UNIMAID Alumni: Taraba Members Move To Revive Chapter
By Lynn Adda
Former students of the University of Maiduguri resident in Taraba State have taken bold steps to revive the Alumni Association in the state after more than 20 years of dormancy.
Spearheading the efforts to resuscitate the Association is the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps and some senior former students of the institution.
The various efforts have now led to the convening of an extraordinary Congress Meeting, attended by over three hundred former students of the University who converged on the Patience Event Center, in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital on Friday 15th November 2024 to fashion out the way forward for the Association.
The gathering underscores the renewed dedication and commitment of members to foster unity and progress within the alumni community and reunite with the graduates of the prestigious alma mater.
The platform provided an opportunity for members not to only reconnect and rekindle old friendships and build new networks but also to strengthen stability and development of a stronger Association in future.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the organizing Committee, a High Court Judge, Justice John Danladi Yakubu was full of praises for the Secretary to the Government Taraba State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps for his relentless efforts to ensure the revitalisation of the Alumni Association in Taraba State.
Justice John Danladi Yakubu
While thanking the members for honouring the clarion call to attend the forum, he stressed that the meeting was an awakening call to revitalize the association that has not been in existence for many years.
He commended the members of his Committee for their passion and commitment which led to the success of the meeting, adding that the alma mater has equipped the members with knowledge, skills and values necessary to drive positive change.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Host and Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, who welcomed members of the Alumni and expressed his gratitude to the organizers and attendees, lamented that the silence of the Association in Taraba State for many years has been a thing of great concern to him and others, which prompted him to call for the hosting of the gathering to chart a new course for the Association in the state.
Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps
He emphasized the need for the Alumni to unite and discuss the association’s future in Taraba State, calling on members to approach the desire to revive the Association with all seriousness.
He also encouraged the members to examine the activities of the past Alumni to determine the areas of concerns, interests and preferred level of involvement that will ultimately lead to the assemblage a group of enthusiastic and motivated Alumni who can spearhead the affairs of the Association.
In his remarks, Dr. Jeji William, Chief of Staff Government House Administration, who was the moderator of the event, challenged the alumni to think outside the box, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to grow the association to greater heights.
Dr Jeji William Mni
He tasked the members to deliberate on how to revitalise the association to foster sustainable growth and development that will lead to societal impact.
In a vote of thanks, Dr. Aisha Shehu Adamu, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Center, Jalingo, expressed gratitude to Barrister Gebon Kataps for his efforts in spearheading the revitalization of the University of Maiduguri Alumni Association, Taraba State Chapter.
Dr Aisha Shehu Adamu
While expressing her gratitude for being part of the unfolding development regarding the reviving of the Association in the state, Dr Aisha Adamu advised the members to take advantage of the platform for reunion and networking for the greater good of the Association and the members.
There were several goodwill messages from some members of the Association who attended event and those who sent their messages through the social media platforms.
They all applauded the organizers for bringing the members together, calling on the new leadership to be elected next year, to put in their best for the growth and development of the association in Taraba State.
