By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
The Nasarawa State Chapter of the Keffi Old Boys Association (KOBA) has elected new officials to serve a four-year tenure beginning February 5, 2025. The election and swearing-in ceremony took place at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Board Room, Lafia.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Pharmacist Mathew Jatau, revealed that the new executive council was elected by consensus among members.
Re-elected as President, Alhaji Umar Shittu Isa will lead the team, with Abubakar Akan Mohammed as Vice President and Abdul Abdul Rahman Keana as Secretary. Other key officials include Jude Ovey Allan as Assistant Secretary, Jibrin Isiaku Garba as Treasurer, Jibrin Gwamna as Public Relations Officer (PRO), and Abdulazeez Bako as Legal Adviser.
Additional elected officials are Mohammed Jibrin (PRO 2), Anthony Alaku (Financial Secretary), Zachariya Amagbon (Welfare Officer 1), Muhammad Lawal (Welfare Officer 2), Benbella Madaki (Ex-Officio 1), and Muhammad Ubabu Akamo (Ex-Officio 2).
In his acceptance speech, the re-elected President, Alhaji Umar Shittu, expressed gratitude to members for their continued trust and pledged to work diligently for the progress of the association. He urged members to support the executive council and emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation.
"We cannot do it alone. Your support and cooperation are crucial in achieving the association's objectives and building on our past achievements," Shittu said. "If we ever derail, do not hesitate to call our attention. We are human and can make mistakes."
Shittu acknowledged some challenges faced during the last tenure, including poor payment of annual dues, low meeting attendance, and the inability to organize Annual General Meetings (AGMs). He called on members to improve their commitment, particularly in paying the association’s annual dues, which were recently increased from ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 to support its development.
Earlier, in his farewell remarks before the dissolution of the former executive council, Shittu thanked members for their unwavering support during his first tenure. He noted that despite challenges, significant progress was made due to the collective efforts of the executive council and members.
Mr. Sam Israel, the National Secretary, also commended members for their active participation and urged the Nasarawa Chapter to lead by example, being the host state of the college. He encouraged the new officials to organize more impactful activities that would promote the association’s growth and contribute to the development of the school.
Of the 13 elected officials, five were re-elected, while six are new to the council, and two were appointed as ex-officio members.
The event ended with the singing of the college song and a warm exchange of pleasantries among members.
