of Academic Union (ASUP). Initially, this celebration was supposed to come the up last year 2020 but due to the pandemics that calls for observation of COVID-19 protocols resulted into its suspension till today”. He also appreciates all members, executive heads, and everybody that graced the event.
The Rector of the institution while giving his goodwill message, “there is nothing much to say than the success stories of the society and words of admonition which sincerely go to all executives and presidents that have led the co-operative society in the past and at present for their job well done’’, he said.
Dr. Adewumi, the pioneer president presented his speech. He started by thanking the executive members for their success in organizing the 25th anniversary of the cooperative society. “Despite the economic recession, the society is still doing well financially, members were given loans when due, which was not possible for so many cooperative societies at some point”. He said.
During the anniversary, members (as of the time of filing this report, their name is yet to be identified) of ASCICS gave testimonies, feedback about the track records and activities exhibited over years by the organization. “I have been benefitting from this society since the year 2000 that I joined, this made me convince my husband to join the society. Indeed, this cooperative is living. It does not take long to get any money you request for and I discover that there is always improvement every year”.
Also, a retiree started his thought [feedback] concerning the cooperative. “Mrs. Bolanle Alabi (one of the leaders) made me alive even with this society. She will always give me credible information promptly and I urge the cooperative to please keep her”.
Another member also stood and said“I thank God for us all that we are still alive. This society is a rare virtue in Nigeria. She coated the Yoruba adage that says, “it is money that ruins friendship, but we thank God for the kind of people that nothing such has ever occurred in the organization”.
The ceremony witnessed the presentation of awards anchored by, Mr. Muyiwa Ojo. Specifically, the name of awardees includes Dr. M.A Adewunmi (The pioneer President), Mr. Olusegun Koshemani (Second president), Mr. S.P Babarinde (Incumbent President 2010 -2021) followed by a beautiful performance by the music department.
