On Saturday, July 24, 2010, bifoba, North American chapter, organized the third alumni reunion in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was held at Marriot Courtyard, Cumberland Center in Atlanta. Alumni, families, and friends across North America gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the past, review the present, and look toward a successful future for the Alumni Association.
Attendees
Mr. & Mrs. Francis Van Lare – National President BIFOBA
Rev. Femi Morgan – President BIFOBA N.A
Mr. Foluso Adeyemi – Secretary BIFOBA N.A
Mr. Aliyu Oseni & Family– Financial Secretary BIFOBA N.A
Mr. Barry Adebowale – Auditor
Mr. David Lowo
Dr. Olumide Aderoba
Mr. Supo Jegede & Family
Pastor and Mrs. Homer Williams
Mr. Kayode Elutilo & Family
Mr. Idowu Etefia
Mr. Adeniyi Fagbamiye
Mr. Ademola Oduyebo
Mr. Toye Akinsanya
Mr. Segun Ogunbiyi
Mr. Daniel Ishola
Mr. Emmanuel Faneye
Mr. Adeyemi Adeduro
Mr. Babajide Osoba
Mr. Philip Ayodeji
Mr. Yemi Jegede
FRIENDS OF BIFOBA ATTENDEES: Mr. Kenneth Sonukan Mr. Kehinde Thompson Mr. Kester Akomolede
In their respective welcome speeches, both Mr. Francis Van-Lare (national president) and Rev. Femi Morgan (president North American chapter) thanked attendees for coming to Atlanta for the reunion and for their moral and financial supports for the association.
Members applauded the national executives for their tenacity and achievements to date, especially with regards to the new block of classrooms for the school and for the successful 50th anniversary celebration of the school.
Old boys also commended Governor Babatunde Fashola for rising above politics in fulfilling part of his promises to BIFOBA for the construction of the new 21-classroom building for the school as a sign of his commitment in revamping the school’s structures.
AGREEMENTS (Communiqué)
All members agreed that the National Association should work with the state, as a matter of priority, to survey, fence, and take full complement of what is left of the school’s landed property. This would prevent further encroachment of the school’s land and allow for secure school environment.
That all temporary structures should be demolished. The school landscape and drainage system should be improved to eliminate flooding.
That, other sustainable structures should be rehabilitated before the association embarks on building another School Hall or Event Center.
That generally irregular power supply has hindered every facet of our national development, schools being exception. It was agreed by all that sustainable “power supply” for the school should be one of the priorities in order to have functional laboratories, water supply, security, and other essential utilities in the school.
BIFOBA N.A agreed to embark on phased Solar Project for the school. This would provide adequate electricity to pump water, operate the laboratories/ workshops, perimeter security lights and operate other essential administrative office equipments.
Finally, it was agreed by all that the association needs more financial supports from members and, also, that members should motivate other alumni across the globe to join the association. In addition, all agreed that members should donate to the school “endowment fund” online – and that no amount of donation would be too small.
GENERAL:
Old boys praised the Atlanta Reunion Planning Committee for a job well done, and majority voted for Atlanta, Georgia to host 2011 reunion again.
After the speeches, suggestions, comments and agreements, old boys watched a slide presentation of the history of the school and a documentary about the “History of Nigerian Music”. Immediately after, dinner party started: all ate, drank, exchanged pleasantries, and socialized all night long.
In his closing remark, Rev. Femi Morgan expressed his gratitude to all attendees, especially family members who came to Atlanta to join in the celebration.
After prayer, the reunion was adjourned till 2011.
https://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpg00Bifobahttps://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpgBifoba2022-01-04 16:34:432022-01-04 16:34:452010 NA Reunion Communique
BIFOBA Slogan: Birch Freeman is Changing and BIFOBA is Moving Ahead
Website: www.bifoba.com
NA President: 2014 End of the Year’s Report
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Bifoba NA chapter’s President’s Desk
2014 Reflection from the President
Looking back at 2014, I believe the year has been a busy and successful year for Bifoba NA chapter.
We have come a long way and still have a lot to accomplish as a growing association. I will encourage all present members to make it a promise to themselves to at least bring two new members every year to join the association – with more members we can accomplish more.
Accomplishments over the past year:
Membership increased More constructive and positive discussions Financial and moral supports for our departed members and their families. Donated dictionaries/gazetteers to the Junior school Successful and memorable reunion in Memphis, Tennessee. Goals and Aspirations for 2015:
Family matters (Promote and encourage more time spending with family) To create more sub chapters in different cities and states all over North America. Bifoba NA chapter’s collective aspiration for Birch Freeman High School (Every member is welcome to make suggestions directly to the president and other executive members on issues of interest about the chapter and BIFOBA in general). As a member or mentor, what legacy do we want to be remembered for (Let Question ourselves: what Legacy are we living behind???) All above mentioned accomplishments could not have been possible without God and the help of each and everyone of you. I am truly honored and blessed. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New year in advance.
Up School !!!
Thank you all.
Niyi Fagbamiye
President Bifoba NA.
Minutes of the Memphis’ Reunuion Attendees
In-Person:
Benjamin Adadevoh (Class of 1975)
Charles Adadevoh (1977)
Barry Adebowale (1978)
Olumide Aderoba (1977)
Toye Akinsanya (1980)
Kayode Elutilo (1973)
Idowu Etefia (1973)
Ayo Fagbamiye (80)
Niyi Fagbamiye (1983)
Emmanuel Faneye (1977)
Emmanuel Odumosu (1979)
Foluso Adeyemi (1975)
Samuel Ogunyooye (1984)
Adebiyi Olowu (1977)
Alli Oseni (1975)
Dr. Oladayo Shobola (1981)
Francis Van-Lare (1970)
Call-In:
Joe Nwagba (1983)
Demola Oduyebo (1977)
Abbreviated Call-In:
Feyi Dinyo (1975)
Ladipo Lewis (1983)
Meeting minutes
Mr. Niyi Fagbamiye (BIFOBA NA President) called the meeting to order at 1:50 pm and Mr. Ogunyooye said the opening prayers. Attendees sang the school hymn.
Mr. Fagbamiye opened the meeting and:
Welcomed attendees to Memphis
Expressed his delight about the turnout
Touched on the morning devotional service with members and spouses and children
Acknowledged the Dallas reunion team
Recognized deceased members
Acknowledged first-time attendees, Mr. Shobola and Mr. Benjamin Adadevoh
Talked of the need to resolve problems amicably; less acrimony in our interactions, avoid email chains
Explained that only the association President, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary should be the only individuals sending official (email) communications to Lagos
Indicated that more people need to be more involved in the association
Minutes of 06.21.2014 Meeting – Correction and Adoption
Correction: None noted.
Adoption: Mr. Niyi Fagbamiye moved a motion to adopt the minutes of the 06.21.2014 general meeting while Mr. Elutilo seconded the motion.
Matters Arising:
Communiqué to Lagos
This is no longer necessary as the subject of the proposed communiqué was to be the sad physical state of the school as well as the unimpressive examination results of the final year students. As of now, those issues are being addressed. Please refer to the 06.21.2014 BIFOBA General Meeting Minutes for more information on the underlying issues and the proposed communiqué.
Update on the Dictionary Project (Mr. Oseni):
$1,150 cost versus a Project Fund balance of $750, resulting in a shortfall of $400
Mr. Van-Lare shipped the dictionaries to Lagos, gratis
The dictionaries are in transit
The dictionaries will be given out to the junior secondary school students at the beginning of the 2014 school year
In addition to the dictionaries, Mr. Oseni included a 20-book encyclopedia set for the benefit of the junior school students
Update on Website (Mr. Oseni):
BIFOBA NA now has full control of the website
Site architecture and content upload remain a challenge and BIFOBA NA is working with the contracting company to address the challenges
Mr. Adeyemi indicated that the contractor will upload whatever we want them to upload. Mr. Ayo Fagbamiye suggested that we reach out to the 1980 set to assist with the website and that the 1980 set was just waiting to hear from the leadership. To which Mr. Adebowale replied that he’d reached out personally to most members of the 1980 set, apparently to no avail. Mr. Oseni said that the issue of the 1980 set was too intractable and Mr. Adeyemi concluded that the previous website, managed by a member of the 1980 set, was not user friendly. Mr. Van-Lare volunteered his web develop knowledge to use and promised to assist.
Action items:
Mr. Adeyemi and Mr. Oseni will work with Mr. Van-Lare
Mr. Adebowale, Mr. Adeyemi, and Mr. Oseni will have full access rights to the website
Mr. Adebowale, Mr. Adeyemi, Mr. Niyi Fagbamiye and Mr. Oseni will get administrative rights to the website
Responsible Party: N/A
Due Date: N/A
General:
Mr. Benjamin Adadevoh said he was really impressed with the gathering.
Dr. Shobola asked about the protocol for selecting reunion locations.
Dr. Aderoba wanted to know what to do with the solar fund to which Mr. Niyi Fagbamiye suggested that we should revisit the solar fund, minus the Wi-Fi aspect of the project. Mr. Faneye indicated that a problem is that we keep changing the goals of the solar fund; it started as an initiative for water supply and to power the toilets and has now morphed to its current iteration of computers and Wi-Fi. He said that we should stick to something smaller and enhance from that point. Mr. Oseni said we should shut down the solar fund and use the solar fund proceeds for smaller projects. Mr. Niyi Fagbamiye suggested that a committee be set up to look at alternatives for the solar fund and report back to the association.
Action item: Alternatives for the Solar Fund
Responsible Parties: Mr. Akinsanya, Mr. Odumosu, and Mr. Van-Lare
Due Date: Initial ideas by the next general meeting
Volunteers are needed for the post of Publicity Secretary
Finances (Mr. Oseni)
David Lowo Fund
$4,600
Oyakhire Fund
$200
Project Fund
$750
Memphis Reunion
$900
Dues Paid to Date
$1,400
Solar Fund
$5,400
Bank Balance
$5,647.89
Mr. Oseni informed the gathering that Mr. Van-Lare will make up the Lowo Fund by $500. Mr. Oseni also said that he’d sent the 2013 statement to the late David Lowo for posting on the website. The statement was, however, not posted.
Mr. Adeyemi said more clarity and transparency are needed so that all members can understand the balance of the BIFOBA NA account balance, the incoming amounts and the expenses. Mr. Adebowale supported Mr. Adeyemi’s suggestion. The way the finances are being presented, with all the various fund balances, gives a distorted picture of BIFOBA NA finances.
Action items:
At every reunion, a full financial statement of the BIFOBA NA finances
By the next general meeting, a full accounting review of BIFOBA NA finances
Responsible Parties: Mr. Elutilo and Mr. Oseni
Due Dates: September 13 and September 20; every reunion thereafter
Reunion 2015: Atlanta, with Mr. Ayo Fagbamiye, Mr. Elutilo, and Mr. Etefia as the point people.
Reunion 2016, Detroit, tentatively
Mr. Ogunyooye moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Akinsanya.
Mr. Charles Adadevoh offered closing prayers.
Meeting notes taken by S. Barry Adebowale, General Secretary
https://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpg00Bifobahttps://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpgBifoba2022-01-04 15:33:472022-01-04 15:33:492014 NA Report By the President & Memphis Reunion’s Minutes
Golden Jubilee Anniversary Of Birch Freeman High School, Surulere, Lagos
Feb 6, 2010 – Let me start my remarks by making references to some quotations that set the tone for our event today. Someone says “Train everyone lavishly, you can’t overspend on training” and of course the holy book says “train up a child in the way he should go and when he grows up he will not depart from it”. Obviously, the founding fathers of this great school must have been motivated by some of those timeless truths. For those who have passed through Birch Freeman High School, the tradition of excellent training, and training in excellence has always been the core value of this great School. I will always trace the foundation for whatever successes or achievements I have recorded in life to my formative period as a student in Birch Freeman High School. It is, therefore, my pleasure to welcome you all to the golden jubilee celebration of our alma mater “Birch Freeman High School” where we were nurtured in the highest standards of social responsibility and dignity of labour according to the school’s valued motto “Trained for Duty and for Thee”.
I am very happy to see in our midst, many of our “Old Boys” who have contributed immensely to the development of our Country in diverse ways, in the Academia, Government, Business & Finance, Healthcare, Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, Agriculture and in other human endeavours. What gladdens my heart most is seeing the shining faces of our “Young Boys” who are being motivated by what we have been able to do for our community and for ourselves. I am sure that this is a challenge and a tradition that they have to uphold in the future.
Oh, how time flies; just a few years ago, we were all students in this same institution imbibing the tradition and culture that has nurtured us into who and what we are today. The call to reflect and look back on the journey so far has been captured in the theme for this celebration “Trained for Duty and for Thee. How well?”. This is another opportunity for us to look inwards and think of ways by which we can add value to our community and people.”
I am happy to observe that activities slated for the week-long celebration are anchored on community service and good neighbourliness which are hallmarks of tradition in” the Birch Freeman High School.
At this period in our lives, we should reach out to the less privileged and the needy in our community and put smiles on their faces. We should look beyond the events slated for the week-long celebration and adopt a personal commitment to the theme adopted for this occasion. Let us reach out to people in our neighbourhood and assist indigent families, by sponsoring their children through school or by donating much needed school furniture to schools in our locality. We have come a long way from when we were young and impressionable students moving from one classroom to the other under the watchful tutelage of our teachers then. And I am personally gratified with the smiles of happiness and contentment dancing on the faces of those of our “Old Principals and Teachers” who have come to celebrate with us. I am sure that they must be having that sense of fulfilment we have all turned out as good ambassadors of the “Birch Freeman High School”.
I will, therefore, urge the present crop of “Young Boys” to imbibe the tradition of service and excellence for which Birch Freeman High School is noted. In fact, I will not only challenge you to emulate them but also surpass, the “achievements of your predecessors. You are the future of our Nation and it is your responsibility to keep the flag aloft.
Today, also, marks the flag-off ceremony for the next fifty years of development in the history of Birch Freeman High School and I urge all “Old Boys” present at this occasion to contribute to the development of our Alma Mater by endowing academic and non-academic awards in various subjects. By that demonstration of good sense social responsibility we shall further motivate our young students to continue in the best tradition of our School.
At this juncture I will commend the efforts of the Executive Committee of the Birch Freeman High School Old Boys Association (BIFOBA), especially Members of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee for sacrificing their time to package a week-long ceremony with events that reflect the time-honoured tradition of Birch Freeman High School. Also, I am grateful to our former Principals, Teachers and Non-Academic Staff who are present to celebrate with us. I thank you for your efforts invested in us years ago and which has contributed into what we are today.
I thank all “Old Boys” and their Family Members for finding time to partake in the events slated for the 50th Anniversary celebration of our Alma Mater. And to the “Young Boys”, I urge you to stand firm and be good ambassadors of your families and Birch Freeman High School.
I thank you all for your attention and God bless.
Eko o Ni Baje o!
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN Executive Governor, Lagos state
Gov. Fashola Building Hand-over News Story
Birch Freeman High School
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Tuesday returned to his alma mater, Birch Freeman High School, Surulere to hand over a new block of 21 classrooms, acknowledging that his character was formed at the school.
The Governor who spoke at the School premises in Akobi Crescent, Surulere before a gathering which included Old boys and present students, said, ‘This was where I was made. My character was formed here. I learnt leadership and punctuality here as a school prefect’.
Governor Fashola recalled with nostalgia that in the course of his schooling years at Birch Freeman High School, he met a lot of good people and made lifelong friends many of whom he still keeps today.
‘I was also privileged to have met great teachers; humanists, who were absolutely committed to the development of young people and enriching the human capital of this country.
‘The school blocks and buildings were largely made of concrete foundation and wooden walls except the dining hall, the Principal’s block which contained the science laboratories and the new block behind it that later became the seniors block’, the Governor recalled.
The Lagos State Governor however stated that nothing could prepare him for what he met, when he visited the site of his alma mater sometime in 2007 after assuming office as the Governor.
‘Not only had the classroom blocks made of wood walls disappeared, the dining room, the Principal’s block and the Seniors Block were shadows of themselves. My treasured memories were shattered. A shocking and painful reality had supplanted it’.
‘It seemed that everything that I could point to as references of who I was had evaporated. All of it almost, except for one thing, the Old Boys. Some were my classmates, some my juniors and some my seniors’.
He said even in that broken environment, the presence of the Old Boys was a huge comfort because there was stil a past made by boys who had become men, who refused to surrender their dream.
Governor Fashola stated that, the credit for the new building should go to them because they kept hope alive and lived the motto of the school, ‘they were trained for duty and for God. And in serving God they promote the fortunes of the present generation so that we can achieve the torch passing moment of today’.
‘So it comes to be that with the inspiration of dedicated Old Boys and a concertion of efforts, Government is driven to act in areas of compelling need such as infrastructure’.
The Governor noted that the work is not yet finished because there are still drainage issues to resolve which will require the recovery of every inch of land that belonged to the school.
He notified all squatters or occupiers of land that belong to Birch Freeman that their trespass has ended while directing they start relocating henceforth adding that he intends working with the Old Boys Association to reclaim and return back to the school every inch of land that used to belong to her.
The Governor who said no honour can be too much as a gesture of appreciation for the men and women who led the Old Boys while they were students and thereafter dedicated the block of classroom to the memory and honour of a former Principal, Reverend T.A. Ojo.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye said the present administration remains committed to the provision of qualitative education to the people.
She said the new block of classrooms is one of the policies of the State Government to enhance teaching and learning in public schools and also address the issue of over population in classrooms.
Mrs Oladunjoye who stated that enrolment will increase with the new block of classrooms which has been facilitated by the Governor who has not forgotten his roots also appealed to the school authorities to take proper care of the facilities in the school.
She also appealed to parents and guardians of pupils to take more than a passing interest in the school activities of their children and wards to make them good children.
Also speaking the President of the Birch Freeman High School Old Boys Association, Mr Temi Diyan commended the Governor for fulfilling his promise to his school to do something about its present state.
He stated that Governor Babatunde Fashola is an inspiration to all the Old Boys whom they are all extremely proud of.
He gave a commitment that the Old Boys are committed to work with the State Government in developing the school, stating that the Old Boys will also build a school hall that everyone can point to.
BFHS’ Land Encroachment News Stories
“Nobody encroached on Birch Freeman school land”
LAGOS — The Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu Family in conjunction with Ewe Agbigbo Community, Idi-Oro, Agege Motor Road, Mushin, Lagos have denied any encroachment on Birch Freeman High School land/premises.
This was in reaction to Governor Babatunde Fashola’s statement last week while handing over a block of 21 classrooms to the authority of Birch Freeman High School that part of the school premises was being encroached upon.
Fashola had stated that drainage work for the school would require a recovery of every inch of land belonging to the school from squatters or occupiers.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, Secretary to Tinubu family, Mr. Tajudeen Tinubu, said there was no encroachment of any kind on the school, adding that it was the school that was encroaching on other people’s landed property and using government apparatus and officials to harass and intimidate the people without regard for equity and fairness.
He explained that it was the school that had exceeded its boundary by shifting its main gate from where it was originally constructed, thereby blocking road to Akobi Crescent and creating untold hardship for the residents in the area.
He said ordinarily, Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu became the titular customary owner under Native Law and Customs of Ewe Agbigbo Farmland within which the school land fell in 1834 by grant from Oloto Chieftaincy Family as represented by Oloto Baalo Oriagbaya who was the sixth Oloto of Oto, Lagos Mainland.
A portion of Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu Family land was acquired by the Federal Government of Nigeria for the purpose of building Birch Freeman High School in 1958 vide Government Notice No. 290 published in the Official Gazette No. 10 of 13th February 1958.
According to Tinubu family’s secretary, by the Federal Government acquisition notice No 290 dated 6th February 1958 and published in Gazette No 10 Vol 45 page 200 of February 13, 1958, the school’s land measured 4;841 acres but recently, the authority of the school put into circulation, an unsigned, undated and unregistered survey plan blowing the originally acquired size of 4.841 acres to 5.373 acres and made barefaced attempts to shift the pillars erected since 1958 in daylight from their original position in an adventurous and expansionist manner.
With Mr. Tajudeen Tinubu were the secretary of Ewe Agbigbo Community, Pastor Olatunji and other top officers. He told newsmen that the authority of the school, was deliberately misinforming Governor Raji Fashola on the situation of the school land. He added that all the structures being referred to as encroachments were all outside the demarcating boundaries of Birch Freeman High School as confirmed by a composite survey plan jointly prepared by Lagos State Survey Department as represented by one Mrs. Tejuosho and Tinubu Family’s surveyor, R.O.S Alabi in April 2009.
Mr. Tinubu added that the instrument of acquisition referred to in 1958 was registered at the lands registry Lagos as No 1 page 1 volume 7 by the Chief Land Officer on 30th day of July 958.
– See more at:
Fashola Orders Demolition Of Churches, Houses Inside Birch Freeman School
No fewer than three churches and some houses that are illegally erected inside Birch Freeman High School, Surulere, Lagos, have been marked for demolition by the state government, while occupants have been served with a quit notice.
The state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, gave the directive on Tuesday, while presenting a new block of 21 classrooms to the school.
Fashola, who was angry to see his alma mater disfigured with illegal structures, said that the development would see the demolition of the Peace of God Mission Church building, as well as houses which had sprung up within the premises of the school.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to notify all squatters or occupiers of the land that belongs to Birth Freeman High School that the trespass ends today and your relocation must start henceforth, as I intend working with the Old Boys Association to reclaim and return back to the school every inch of land that used to belong to her.”
He said he would stop at nothing to ensure that every inch of land belonging to the school and lost to encroachers would be recovered.
According to him, the drainage work required to solve the constant flood encroachment during rainy seasons would necessitate the need to recover the land initially owned by the school.
Speaking on the new classrooms, Fashola said it was borne out of the infrastructure decay that had hit the school, which formed his character as well as the leadership and punctuality values he exhibits today.
https://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpg00Bifobahttps://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpgBifoba2022-01-04 15:22:212022-01-04 15:22:23Gov. Tunde Fashola’s BFHS Golden Jubilee Speech
REPORT OF BIFOBA’S ACTIVITIES (YEAR 2013) FROM THE GLOBAL PRESIDENT
Fellow Old Boys
All too quickly, my 2-year tenor as Global President, as well as for my Colleagues in BIFOBA Nigeria’s Executive Council (Exco) ended on Sunday, 8th December, 2013. Time, people say (literally) flies when you have so much to do. On the said day, Exco members presented our Score cards to BIFOBA members in Nigeria and it is gratifying that members felt we had done well and consequently returned (virtually all) un-opposed for another Term of 2 years each.
We consider the return of all Exco members, a vote of confidence in the Team and a strong belief in our vision for the growth of BIFOBA & the development of our Alma Mater. We do assure that we would uphold the confidence reposed in us and strive to leave BIFOBA and BFHS much better than we met them.
BIRCH FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL (BFHS)
Consistent with BIFOBA’s Constitution, the development of BFHS remains a major focus of the current Exco. All Exco’s efforts are therefore directed towards the School’s development through consistent pressure on the Lagos State Government. I am therefore glad to inform as follows:
SCHOOL’S DE-FLOODING
(a) The De-flooding of BFHS by the Ministry of Environment through construction of drainages around the School to prevent in-flow of flood water from the neighbourhood has been completed.
(b) Construction of a Drainage Gutter from the Mushin end to the Surulere End of the School to effectively drain rain-water from the School into the Canal was also completed.
(c) Sand-filling of the School premises to raise its level above the road to prevent inflow of water to the School’s premises is on-going.
The effect of all of the above I am glad to report, is that our School is No longer flooded when it rains. The “jinx” of a flooded Birch Freeman that has persisted since the School’s inception has finally been removed.
Related to the above and in line with Exco’s recommendation, the Old Administrative/ Classroom Block was finally pulled down to give way for the School’s future development. The building became un-viable considering the new (high) level of the School premises occasioned by the sand-filling and more importantly it was considered unsafe because of its observed Foundation cracks. The demolition also gave way for the Drainage-Gutter constructed in the School premises.
With the Block’s demolition, a better and more efficient planning of the School’s land area consistent with Exco’s initiated new Master Plan for BFHS can now take place.
SCHOOL’S FENCING
Top level discussions regarding fencing of the School are on-going. Exco recommended fencing the undisputed portion of the School land however, Lagos State’s Ministry of Education Officials think otherwise. Feelers reaching Exco is that some kind of amicable settlement/arrangement is being pursued by Government to enable BFHS acquire the disputed portion.
Exco is constantly in touch with Ministry Officials regarding the land fencing issue and will keep Old Boys abreast of developments in this regard as they occur.
BIFOBA PROJECTS
(a) MULTI PURPOSE HALL
This Administration’s N120.0 Million Flagship Multi Purpose Hall Project finally kicked-off in November, 2013.
The Contract was signed in October, 2013 (Photographs of Signing ceremony available on BIFOBA’s Website). The Contractor, Messrs Extended Global System Ltd are currently at the Foundation construction stage (where the bulk of the job and major part of the cost is being expended given the poor soil nature of our School). The Contractor is looking at a completion period and handover date of September, 2014 given availability of funds. Barring any unforeseen circumstance, it is hoped that the Hall will be commissioned in Year 2015. Hopefully, BIFOBA Nigeria’s Year 2015 Homecoming should hold in the Multi Purpose Hall.
It is noteworthy that the Managing Director of the Contracting Company Engr. Obafemi Ojo is an Old Boy of BFHS of the 1983 Class Set.
The Hall, when completed will be the largest and the best Hall any Secondary School can boast of in Nigeria. Completion of the Hall will be a major achievement for Old Boys, Donors/Well-Wishers who have contributed one way or another towards the take-off of the Project. I implore Old Boys who are yet to contribute towards this laudable Project to do so as opportunities in the form of donation of Equipments such as Air Conditioners, Sounds & Musical Equipments, Video Recording, & Screen Equipment, Exquisite Lightings etc. still abound.
I wish to reiterate Exco’s recommendation and the consensus acceptance of the generality of Old Boys that the Hall will be made available for 3rd Party Users for token payments to enable BIFOBA generate funds to maintain the Hall itself and fund other on-going/future developmental Projects for the School; since Government alone cannot meet all the School’s needs.
(b) ENHANCEMENT OF BIFOBA WEBSITE
Upgrading and Enhancement of BIFOBA’s Website is another Project all BIFOBA Excos (Globally) are working on. The Website require modifications to reflect other aspects of what a truly modern Website should look like, aside of the Social Network type function the Website currently undertakes. It is hoped that at the end of the upgrade/enhancement process, BIFOBA will have a Website that is not-only interactive, it will be devoid of abuses that the existing Website is subjected to while portraying to the outside world (not only to BIFOBA Members) the true image of BIFOBA and BFHS that our Association will want to project.
Work on this Project from the Headquarters in Nigeria has reached an advanced stage and will be forwarded to the Chapters’ Exco for their inputs before the upgraded Website is finally adopted.
(c) CONSTITUTION
During the year, a 10-man Constitution Review Committee (CRC) comprising Old Boys from Nigeria, N.A. and U.K Chapters, headed by Barr. Kingsley Essien (1st Vice President, Nigeria) was inaugurated to review BIFOBA’s Constitution. The inauguration Ceremony which was witnessed by Old Boys world over on Skype however has not produced the expected results as Old Boys are yet to submit Memoranda for the Committee to work on. Aside of 2 Memoranda submitted from the N.A. Chapter’s CRC members, the only other Memoranda submitted was from me and form other Nigeria’s Exco members. Exco do not want to appear to foist its ideas and personal agenda on members, and have consequently given more time to the CRC to enable members submit more Memoranda. While the CRC awaits more Memoranda, Exco will continue to run the affairs of the Association using the amended Constitution until such a time when the CRC comes up with a reviewed Constitution for the Association to adopt.
BIFOBA (HEADQUARTERS) NIGERIA
As part of efforts to continuously bring Old Boys together, BIFOBA Nigeria’s Exco introduced in 2013, the new “Thanksgiving” concept.
I am glad to inform that the Pioneer Class Sets Celebrated their Thanksgiving during BIFOBA Nigeria’s Homecoming in April, 2013 and the Programme recorded a huge success. Kudos go to 1988, 1983 and 1978 Sets who celebrated leaving BFHS 25, 30 and 35 years ago respectively. The Thanksgiving Programme/Package of the 1978 Set (“the Ambassadors”) was particularly impressive.
Given the success recorded in the Thanksgiving Programme, Exco is making the concept a permanent feature of BIFOBA Nigeria’s Homecoming annually. It is our hope that the Programme will get bigger and better over the years and more Old Boys in Diaspora will plan ahead and join their Classmates in Nigeria during their Set’s Thanksgiving Programmes.
During BIFOBA Nigeria’s Homecoming in 2013, 4 eminent Old Boys (listed below) were honoured and admitted into the prestigious BIFOBA Guild of Awardees.
NAME
SET
PROFESSION
DISCIPLINE
Hon. Bola Sodipo
1978
Civil Servant (SA to Government on Taxation/Revenue Generation)
Public Admin
Prof. Godwin Azenabor
1975
Lecturer
Academics University of Lagos
Dr. Tobi Majoroh
1970
Medical Practitioner
Medicine
Dr. Kayode Oloruntola
1970
Medical Practitioner
Commitment to BIFOBA
We must particularly place on record, and acknowledge the support of Hon. Bola Sodipo’s contribution towards fundraising for our Hall through huge donations from his Invited Guests who came to felicitate with him on his Award conferment and subsequent admittance to the BIFOBA Guild.
BIFOBA CHAPTERS
N.A. CHAPTERS
The North America Chapter continues to grow its membership’s strength as more Old Boys living in America continue to join the Chapter. The Chapter’s 2013 Annual Re-union which took place in Dallas went fairly well but not without some hitches. The hitches I am aware has been addressed. One major event of the 2013 Re-union was the change of baton in the Chapter’s Exco which Elections I oversaw as an “Observer”.
The Pioneer President and the General Secretary of the Chapter’s Exco, Messrs Femi Morgan and Folusho Adeyemi respectively, having served in those capacities for several years stepped aside for Mr. Niyi Fagbamiye and Barry Adebowale respectively. Other reshufflements took place in the Chapter’s Exco. The list of the Chapter’s new Exco members is available on the Website. It is hoped that President Fagbamiye (of a younger Set) should be able to attract younger Old Boys living in North America to join the Association and be part of the good work being done by the Chapte
I did express the Association’s gratitutde to Messrs Morgan and Adeyemi for their contributions to the development of N.A. Chapter and BIFOBA generally.
During the year, the Chapter lost one of its dedicated members & the Exco’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Igbuan Oyakhire who passed-on after a brief illness. May His soul rest in peace.
Discussions on the Chapter’s proposed Projects for the development of BFHS and BIFOBA (listed below) are still on-going.
(a) Installation of a Solar Powered Inverter for the lighting-up of certain essential service areas of the School.
(b) The provision of a broad band Wi Fi Internet Hotspot to enable access by Students of BFHS to Internet facilities to enhance their studies.
(c) Proposed stocking of the School’s Library with Books.
(d) Proposed procurement of a School Bus for use by Birch Freeman Junior School.
The above and other possible prospective projects are being considered some of which I have assurances that will be implemented this year (2014).
U.K. CHAPTER
The U.K. Chapter led by Mr. Theo Odulami and his Colleagues did not particularly fare well in 2013 as the Exco spent a large part of the year trying to resolve internal wranglings within its Exco which almost divided the Chapter along 2 Groups resulting in the Chapter’s dismal performance and stunted growth. BIFOBA Headquarters in Nigeria has had to send in several Old Boys/Exco members from Lagos to settle one rift or the other which plagued the Chapter’s Exco.
The Chapter’s organized Dinner, planned to be the Grand Finale of their 2013 Re-union for which I was invited as the Guest of Honour (after a successful outing in the Nigerian Schools Sporting Federation Competition in London) was a complete failure, again because of internal wranglings for which I reprimanded (in plain terms) the Exco and the Chapter’s membership.
I have been assured and indications are that the Exco members have addressed whatever issues plaguing the Exco and the Chapter is proceeding normally and appropriately.
A few projects, which include provision of some Science Education materials and Sports Equipment to BFHS are being considered by the Chapter. BIFOBA Nigeria is waiting patiently for definite moves from the Chapter while assuring of Nigeria’s support whenever the Chapter is set to embark on its intended projects.
CLASS SETS
One major achievement of BIFOBA Nigeria’s Exco, (given the strategic importance of Nigeria and its large membership is the development and encouragement of Class Set meetings. This Administration has created serious awareness of BIFOBA to Old Boys which has led to a tremendous increase in Class Set meetings. The development of Class Set meetings has reached an unprecedented level with the ultimate aim of dissemination of information/ideas faster to Old Boys through their Class Sets. The receipt of feedback/ response from the Class Sets is extremely helpful to Exco in planning and managing the affairs of the Association.
The Class Sets have also become a veritable tool by Exco to reach those Old Boys who cannot attend the General meetings.
INANCES
Finances of each BIFOBA Group, whether Main Body, Chapter or Set remains the exclusive preserve of the Group. To the extent that each Group accounts for its finances/expenditure in a manner satisfactory to members of the Group, BIFOBA Headquarters do not get involved with each Group’s Finances. However, where a Complaint/Petition is received in connection which any untowards activities within a Group’s finances, an appropriate Committee Constituted by BIFOBA Headquarters is deployed to investigate such cases.
All Groups are encouraged to publish summaries of their audited Finances on the Website for use by its Members.
CONCLUSION
The above, Gentlemen Old Boys is a summary of the Report of our Associations activities for 2013. Should any member require additional information or clarification on any part of the Report, please feel free to call the undersigned on +234 8034029800 or e-mail me at bifoba@gmail.com.
Thank you and God bless us all in 2014
Yours Sincerely
FEYI DINYO
GLOBAL PRESIDENT
https://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpg00Bifobahttps://bifoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BIFOBA-National-Logo-Low-res-JPEG-1.jpgBifoba2022-01-04 15:19:122022-01-04 15:19:15Feyi Dinyo (BIFOBA President): 2013 National Report
It gives me pleasure to update you on the activities of our Association in the last 12 months as I review occurrences/developments in our Association and School in Year 2012 while apprising you of the Association’s plans for 2013.
2013 NA Reunion: BIFOBA President’s Report of the Reunion
2013 NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER’S REUNION: BIFOBA PRESIDENT’S REMARKS of the Reunion
Fellow Old Boys,
The North America Chapter’s 2013 Homecoming/ Reunion has come and gone. I congratulate the Chapter’s Exco and members, especially the Gentlemen from Dallas Messrs Segun Oduntan and Sam Ogunyooye who were the main Hosts of this year’s Homecoming.
The Event, although fairly attended by Old boys in America was expected to be a much bigger event given the gains achieved from the Maryland event last year. That however was not so as the Homecoming recorded a fair share of hitches, part of which was non-attendance by Old Boys from other parts of the world, caused partly by the (now resolved) imbroglio on the status of the GUILD OF AWARDEES between the National Headquarters in Lagos and the Chapter. Same matter almost prevented my attendance and any Representation whatsoever from the National Headquarters at the Event. Let me place on record the maturity and resourcefulness of the recent outgone President of the Chapter (Mr Femi Morgan) over his handling of the “vexatious “ imbroglio which had the potential of damaging the very fabric of what all Old Boys world-over had achieved over the years in the formation of an Association of our dreams.
I eventually made it to the Homecoming (after authorization from the General House in Lagos) although under very tight and strenuous flight conditions given the very short time frame the decision to embark on the journey was taken. It was worth my while though as I was glad to be in the midst of my Colleagues and glad also that all of the misrepresentations that the Chapter’s members had were laid to rest with their fears allayed, while the National Headquarters’ position on how issues (of serious importance) concerning BIFOBA must be handled by the Chapter going forward were laid bare and some of same implemented immediately.
CHAPTER’S ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Chapter’s Election of new officers to handle its affairs for the next 2 years which I oversaw in an “Observer” capacity went without any acrimony. I congratulate Mr Niyi Fagbamiye, the Chapter’s new President, the Vice President, Dr Olumide Aderoba and General Secretary,Mr Barry Adebowale, all new entrants to the Chapter’s Key offices. Certainly, the experience of Veterans like Messrs Alli Oseni, David Lowo etc will be needed to guide the new and youthful energy which the new entrants into the Chapter’s Exco is bound to bring to bear on the Chapter’s activities.
I thank most sincerely the immediate outgone President and General Secretary of the Chapter, Messrs Femi Morgan and Foluso Adeyemi respectively, for their contribution to the formation/ growth of the N.A Chapter and indeed the development of BIFOBA worldwide. Gentlemen, your contributions and participation in BIFOBA’s affairs are truly appreciated. We recognize that much as the vibrancy of the younger old boys are needed, the experience and wisdom of Senior members like yourselves are invaluable. We therefore plead that you do not distance yourselves from the new Exco and urge that you avail the new Team the benefits of your experience as may be required from time to time.
The Chapter’s recent election of some of our younger-generation Old Boys into the Chapter’s key Exco positions is a welcome development as same, aside of erasing the fears that BIFOBA Excos worldwide are being manned by a group of Old Boys of a particular Set and Generation, it will send good signals to the much younger generations that all Old boys have equal rights to aspire for any position in any BIFOBA gathering worldwide as has been demonstrated in Lagos by the award of the Multi-Purpose Hall Construction Contract to the Company of a much younger Old Boy, deemed to be most qualified in terms of experience, capability (both technical and financial) and resourcefulness in spite of Bids submitted by several other Senior Old boys.
I do hope that these demonstrations of equality and fairness will bring more of the younger generations of Old Boys to participate in and take over the running of BIFOBA affairs as their youthful vibrancy will be needed to give BIFOBA a new lease of life when Old Boys of my Generation retire from active BIFOBA life. I hope also and have received assurances from President Fagbamiye that concerted efforts will be made by his Administration to bring back and reconcile with the Chapter, the breakaway(1980 Set) faction one of whose members once occupied the position of Vice President of the Chapter at a point in time. Incidentally, the filling of the position of Vice President which has been left unoccupied for several years is one of the several Reforms requested by the National Headquarters in Lagos; such that in the absence of the Chapter’s President, the Vice President will anchor meetings and will moderate on the sensitivity of the information being disseminated on the Web to Old boys worldwide.
One other major Reform requested by Lagos which is receiving attention is the Quantum of power and Control by the N.A Chapter on the Association’s website which was considered overtly lopsided. I am glad that the matter is being handled positively in line with the recommendations from Lagos with a view to(1) giving equal rights in the management of the Website to all BIFOBA Chapters and (2) that control of the Association’s main Website be given to a select group of Administrators drawn from the National Headquarters and all Chapters(existing and future ones) while “Child Sites” with links to the main BIFOBA Website will be created for Lagos, N.A Chapter, the UK Chapter and other future Chapters as are formed, to handle their local internal BIFOBA affairs while postings into the main BIFOBA Website will be determined by the selected group of Administrators who must agree on a simple majority basis on the contents to be posted on the main BIFOBA Website.
These Reforms and several others as deemed appropriate are necessary and imperative at this stage of BIFOBA’s development if “rival” BIFOBA Websites and duplicity of purposes that will fragment our strong Association is not to be encouraged.
I wish to assure Mr Fagbamiye and his new Team of the National Headquarters’ support and will avail him and his Team all necessary cooperation to ensure a successful tenor while growing the Chapter from the enviable position he took same over.
APPRECIATIONS
My sincere appreciation on behalf of Old boys worldwide goes to our erstwhile Geography Teacher, Mr Gbayisomore who spent time with us during the Cook-out on Friday and was the Special Guest at the Dinner on Saturday evening. It is amazing how Mr Gbayisomore who at those times laced the buttocks of some of us with his cane can seat amongst and share a wonderful evening with us. It was all so interesting and enjoyable. It will be an unpardonable oversight if I fail to thank the family members of Old Boys who attended the Reunion, especially members’ Spouses, some of whom I have come to know over the past 2-3 years. BIFOBA recognizes and lays heavy emphasis on Family relations. It is therefore one of BIFOBA objectives to make our Events family oriented. As much as practicable, we would get our families involved in our Reunions so we can all share good times.
To Messrs Etefia and Elutilo, I thank you for your advices and do assure that they are well taken and will serve as a useful guide in my relationship and undertakings with the various Chapters in the course of my Global presidency.
Thank you all, Gentlemen of the N.A Chapter and I look forward to seeing you all in Tennesie at the 2014 Homecoming which Dr Aderoba as one of the Hosts has promised to be a fun-filled Event.
On a related matter, I shall be glad for as many Old Boys as can join me in London where Mr Theo Odunlami and his Colleagues in the UK Chapter will be playing hosts to us on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25thth August respectively. We shall be joining other Alumni of the UK Chapters of other Nigerian Schools in the now Annual “Nigerian Schools Sporting Event and Funfair” in London at which Event BIFOBA amongst other old Students Associations will be duly represented. If the fun we had at the Event last year is anything to go by, it promises to be an extremely enjoyable Event this year and I urge members worldwide to keep both days open and register their children to participate and represent BIFOBA in the Sporting Events on Saturday.
My presence at the Event last year caused quite a stir as the Alumni of the other schools couldn’t get over the fact that BIFOBA’s Global President flew in from Nigeria for the Event. Their position was that if BIFOBA’s President can attend the Event from Nigeria, their respective Associations’ Presidents from Nigeria must also fly into London to attend this year’s and subsequent years’ events henceforth. I therefore look forward to seeing and meeting with several Nigerian Schools’ Old students Associations Presidents (from Nigeria) at the Sporting Event on Saturday. It promises to be a fantastic event that Old Boys should not miss.
I have also been informed by President Odunlami that the Banquet slated for Sunday 25th evening will be no less interesting as the Saturday event as BIFOBA UK Chapter members and families will be sharing an Evening of fun where interactions and a Question and Answer session with the undersigned and other Old Boys worldwide in attendance will take place.
Thank you Gentlemen and I look forward to seeing you all in London come 24th and 25th of this month.
Best Regards,
FEYI DINYO
GLOBAL PRESIDENT.
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2013 and 2014 Homecomings: BIFOBA President’s Speeches on Both Occasions
2013 Homecoming: BIFOBA President’s Speech
The Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Lagos State and member of BIFOBA Guild of Awardees MR. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN). The Chairman of today’s Homecoming/Thanksgiving & Fund Raising Event, Chief Kessington Adebutu, the Chief Launcher for our Multipurpose Hall Fund Raising, AlhajiAliko Dangote, (GCON), The Co-Launcher Mr. Femi Otedola (OON), members of BIFOBA’s Body of Past Presidents, Distinguished members of BIFOBA’s Guild of Awardees, members of BIFOBA’s Executive Council, all our Guests here present, Fellow Old Boys, Ladies and Gentlemen.
On this occasion of our Association’s Homecoming/Thanksgiving Celebrations & Fund Raising Dinner, I bid you all a warm welcome while extending all due Courtesies as appropriate.
PREAMBLE
Our Homecoming Celebrations have over the years become an Event that all Old Boys of Birch Freeman worldwide look forward to. The Homecomings have become an annual gathering where Old Boys (with our Spouses) come together once a year to enjoy each other’s company, re-live our old days at School and discuss opportunities to give back to the School that played a pivotal role in what we have become Individually and the achievements we have made. I make bold to say that some of us have truly made remarkable achievements as will be seen by all later, in the course of this evening when some 4 Distinguished Old Boys will be conferred with Awards for their Professional achievements which has brought our Alma Mater in good light and some others who have shown Exceptional and extraordinary commitment to the cause and ideals of our Association and School. The Awards to be given to these distinguished Old Boys and their subsequent Admittance into the Prestigious Guild of Awardees, will be one of the high points of this evening’s Event.
MULTI PURPOSE HALL FUNDS RAISING
While coming together in an atmosphere of conviviality during our Homecomings, we have always remembered our Source (Birch Freeman High School) which in turn informed our resolve to assist in re-developing our Alma Mater through various Projects that will restore the School’s glory while improving the learning conditions of the present crop of Students to be able to achieve Excellence in their undertakings. Ladies & Gentlemen as part of the developmental Programme put together by Old Boys for our Alma Mater, a befitting Multi Purpose Hall Project has been planned to complement the modern 21-Classroom Block that His Excellency (himself an Old Boy of the School) through the State’s Ministry of Education has put in place. One major item of this evening’s Event is the continuing Fund Raising towards the construction of this Multi Purpose Hall to be named after the School’s 1st Principal, the late Ambassador M.J. Etuk.
We will therefore in the course of this evening be calling on our Guests, the Chairman our Chief and his Co-Launcher, known for their public spirited philanthropic activities, especially in the area of education to assist us in the realization of our dream and be part of this noble cause through your generous donations to this Hall Project, – trusting that God will bless and replenish you several folds as you help our cause.
THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
This is a new concept introduced by the Association’s Exco to add flavour to our Homecoming and get Old Boys all over the Globe to come home especially in years when their Class Sets must have graduated some “milestone” years from the School to celebrate and give Thanks to God for their achievements/ accomplishments thus far. This Evening, (the Pioneers of Thanksgiving Celebrations), the 1988, 1983, 1978 and 1973 Class Sets will be celebrating 25, 30, 35 & 40 years of graduation from our great Institution and God’s faithfulness in their lives.
On behalf of the members of the Executive Council and Old Boys worldwide, I congratulate members of these Celebrating Sets, trusting that the celebrations will get bigger, better and more encompassing in the years to come.
CONFERMENT OF AWARD
I congratulate the 4 Old Boys to be conferred with BIFOBA’s highest Honours today and to assure them that they have been picked as Bests amongst equals as BFHS have a long list of Old Boys that have reached the top echelons of their Professions and others who have served this Country at very top levels to choose from. After a rigorous and extremely competitive screening process, these Gentlemen have been found worthy and deserving of the Awards to be conferred today. I must state clearly that these Awards should not be construed as a grand-standing show-off to be taken for granted, rather they must be seen as a serious and additional call to service towards the ideals of BIFOBA and the upliftment of our Alma Mater. BIFOBA’s Executive Council will consequently continue to call on and make demands of the Awardees in the above respect for as long as you live, So help you God!
BIFOBA’S GROWTH
Our Association has grown in leaps and bounds over the years especially in the last one year of this Administration. Our recruitment drive has yielded good results with membership strength across the Globe in Nigeria, North America & U.K Chapters increasing tremendously within the last one year. Our Financial position as at today is unprecedented and remains strong and healthy. It is my hope that by the end of this evening, through the generous donations of all present, so much more would have been raised to make our Multi Purpose Hall transcend from being a dream to reality.
APPRECIATION
Your Excellency, I wish to express on behalf of all members of BIFOBA, our gratitude for your continuing interest and championship of the Programmes to revamp our School. You have by your action proved to be a good product and worthy Ambassador of our Alma Mater. I urge you not to relent in your plan to make BFHS the small, compact and most sought after School as you promised Exco members and I some 3 years ago. Please be reminded of the planned permanent deflooding of our School and your pronouncements regarding the recovery of every inch of our School land illegally taken by encroachers, not forgetting the urgent and dire need of fencing-off the School to shut out vandals and miscreants from the premises. Your continuing involvement in the Funds Raising for our School Hall is acknowledged and appreciated. You have thus far indeed shown that you are truly “Trained for Duty and for God in line with our School’s motto”.
To our Guests and Donors today, please accept our sincere thanks for your contributions/ donations to our noble cause. As you give towards this cause, we pray for God’s abundant blessing to you and all that is yours.
For my Predecessors in office (members of the Body of Past Presidents), I thank you for your continuing support, trusting that you will continue to avail me and my team the benefits of your experience.
To the Prestigious Guild members (that I am privileged to be part of), I thank you for always heeding my call and standing up in my support as the occasions demand. As you admit today’s new Awardees into the Guild, I ask that you commit and re-dedicate yourselves even more to the cause of BIFOBA for which you were made member of the Guild in the first place. Thank you ever so much Gentlemen.
Kudos to the members of the Executive Committee of both the North America and U.K Chapters for the good job they are doing in the rallying together of our Old Boys in Diaspora. We look forward to the North America Chapters Re-Union starting from 29th July, 2013 in Texas.
My deep appreciation goes to my Colleagues, the Executive Council member of BIFOBA (Headquarters) in Nigeria for all the hard work put into the achievements of BIFOBA till date, not failing to acknowledge their tireless efforts put into the successful planning of this Event. Gentlemen, I truly appreciate your commitment and Team spirited posterity will always remember you and your efforts for good.
My Fellow Old Boys, what more can I say? You stood by me during the very recent turbulent period that rocked the Association almost to the roots. Thank you all so much for standing by me and believing in my vision. I wish to place on record the high level of confidence reposed in my Colleagues in Exco and I for which we are truly grateful and to assure all and sundry that I will continue to bring all Old Boys (globally) together in satisfaction of my new role of Global Presidency of the Association and the increased (BIFOBA worldwide) jurisdiction given my office in line with your mandate.
Thank you all Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to BIFOBA’ s 2013 Homecoming/ Thanksgiving Celebration, I wish you all a relaxed and most enjoyable evening.
Welcome!!!
FEYI DINYO
GLOBAL PRESIDENT
BIFOBA
2014 BIFOBA: Homecoming President’s Speech
Our guest of honor, the executive governor of Lagos state , an old boy of birch freeman high school and member of BIFOBA’s prestigious guild of awardees, MR BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN), the chairman of BIFOBA’s 2014homecoming dinner& fund raise, OTUNBA FUNSHO OWOYEMI, our various donors/guests for this year’s fund raise toward s completion of our ultra modern multipurpose auditorium, distinguished member s of BIFOBA ‘s executive council (national & Diaspora), fellow old boys ladies and gentlemen.
It is an honor to welcome you all to our homecoming & fund raising dinner for year 2014
This year’s homecoming aptly titled the” REAL HOMECOMING” is especially to us (the old boys of birch freeman high school) as the event in the true sense of the word homecoming is taking place for the very first time on our school soil, in our school premises and in this BIFOBA sponsored & build ultra modern auditorium.
Prior to today’s epoch making event, we had always held our homecoming event in hired halls either in Victoria island or ikeja. History is therefore being made today as old boys’ dreams of holding our annual reunion in our school has become reality.
Today, through the inspiration from his Excellency who advised against relocation of our almost extinct school to lekki; on account of our school is very poor soil condition that could not ordinarily bear any planned meaningful infrastructural development in the past 50 of its 54 years existence
Today, our school is standing firm with new physical infrastructures springing up and our school’s practically lost glory is being restored since old boys have decided to take the future of our school in our hands. Sincere thank to his Excellency who promised and through the state’s ministry of education provided to the school, a 21 classroom block while encouraging old boys to partner with the state government under its public, private partnership programme to develop our school since government alone cannot totally develop all schools.
Our old boys took up the governor’s challenge and agreed to build a modern auditorium which house our association’s secretariat in replacement of our tiny hall built 54 year ago.
Tirelessly, old boys worked towards achievement of its goal with every single bit of work done to get the auditorium to its current stage achieved through self help by old starting from the main contractor, sub contractors, consulting architect’s engineers and others. The result of the hard work by old boys led by members of the association’s executive council and the generosity of public spirited donors is what we can see today and where we are this evening in this magnificent edifice that will be the first of its kind to be build by any old student association anywhere in this country.
The auditorium, when completed and fully operational will be used for our school’s special activities/events, founders day celebrations, students graduations, BIFOBA homecoming celebrations etc and for seminars conferences, symposia by the public.
Permit me to also thank his Excellency for his commitment and involvement in the inceptual fund raise for this auditorium which began 4 years agos. Our appreciations also go to our various past donors including MR WALE AJISEBUTU. Of 21st century technologies. MR OBAYUWANA polo & his group of friends’ chief (sir) KENSINGTON ADEBUTU (CON),MR FEMI OTEDOLA(CON) and others too numerous to mention, not forgetting our old boy’s contributions in our various capacities.
FUND RAISING
Our dear guests, ladies and gentlemen, you have this evening, seen how far we (the old boys) have come and how much we have put into this project. We are however beginning to loose steam and are in need of assistance from public spirited individuals to complete the project.
If our efforts and commitment to improving upon and restoring the practically lost glory of our alma mater means anything to you, if you appreciate our old boys’ spirit of giving back to a school where practically none of us have our children, if this classic case of commitment by old boys, the type that has never been seen before touch your heart this evening, we invite you to assist, and join hands with us to fulfill our dream of putting up this magnificent edifice which will put birch freeman high school’s name back in the list of the first 5 top schools in Lagos through your generous donations towards completion of this auditorium in service to God and for the benefit of our students and mankind in general.
It is our belief that as you do so, God will replenish you several fold.
AWARDS CONFERMENT
One strong motivation for the continuing and unprecedented commitment observed amongst our old boy’s is the pride we have in our school, in spite of its small size and its perceived not too appealing environment. The above notwithstanding, the birch freeman awards conferred on some of our boys is something the awardees cherish all through their lives while same remains an objective/goal that all old boys desire and work very hard to achieve.
Today, two old boys will be conferred with the “freeman” award of excellence either
(i) In their chosen careers which has portrayed our alma mater in good light or
(ii) For extraordinary and consistent display of commitment to BIFOBA and our alma mater
I congratulate MR SAMI OMIA and ARC LADI LEWI who are to be honored today and as they get admitted into prestigious BIFOBA guild of awardees, may I remind them that they have been selected as first amongst equals and that after all of the celebrations and fanfare, they have moral responsibility to further the ideals of BIFOBA while doing even more than ever before for our alma mater.
I wish them well and urge the aspirant old boys who did not make the awards this year not to despair but remain resolute, no one can really tell what year 2015 holds in stock.
BIFOBA’S GROWTH
Our association remains very strong and continues to grow in leaps and bounds this auditorium, when finally completed and officially commissioned on 17th February 2015 during the commemoration of our s school’s 55th founder’s day anniversary, will support our statement to the world that BIFOBA has indeed become grown. Our subsidiaries, the north America chapter, the U.K chapter (and the Europe chapter in -formation)are growing at an impressive rate. Our website, the new but yet to be launched official bifobaglobal.org website are instruments used to portray our association and its activities to the public and variable tool for recruitment of our old boys world over. The BIFOBA. Com website which has played and will continue to play major roles in the interaction amongst our members was practically single handedly developed and managed by one of our very dedicated and committed old boy of the north America chapter and member of the BIFOBA guild of awardees, MR DAVID BABATUNDE low, MR LOWO passed on 3 week ago and has since been buried in Atlanta U.S.A.
We remember DAVID LOWO today and his memories will remain ever green in our minds. May his gentle soul find peace with his creator.
APPRECIATION
I wish to thank your Excellency on behalf of all old boys for your continuing interest in the development of our school. You are indeed a good ambassador of our school and a worthy member of the guild of awardees. We are proud of your achievements as governor and you have truly shown, in line with our school’s matter that you are “Trained for duty and for God”
Thank you your Excellency for the support given to my administration over the past years. Please remember our discussions about the fencing of the school to keep away the miscreants who have turned the school to hide-out and constantly creating distractions for the students. It has become extremely necessary now more than ever before to put a step a stop finally to the Mushin and surulere gangs wars that have found a ready battle ground in our school, the most recent of which left several of our students wounded.
The birch freeman land issue still remains unresolved. We urged that you take all necessary steps to resolve the matter before your exist as governor. Acquiring the land under for public use by exercising power of eminent domain for birch freemen’s benefit and paying some little compensation to the alleged property owners will make a lot of difference to the new master plan designed for our school and allow the 4million gate donated by old boys (currently lying rusty in the school premises to be installed).
To our guests and donors this evening, we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for your generous donations within a firm belief that god will bless you as you assist towards completion of this auditorium project. We are looking at a total sum of 75 million to complete the project with state of the art finish and will install all necessary equipment and air conditioning etc. Whatever God places in your heart to give towards this project will be appreciated. We thank you as you donate towards this noble cause.
To my predecessors in office, the body of the past presidents, I welcome and thank you for your continuing advise offerings and guidance
Gentlemen of the prestigious BIFOBA guild, its remains a deep privilelege for me to be a member and part of this group. Thank you for your unending support of my programme and vision and I trust that I can continue to count on this source of support even in the future.
My colleagues in the executive council, I am certain you know my deep rooted appreciation for your commitment generally and the amount of work we have put in based on our collective vision to build this auditorium and to make today’s event the success that it is.
Thank you gentlemen from the bottom of my heart and I implore you not to relent as we need to put in just a little bit more of our time and effort to get to the completion of this project which will truly crown our effort with joy unspeakable. Thank you so much.
Fellow old boys, (whether national or in Diaspora ) thank you for believing in me and the trust you have in my leadership. Together we will restore our school’s glory while I remain committed to our set goals.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen, welcomes to birch freeman high school as I wish you a relaxed evening in this magnificent edifice even in its work in progress stage.
God bless you all.
FEYI DINYO
GLOBAL PRESIDENT
BIFOBA
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2014 National Reports from Feyi Dinyo (BIFOBA President)
BIFOBA President’s Annual Report
Mr. Feyisola Dinyo: BIFOBA President
GLOBAL PRESIDENT’S REPORT (YEAR 2014)
Fellow Old Boys,
Compliments of the Season. Gradually Year 2014 has rolled to its end and I am certain we are all looking forward to 2015 with high expectations.
In 2014, our Association fared better than the previous year although not without the usual disagreements and petty issues which we have learnt to overcome.
BIFOBA HEADQUARTERS (NIGERIA)
The National Headquarters continued to wax stronger and remained formidable, as the National Executive Council (Exco) in Lagos recorded a very successful year. Practically all the National Exco’s set goals for 2014 were achieved as there were less distraction this year.
1. MULTIPURPOSE AUDITORIUM
The Multipurpose Auditorium construction whose contract was awarded late 2013
kicked off in earnest in December 2013 and in a record time of 5 months (20 weeks) the physical structure was put in place to such an extent that BIFOBA’s Annual Homecoming slated for 31st May, 2014 took place in the School Premises and in the Auditorium for the 1st time although in its uncompleted state.
Approximately N90.0million has been expended on the Auditorium and the Association is looking at an additional N50.0million to complete the Auditorium to taste as designed by our Architects. We enjoin all Old Boys through their Class Sets to work with Exco to bring the Auditorium to a quick completion and hand same over to professional Facility Managers to begin to generate Income commercially on a monthly basis to assist in basis to maintaining our School’s infrastructures and to run BIFOBA’s affairs notably. The Commercial capability and Income generating potential of the Auditorium was put to test this December as an Old Boy and member of Exco Mr. Olise Nwachukwu got married in the Auditorium at it’s uncompleted state for a Fee. Exco is hopeful that when the Auditorium is completed regular and tangible Income will be generated for lease/hire of the Auditorium to third parties on a commercial basis. The most impressive thing about the Auditorium though is that it was designed by an Old Boy, constructed by the Firm of an Old Boy and was supervised from scratch to the level it is by a Committee of Old Boys. The Auditorium’s construction is therefore totally from the sweat and efforts of members of our Association.
2.SCHOOL FENCE
National Exco promised to put pressure on the Ministry of Education to fence the School and prevent miscreants from taking over same. I am glad to report that our School (the undisputed portion) has today been fenced and control of Students and Visitors to the School has improved tremendously.
3.JUNIORSCHOOLNEW CLASSROOM BLOCK
As part of Exco’s efforts towards redesigning the School to take full advantage of the small space available, the Ministry of Education, having been impressed by the efforts of Old Boys in the construction of the Multipurpose Auditorium reciprocated Old Boys’ gesture by announcing the award of a new 19 Classroom School Block for BFHS’ Junior School. Foundation for the new Junior School Block has been completed and as I write, the laying of Sandcrete blocks is on-going. On completion of the Block our School will boast of 2 new classroom buildings; the existing 29 Classroom Block for the senior school and the recently awarded one for the junior school.
With the new Senior and Junior Classroom Blocks, together with the Multipurpose Auditorium, BFHS’s Façade and Outlook will be completely different and should become something excellent to behold and a Pride to all Old Boys’ and Students alike.
4. BFHS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
During the year given the constant problems and obvious personal distractions the Principal of the Senior School Mr. Agbonjimi had which had impacted negatively on the Academic performance of the students to the point where the School recorded just 6.0% success rate in WASC and having warned the Principal severally on his display of incompetence and lack of commitment, National Exco, alongside the Parents Forum petitioned the Ministry of Education requesting for the removal of Mr. Agbonjimi. The petition was considered by the Ministry and Mr. Agbonjimi, the Principal and shortly after, his Vice Principal were removed from the School while a new Principal, Mr. T. O. Adeosun was deployed to the School. Mr. Adeosun has shown a lot of commitment to our School’s Ideals and his administration is being heavily supported by Exco, given his observed willingness to work with Exco to improve the Academic fortunes of our School for better.
I am glad to report that Mr. Adeosun presence and commitment has already showing on the School’s performance as success rate in the last WASC rose from the 6.0% in 2013 to 37.0% in 2014, with a potential to get better in the years ahead if Mr Adeosun continues with the Policies and Strategies put in place for success of the students by the combined team of the School’s teaching of staff, BIFOBA Exco and the Parents Forum.
5. BIFOBA HEADQUARTER ANNUAL HOMECOMING
Year 2014’s Homecoming tagged “ the Real Homecoming” was moved from the usual last Saturday in April to 31st May, (last Saturday in May) to enable the Event hold in the Multipurpose Auditorium. I congratulate the underlisted 2 Old Boys admitted into BIFOBAs’Guild of Awardees this year:
(i) Mr. Sami Bamidele Omai (1975 Set). A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chairman/CEO of Omai International Ltd. Mr. Omai is a notable Old Boy who is on the Board of several companies in and outside Nigeria. Mr. Omai was conferred with the Award of Excellence in the area of Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
(ii) Arc. Ladipo Adeseye Lewis (1983 Set), aside of being Vice President (Govt Affairs) in BIFOBA National Exco, he is the current Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (Lagos Chapter). Arc. Lewis designed our Multipurpose Auditorium and his Firm has remained the Consulting the Architects for the Auditorium Project since inception, which project his Firm has supervised done “GRATIS” for BIFOBA. Arc. Lewis was conferred with an Award of Excellence for Extra- ordinary display of commitment to BIFOBA and BFHS.
To view the detailed CV and Profile of these Gentlemen, visit both our Association’s websites viz:-www.bifobaglobal.org and www.bifoba.com
6. 2015 FOUNDERS DAY & HOMECOMING EVENT
On 6th February, 2015, our School will turn 55 years. Since 55 years is a milestone Year, ordinarily it should be a major celebration, which would have required the Homecoming for the year to be fast-forwarded and celebrated on the Saturday immediately after the Founder’s Day. Given the above, the Founders Day will be celebrated on Friday 6th February, 2015. The Homecoming should therefore be held on Saturday 7th February, 2015. Indications however are to the effect that the Governorship elections in the Country have been scheduled by INEC (the Electoral Committee) for the same Saturday 7th February, 2015. Given that movements will be restricted on the Governorship Election day till about 6.30pm, scheduling the Homecoming for the same day will naturally affect success of the Event. Exco has therefore resolved to celebrate the Founder’s Day on 6th February, 2015 while the Homecoming has been reverted to the last Saturday in April (i.e Saturday 25th April 2015).
All Old Boys (in Nigeria and Diaspora) should please keep the date in view. All usual activities of the Homecoming including nominations for consideration of admittance into the Guild of Awardees will remain on-going. Full details will be circulated by the Chairman of the Awards Committee at the appropriate time. I enjoin all old boys to watch-out and take part in the nominations for admittance consideration to the Guild.
BIFOBA CHAPTERS
(i) U.K CHAPTER
The UK Chapter’s contribution to the development of BFHS and BIFOBA received a boost this year as the Chapter sponsored the “Labors of Love” (Now Governmental Organisation) provision of Medical Screening and supply of medication (where needed) to Students and staff of Birch Freeman. The exercise, monitored by National Exco was extremely successful and students/staff alike are looking forward to a repetition in 2015, which the UK Chapter’s President Mr. Theo Odunlami has promised will be an Annual event sponsored by the UK Chapter. The Chapter had a successful year but not without intra Exco wranglings during the year which got to a point where the Chapter’s Exco was dissolved and a Caretaker Committee had to be appointed on the advice of the National Headquarters to run the Chapters affairs for a short period and organize fresh elections. Another Election exercise was conducted and Mr. Theo Odunlami re-emerged as President with Dan Okoturo as his Vice President alongside other members of the Team. The New UK Exco is back in operation, organized an End of Year party this December which reports confirm was very successful with several new Old boys in attendance.
Mr. Odunlami has been discussing with the National Exco and have intimated of plans by U.K Chapter for Year 2015 which if implemented will be extremely laudable and beneficial to BIFOBA and BFHS.
(ii) N. A. CHAPTER
The N.A Chapter has also had a very successful year. The Chapter’s usual Re-union, which was very well attended, took place this year in Tenessee Mr. Niyi Fagbamiye, the Chapter’s President and his Team in Exco were able to increase the Chapter’s membership by bringing on board fresh Old Boys living in America. The Chapter’s own commitment to the overall development of BIFOBA and BFHS was demonstrated through the donation of 1000 copies of Dictionary/Gazetteer to the Junior School in BFHS. I am made to understand that various other developmental projects are being considered by the Chapter while the Chapter continues to manage our bifoba.com website. I cannot but mention the demise of a devoted and committed member of the Chapter who doubled as the bifoba.com Webmaster; the late Mr. David Lowo. Mr. Lowo aside of being the Webmaster and erstwhile Publicity Secretary of the by N.A Chapter, he was a distinguished member of BIFOBA’s Guild of Awardees. Mr. Lowo passed on May this year. May his Soul continue to rest in peace.
Since his passing, management of the bifoba.com Website has been taken over by the duo of Messrs Alli Oseni and Foluso Adeyemi. These Gentlemen have continued to make sure that the bifoba.comwebsite is functional and alive to meet Old boys’ expectations and provide the necessary platform for old boys to continue to interact and receive information being disseminated from time to time. Bifoba generally continues to expect a lot more contribution (in this New Year and beyond) from the N.A Chapter given that the Chapter is the oldest and larger of all the Chapters.
EUROPECHAPTER
The Chapter still exists largely only on paper, although the 2 Old boys based in Belgium and the one in France jointly sponsoring the formation and take-off of the Chapter have repeatedly called for my visit to Belgium which is pencilled to be the Chapter’s Headquarters. National Exco members however are still of the view that the membership strength is not large enough to warrant my visit to Belgium. My Colleagues in Exco are of the view that the Gentle in Belgium and France need to intensify efforts in recruiting more Old boys all over Europe until a minimum membership strength of 10 is achieved
In conclusion, of my 2014 Report, I wish to thank Old Boys for all the support extended to me and my colleagues in National Exco for the successful management of BIFOBA and its affairs worldwide and also for their commitment to their individual Chapters Exco’s as well as the overall contribution to the development of BIFOBA and BFHS.
I urge old boys not to relent in working with all Exco (National and Diaspora) to restore Birch Freeman High School’s pride of place among the committee of good schools and most importantly, for Old boys to join members of their Class Sets towards contributing the N50.0 million Fund needed to complete the Auditorium. It should be every single Old Boys Responsibility, Challenge and Pride for any Old Boys to enter into the Auditorium with pride and say “we built this Auditorium”. This is the least of the reasonable service expected of all Old Boys of Birch Freeman High School.
Here is therefore wishing all Old Boys Happy Holidays and a prosperous/fruitful 2015 as we chant our slogan “Birch Freeman is changing and BIFOBA is moving ahead”.
Yours most sincerely
FEYI DINYO
GLOBAL PRERSIDENT
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