OLD GRAMMARIANS SOCIETY OGS UK Branch

C.M.S GRAMMAR SCHOOL LAGOS OLD GRAMMARIANS’ SOCIETY OGS[ UK Branch ]

Attendants: Dayo Akinosi, Dapo Oduwole, Akin Oguntuga, Oluwole Oguntuga, Sunday Neru, Yemi Eyetsemitan, Kodjo Martins, Segun Bangbose, Afolabi Leigh, Samson Akinyemi, Doyin Omogbehin, Seyi Adefowope, Laja Omotayo, Lanre Peters, John Emore, Tunde Tabi, Sunday Neru, Seyi Gureje, Gboyega Akinlude, Otunba Olumide Ifedemi, Olusegun Sokan, Muyiwa Jibowu

Apologies: Thomas Ojo, Pastor Kolade Adebayo Oke, Johnson Ogunyanwo, Councillor Ogunro, Yemi Bello, Foluso Dawodu, Timothy Odumosu, Jibola Awodein, Dapo Babalola, Kola Akinwale, Dr Oladeinde

Meeting started by 6pm

Opening Prayer - Kodjo Martins

Adoption of last meeting minutes:

 Tunde Tabi felt it was first necessary for him to clarify his position on certain issues raised at the last meeting where he was absent before minutes could be adopted.  He took the time to explain and clarify himself and expressed his passion for the Grammar School and the OGS UK. The President believed there might have been a serious misunderstanding, felt that an apology was appropriate and promptly offered one on behalf of OGS executives and members.  Tabi promised to pay his contribution/dues immediately to show his commitment to the OGS UK and was applauded by members for this gesture.  Wole O also pointed out that some members’ names had been incorrectly spelt in the minutes. Sec Gen advised amendments had already been effected.  Lanre P then adopted the minutes and was seconded by Wole O.

Update on the 154th Founder’s Day & OGS UK 10th Year Anniversary

 The President informs the house that Chief Akin Disu, Chairman, Eagle Paints (Nig) Ltd has accepted and confirmed his availability to be the Chairman of the occasion.  Senator Ashafa supports our course and will send representation as he will be on official engagement then.  Brig. Gen Fatai too will not be able to attend due to official commitments around that time.  President will be going to Naija in a few weeks to consolidate arrangements with special invitees and dignitaries.  Lanre P also will be contacting Chief Ernest Sonekan (Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) to check availability etc. LP has promised to give us feedback by next meeting.  President reiterated the fact we have secured the Quality Hotel and paid the sum of £610 as deposit. The £200 Contribution

The President opened up the floor for a discussion on the justification and the appropriateness of members’ contribution of £200 each for these events.

 Yes, this amount looks a bit high, but most members still believe and concurred that nothing was too much for the Grammar School and the amount is well in order.  Social Sec. went through his draft estimate: Budget of £8000 - income projected from contribution @£200 from 30 members = £6000 short fall to be bridged from a range of possibilities:  Corporate sponsorship to be looked into by Tabi.  John E suggested people may pledge something in-lieu if unable to pay but encouraged people to pay their £200 contribution.  John E suggested we start doing something such as selling schools stickers, ties and caps etc towards making money for and from the events now instead of moaning.  He believes that Corporate Sponsors may not fly because we are not that visible but still feels there is no harm in trying.  Laja Omotayo wanted to know what activities are planned for the day.  The Social Sec informed that he had asked Akin Joachim whilst in Lagos recently what the school needs and was informed that the school Basketball and Lawn Tennis Courts for examples, need to be refurbished.  We could therefore be having a Fund raising activity for one of these on that day.  There will be Church activities and also an Awards Night for OGS members for outstanding performance, etc. However, he reminded members that it has been previously suggested that we should place greater emphasis on ourselves – OGS UK members than the school.  That members have varied issues and socio-economic challenges, needing to change careers, etc, therefore, the need to look into how to use these events positively to embrace members’ welfare and wellbeing and to celebrate our own achievements.  Dapo O suggested again for the umpteenth time that we have all the breakdown activities and email to members.  He feels that emailing this information could be a viable instrument in reaching out to members who do not attend meetings and may guarantee their “buy-in.  The President again apologized for the breakdown of activities planned and cost estimates not being made available and will ensure this is done before the next meeting. Social Secretary to action immediately.  Ayemco calls on members to vigorously support the OGS UK executives on this planned project.  W Oguntuga suggests that we include in the minutes what this event is about in its entirety– i.e., a theme such as “Putting something back to the school” and for our fund raising effort, the “Refurbishment of the Basketball Court”.  Seyi G asked the president to look into getting from Lagos pictures of the old basketball court, trophies won, players, etc, so as to use these for display on the day.  Olumide Ifederu wants us all to put aside our personal challenges and commit to the spirit. He believes that the benefits to be derived from being an alumnus of the Grammar School and in particular of being a member of the OGS are outstanding, that nothing was too much to give back to the school and to the OGS.  Still in the spirit, Kodjo Martins has volunteered to supply some items such as the ice and all bottled water listed to be used at the occasion.

OGS UK Website

 The Sec Gen informed the house that progress on the design and development of the OGS UK Website is being made. The draft site map showing most of the requirements proposed for the website was circulated for members to make their suggestions on any improvement they might deem fit.  John E suggests we have a temporary presence on our site with a message possibly relating to the upcoming events in July.  The Sec Gen will liaise with developer in order to effect this request asap.  Sec Gen advised he is working on having the first proto-type made available for members’ review by next meeting in April.  The Sec Gen appealed to members to make available any materials – images, histories, Old Boy’s biographies, etc, anything they believe is fit for publication to the secretariat or email to [email protected]

 Wole O stated that members birthdays are not necessarily an OGS official function and that the OGS UK is not constitutionally committed financially.  Akin O, says no problem in constitution for OGS UK to commit financially.  Kodjo Martins believes it is important for us members to support ourselves particularly when members are celebrating landmark birthdays such as the 50th . He advised that this should always be the spirit….  Yomi O. feels that we should always make an effort to encourage people to host meetings irrespective of their financial status and not be put under undue pressure with snide remarks simply because they haven’t been able to provide exotic drinks, Hennessy, Remy, etc.  Otunba Ifederu stated that we are all equal and as such, members must always endeavour to be themselves - no posing, display of arrogance, etc, and should never feel intimidated by others.  The President announced that a grammarian has just telephoned him to confirm a donation of £500 towards the upcoming event.  Yomi O informs progress is being made in regards to Members Support Initiative with John Emore but will not name names of people who have come forward for confidentiality reasons.  Please note also that CV review and improvement service is available from the Members Support Team

Birthdays and Appreciations

 Gboyega Akinlusi, Tunde Tabi, Dr Sunday Neru & Mrs Akinyemi (Ayemco’s wife)  Prayers were said for the celebrants by Wole O. who also appreciated and thanked Mr and Mrs Akinyemi for hosting us.

Announcements:

 Senior Kodjo Martins requests the presence of members at the 1st Year Anniversary of his wife’s passing to glory on Sunday the 31st March 2013.

Venue: The New Covenant Church C&S, WoodGreen, N22 8JA. Service starts at 10:00am and the Thanksgiving at about 13:00pm.

 Our Next Meeting will be held at Dr Sunday Neru’s residence at 20 ST LOYS ROAD, TOTTENHAM, LONDON, N17 6UD on Saturday the 27th April 2013.  Please endeavour to pay your annual dues and the £200 contribution

 Closing prayers: By Kodjo Martins

Members sang the first and last stanzas of the School Song and settled down for a nice dinner.

OGS Account Details: Barclays Bank Account Number: 00293725; Sort Code: 20-37-16 (Please use your name as reference for Tracking)