From Adeko Ukpa

Comrade Sanni Onogu, a former Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been elected President-General of the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association (APAA).

The election took place during the association’s 18th Biennial Convention and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Auchi, Edo State, on October 24, 2026.

Onogu, in his acceptance speech pledged ₦500,000 as a scholarship grant for 10 indigent students of the institution as part of efforts to promote access to education and support academic excellence.

He said his administration would prioritise unity among alumni, members’ welfare and professional networking, as well as sustained contributions to the development of their alma mater.

The scholarship pledge, he explained, would strengthen the association’s corporate social responsibility efforts and provide support for students facing financial difficulties.

Onogu said a committee would be established to develop the modalities for the award after consultations with the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Executive Committee and other relevant stakeholders.

The initiative is part of a broader agenda by the new APAA leadership to mobilise alumni resources and expertise to improve students’ welfare and support the institution’s academic and infrastructural development.

Scholarship to Support Brilliant, Indigent Students

Explaining the importance of giving back to the institution, Onogu said Auchi Polytechnic had equipped its graduates with knowledge, technical skills and values that had helped them build careers and contribute to society.

He said the time had come for alumni to reciprocate by investing in the institution and supporting students who might otherwise struggle to complete their education.

“This institution did not just give us certificates; it gave us character. It gave us skills that feed our families. It gave us friends who became brothers and sisters. It gave us a name that opens doors. Today, it is time for us to give back,” he said.

The APAA president said the association would work with the institution’s management to identify projects requiring alumni intervention, including hostel renovation, laboratory equipment and scholarships for disadvantaged students.

He called on members across Nigeria and the diaspora to contribute their resources, professional expertise and networks to the development of the polytechnic.

“We cannot be proud alumni of a struggling institution. We will partner with the Rector and Management not to complain, but to contribute,” he said.

The proposed scholarship scheme is expected to form part of the association’s wider effort to support students and strengthen its relationship with the institution.

Three-Pillar Agenda for Alumni Development

Onogu identified unity, members’ welfare and support for the alma mater as the three pillars of his administration.

On unity, he called for an end to divisions based on graduation year, academic department and other differences, insisting that all graduates shared a common identity as products of Auchi Polytechnic.

He pledged to build an inclusive association that would accommodate National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, older and younger graduates, as well as members living in Nigeria and abroad.

“For too long, we have allowed set, department, and graduation year to divide us. The labour market does not ask what year you graduated. The world knows only one identity: Auchi Polytechnic,” he said.

He added that his administration would encourage greater participation by alumni chapters and ensure that members had opportunities to contribute to the association’s decisions and programmes.

According to him, unity would enable the association to mobilise its collective resources more effectively and increase its capacity to support the institution and its graduates.

Plans Job Hub, Emergency Welfare Scheme

On members’ welfare, Onogu promised to establish a functional database of alumni and develop a platform through which members could access job vacancies, business opportunities and professional connections.

He also announced plans for an emergency welfare scheme to assist members experiencing hardship and a mentorship programme through which established professionals would guide younger graduates.

He said an alumni association should provide practical support to its members rather than serve merely as a platform for reunions and social engagements.

“An alumni association that cannot help its members has lost its purpose,” he said.

The proposed job and business opportunity hub is intended to strengthen professional networking among graduates, while the mentorship programme would enable experienced alumni to share industry knowledge, career guidance and entrepreneurial experience with younger members.

Onogu expressed confidence that a stronger alumni network would help graduates navigate employment challenges and identify opportunities for career advancement and business development.

“No Auchi Polytechnic graduate should suffer alone when thousands of us can stand together,” he said.

Promises Transparency, Accountability

The new president-general also pledged to run an open and accountable administration, promising that the association’s finances and decision-making processes would be transparent.

He said his executive would consult widely before taking major decisions and encourage members to contribute ideas towards the association’s development.

“My promise to you is simple: I will lead with transparency, accountability, and an open-door policy. This Executive will not operate as a covert body. Our finances will be open, our decisions will be consultative, and our doors will be open to every idea that moves us forward,” he said.

Onogu acknowledged the scale of the responsibilities ahead but expressed confidence in the support of the executive team, the Board of Trustees, chapter leaders and other members of the association.

He also thanked alumni who voted for him and those who contested the election, describing them as partners whose ideas and experience would be valuable to the new administration.

He said the election should serve as an opportunity to strengthen the association rather than deepen divisions among members.

“This victory belongs to every Auchi Polytechnic graduate, from Benin to London, from Lagos to Canada,” he said.

New Executive Takes Office

Onogu emerged as President-General during the association’s 18th Biennial Convention and AGM and was sworn in alongside other members of the National Executive Officers (NEO) for a two-year tenure.

Other officers elected and sworn in include Peter Okoeguale, First Vice President-General; Alli Raheem Sengy, Second Vice President-General; Osa Nosa-Ordia, Secretary-General; Florence Akpoedafe, Treasurer; and Evaristus Monye, Financial Secretary.

Others are Charles Ahonsi, Council Representative; Daniel Tunde Igiezemeh, Welfare Secretary; Victoria Titilope Evbotokhai, Public Relations Officer; Perpetual Azigere, Legal Officer; Ernest Eboigbe, Assistant Secretary-General; and Evelyn Nwoko, Assistant Welfare Secretary.

The executive also includes Godwin Ehis Okonigene, Eribo Victor, Felix Ikekua, Orahemo Evawere and AbelKay Omolu as Ex-Officio members.

Ikharo Ahmed was elected Endowment Officer, while Azizi Achekuogene will serve as the Board of Trustees Liaison Officer.

The new leadership is expected to work with the association’s trustees, alumni chapters and the management of Auchi Polytechnic to implement its programmes during the two-year tenure.

By Adeko Ukpa

The District Governor, Rotary International District D127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko yesterday asked Rotarians not to be tired of donations to end Polio disease.
He said all the givings are making impact.
He said eradication of Polio is a must to save millions of children in the world.
He said sensitisation against Polio and Immunisation of children are priorities of Rotary International.
Owonikoko, who made the plea after a walk to mark World Polio Day 2026 in Abuja, said Polio eradication is non-negotiable.
He commended the Federal Government and Rotary International partners like WHO, UNICEF and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) for effective grassroots collaboration.
He said: “This is not just the beginning and it will not be the end until every child of the world is saved.
“We have reasons to mark World Polio Day and that reasons we are not going to go out of it because Rotary International has spent so much money from the beginning in1985. We must make sure the children of the world are saved.
“I want to thank the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, for giving us all what it takes through the Primary Healthcare Centres to get to all communities across the country in getting all the children immunised. We want to say thank you. But our thanks goes to the Almighty, Rotarians, Rotaractors, BIll Gates Fonund, WHO, UNICEF, NPHCDA and other partners.
“To Rotarians, all your givings to The Rotary Foundation are making impact. Not only today, you have been giving since we signed agreement to ensure children are saved.
“I want to plead with you, we should not be tired, the donations should continue, the sensitisation must not stop, the eradication is a must for us and we have to keep polio at zero as we promised.”
The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee (NNPPC), Dr. Kazeem Mustapha, who is also a Past District Governor, said Rotary is sustaining the EndPolioNow campaign to protect children all over the world.
He said “immunisation is a key preventive precaution against Polio or any disease.”

L-R: Mrs. Aiodiah Stephen, Winner of the 2026 Pedals Against Polio 2.0, Stephen Christian Mamman, PGD Kazeem Mustapha, District Governor 9127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko, Mr. Stephen Mamman Anumkwen, Assistant Governor, Rotary Club Wuse Central, Zainab Omowunmi Owonikoko, District Polio Plus Committee Chair, Mariam Ahmed, Deputy Incident Manager, National Polio Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Adeola Musa Oluwatoyin, during the 2026 Walk to End the Polio Now, held in Abuja, yesterday
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On her part, the District Polio Committee Chair, Mrs. Mariam Abdullahi said a polio-free world is achievable.

She said: “Today, on World Polio Day, we stand together to reaffirm one promise: we will not rest until every child is protected and our world is polio-free.
“To the clubs of District 9127, I charge you today to continue to participate actively. Organize immunization drives, raise awareness in your communities, and give your resources. Polio has no place in our future, and your action is what will push it into history.
“To our valued partners snd our volunteers — you are the heartbeat of this mission. You brave the sun, the rain, and difficult terrain, offering your best at all times so that no child is missed. We see you, and we salute you.”

By Adeko Ukpa

The District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko yesterday said the war against Polio disease is winnable.
He said the EndPolioNow campaign of the Rotary International in has saved over 20m children from being crippled.
He appealed to Nigerians to immunise their children against poliomelytis.
He asked Rotarians not to give up the campaign until Polio is completely eradicated.
He pleaded with members of the district to mark World Polio Day on October 24th with renewed vigour to put an end to the disease.

The District Governor, Rotary International District 9127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko (Third left) and other leaders with EndPolioNow campaign symbol on Wednesday in Abuja.

Owonikoko, who made the submissions at the unveiling of three sensitisation billboards in three strategic locations in Abuja by the District, the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and friends of the district, said Polio is still endemic in two countries.
He said: “With the commitment of Rotary International since 1985, we have shown that the war against Polio is winnable. It is a disease we have proved to the world can be eradicated.
” I appeal to Rotarians in this district not to give up until we ensure complete eradication of Polio in the world.
“We have saved more than 20m children from paralysis. As we mark this year’s World Polio Day, we should rededicate ourselves to immunisation of children. ”
On his part, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi said: “What we are doing here is raising awareness to the effects of Polio. And you know communication is 90% of the job.
“When people don’t know any epidemic is still around, they take it easy. When we take it easy, bad things happen.The awareness of fighting Polio is very critical.
“We want to present these billboards as reminders that our work is not yet done until we eradicate the disease completely such that in the next 100 or 200 years, humanity will talk about it as history not as something active. Then our job is sorted”.