By Amos Aar
THE SPECIAL Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Denen Aondoakaa, has called on the newly elected President of the Moses Orshio Adasu University Alumni Association (MOAUAA), Mrs. Comfort Ashilu Abaivo, to prioritize unity, transparency, and alumni engagement in her administration.
Aondoakaa made the remarks on Thursday when the association’s newly elected executives, led by Mrs. Abaivo, visited his office in Makurdi to express gratitude for his support during their election and transition process.
He acknowledged the historical divisions within the alumni body and urged the new leadership to foster reconciliation and a shared sense of purpose.
He emphasized that alumni associations in Nigeria should transcend their conventional role as mere facilitators of academic transcripts and evolve into platforms for institutional development through effective leadership and collaboration.
Drawing comparisons with other sectors, Aondoakaa noted that while graduates often contribute generously to religious organizations, many neglect their alma maters.
He stressed that public universities like MOAU depend not only on government funding but also on the goodwill and active participation of their alumni.
He encouraged the new administration to implement initiatives that would encourage alumni contributions and strengthen the association’s branches by engaging senior alumni with extensive professional experience and influence.
According to him, the strength of any alumni association lies in its network and ability to mobilize cross-generational support.
Reflecting on Mrs. Abaivo’s previous consultations with him during her campaign, Aondoakaa expressed confidence in her ability to lead with integrity and innovation.
He reaffirmed his continued support for the association’s reform efforts, stating, “My doors are always open to you.”
In her remarks, Mrs. Abaivo thanked Aondoakaa for his intervention during critical moments in the election process, which she said helped avert potential crises.
She disclosed that her administration, inaugurated on May 10, 2025, inherited an association with limited resources and a damaged reputation but had already taken steps toward repositioning it.
Key initiatives include the launch of a unified membership registration portal to improve data management and internal communication.
The association is partnering with the Tricycle Association to address transportation challenges on the university campus, with the project set to commence soon.
Mrs. Abaivo also announced plans for a fundraising dinner to unveil the association’s mission, vision, and development agenda, providing a platform to secure financial support for key projects without external borrowing.
She assured Aondoakaa that her administration is committed to delivering tangible results within its four-year tenure.
The Vice President of the association, Comrade Joseph Kiva, commended Aondoakaa for his contributions to Governor Alia’s administration and described him as a dedicated partner in progress.
He reiterated the association’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable growth under the new leadership.
The visit concluded with mutual assurances of continued collaboration toward advancing the interests of the university and its alumni.
