By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD, mnipr
Benin City, Nigeria –
In a heartfelt reunion rich with reflection and renewed hope, Chief Sir Francis Odion, a revered former 2nd Vice President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide, has reaffirmed his deep attachment and unwavering commitment to the growth of the association.
Chief Odion made this declaration when he hosted the current Worldwide President of UIAA, Dr. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir, at his Benin residence as part of Dr. Gajir’s peace and consolidation tour across UIAA Branches and Chapters.
“I remain attached to UIAA. Its growth is very dear to my heart,” said Chief Odion, a retired Permanent Secretary in Edo State Civil Service, who once served and chaired the Edo State Branch of UIAA.
Reminiscing on his active service days, Chief Odion paid glowing tribute to former Worldwide President, Prof. Kemi Emina, acknowledging him as the driving force behind the modern prominence of the association.
“Prof. Emina brought UIAA to the limelight. Until he became President, the association was not globally known. He built the UIAA to what it is today. I admire his spirit,” Odion said.
Describing Dr. Gajir as “cool-headed and focused,” Chief Odion expressed satisfaction with the current leadership, urging the President not to let the association “sink.” He advised that members should align their actions with the UIAA constitution, lamenting that many who knew the constitution were deliberately ignoring it, thereby stirring needless conflicts.
He recalled his pivotal role in the constitutional amendment process during his tenure as 2nd Vice President and emphasized the need for every member, especially aggrieved ones, to respect the rule of law within the association.
The elder statesman recounted a life-threatening accident he sustained while on an official UIAA assignment, citing it as one of the many sacrifices made to uplift the body. He called on the current leadership to sustain the legacy and further globalize the association through national rotation of executive positions.
Odion also spoke on how he shelved his presidential ambition to support Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye, ensuring Southwest representation in the spirit of balance and fairness. This, he said, eventually led to the emergence of Prof. S. G. Nyityo from the North, further reinforcing UIAA’s commitment to rotational leadership.
“I am deeply honoured by this visit,” he said, noting that Edo Branch remains proud to be the first to be visited by Dr. Gajir on his reconciliation tour.
In response, Dr. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir, accompanied by the Chairman of the Edo State Branch, Prof. O. B. Osadolor, expressed appreciation for Chief Odion’s counsel and sacrifices. He emphasized that the ongoing visitation exercise aims to foster peace and unity across UIAA branches.
“We are one family,” Dr. Gajir appealed. “It is wrong for individuals to transfer personal grievances onto the Association. This visit is not just about protocol—it’s about seeking wisdom from our elders and strengthening the foundation laid by leaders like Chief Odion.”
The meeting, filled with memories, mentorship, and messages of unity, signals a renewed call for harmony and constitutionalism within the UIAA community, as members rally around Dr. Gajir’s vision of peace and global growth for the association.