YBC 2001/2002 MEDICAL & DENTAL CLASS REUNION

"Education is the Most Powerful Weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

Reflecting on our journey toward the 20th anniversary of our graduation, we recall the exciting initiatives our alma mater, CMUL Idi-Araba, had undertaken before 2022. These projects included

1.The purchase of a Dental chair for the Paediatric Department of The Faculty of Dental Sciences

2. The installation of a Water Pump at OPH( final year medical student's hostel)

3, The renovation of the Paediatric Seminar Room, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences

4. The donation of books to the Dental Library by some of our colleagues. Unfortunately, The COVID-19 Pandemic disrupted our plans to mark our homecoming in 2022 as initially slated.

Now, two years later, we are delighted that our reunion has finally become a reality.

There are few experiences more poignant than revisiting the past with those who shared it with you. The four-day reunion event, held 22 years after our graduation, was a remarkable journey down memory lane.

The first day's mentorship sessions began at The Old Great Hall, CMUL a place brimming with the echoes of our youthful aspirations. Distinguished speakers, including the Provost, Deans, and lecturers who had once shepherded our academic journeys, graced the event. The sessions focused on research, private practice, financial education, and advocacy, reminiscent of the guidance we received as students.

As we gathered, I couldn’t help but recall the impactful mentorship session led by Mr. Fela Durotoye, a renowned executive coach, two decades ago. His advice on crafting 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year plans using the SMART acronym, and the importance of having a business plan or feasibility study before embarking on any venture, has been a guiding star in my professional life. This reflection took me back to my unexpected journey into the world of business as a Dental student.

It all began when the students' union clashed with a popular soft drink company, resulting in a two-month ban on their products on campus. This situation led me to transform my zobo drink, previously enjoyed by a select few (a story for another day), into a thriving business to fill the void. Despite the high demand for my drink, I had no financial plan to navigate this new venture. I remember sharing my secret recipe with colleagues & mentees for free and spending all my money going to Old Tejuosho Market to experiment with cooking and baking different exotic recipes. It wasn't until I visited one of my mentees and saw how she had used her profits to furnish her room with two sofas, a TV, and a small DVD player that I realized how much money I had wasted. All I had to show for my efforts was my glowing skin and a chubby me!

My introduction to competition came when my distributors used my customized zobo bottles to sell their adulterated zobo, resulting in a significant decline in my customer base.

Indeed, Mr. Durotoye's message on creating a business plan, a 5-year strategy, and the SMART acronym resonated deeply with me as I reflected on my past errors and missteps in my failed zobo business. These experiences underscore the critical importance of financial education in medical school.

The cocktail hangout played a vital role in fostering connections and rekindling friendships. This informal gathering provided a relaxed atmosphere for alumni to share memories, celebrate achievements, and network.

The donation for the kitchen and ceiling refurbishment at the Children's Development Centre represented a significant advancement in inclusive education practices, empowering students to excel academically and socially in the realm of special needs education. It will foster independence and boost confidence among the students, creating an environment conducive to their holistic growth and development.

In addition, we also donated A Sickbay Bed and Ventolin Nebules & icepacks to Chrisland School Opebi Ikeja. This contribution serves as a vital addition to the school's infrastructure, ensuring that students have access to immediate medical attention and care when needed.

Furthermore, we organized A free medical and dental outreach for Idi-Araba community residents, which held at The Seriki of Idi-Araba's palace. This initiative aimed to deliver vital healthcare services to underserved individuals, enhancing community health and well-being. By addressing immediate healthcare needs and fostering stronger community connections, this effort underscored our dedication to supporting local communities through impactful initiatives.

The third day began with aerobic exercises and a football game, underscoring our commitment to work-life balance by integrating these activities as central rather than incidental.

Another significant tradition we uphold in our class is dedicating August to mutual accountability for our Annual Medical Check-ups. Together, we have also launched initiatives like Class Group Life Insurance, Online Aerobics & A Virtual DJ, The Establishment of a Co-operative, among other accomplishments.

"True mentorship is about guiding others to discover their own path." - Oprah Winfrey

It was an honour to have Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG and our first female Vice-Chancellor, grace our dinner as an exemplary matriarch. She embodies the essence of a quintessential leader, inspiring others with her vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment.

I vividly recall approaching her during my secondary school days to seek her guidance through a career mentorship form, and I deeply appreciate her willingness to mentor me. She generously shared invaluable insights into the challenges of the medical field and has remained a supportive presence over the years.

Witnessing her consistent dedication to raising standards and championing women empowerment and gender equality fills me with immense pride. Ma'am, your remarkable achievements continue to serve as an enduring source of inspiration to us all.

During her speech, The Vice-Chancellor expressed pride in past and present CMUL Alumni's consistent financial support and praised our mentorship program for fostering empathy in the medical profession. She emphasized the need for continuous intentional collaboration with CMUL, via supporting student internships and volunteering of our time. Highlighting the rapid changes driven by AI, she stressed the importance of equipping medical students with critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration skills.

She also lauded our impactful medical and dental outreach initiatives in the neighbouring CMUL community, underscoring UNILAG commitment to social responsibility and the significance of its human resources and environmental impact.

We were privileged to have Deputy Provost Prof. Femi Odebiyi and Dr. Olawale Adamson, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, join us and deliver goodwill messages.

Kudos to our YBC Planning Committee who did a yeoman's job pulling this event off.

It was a privilege to be in the company of two giants of Quality Improvement in The Nigerian Healthcare space.

As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." During this reunion dinner, it was a joy for us as we captured the emotions and moments we experienced together.

By creating and preserving these visual memories, we honour our personal stories and weave a tapestry of collective experiences that enrich our shared history.

Thanks to Online platforms( One of Covid-19 Pandemic Takeaways), our colleagues round the world were able to join in the fun.

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The evening was further enlivened by music and dancing, where the shared joy of dancing together highlighted the strong bonds and vibrant energy of our set.

Reflecting on my yearbook page from 22 years ago, I was swept with a wave of nostalgia and sentiment. The words I wrote back then captured the hopes, dreams, and innocent optimism of my younger self.

Looking back, it's clear how those moments and the people who shared them have left an indelible mark on my life, reminding me of how far I've come and how faithfully Time and God's blessings have guided me.

Every time I look at this picture, memories flood back of the countless balloons I and my colleagues had to inflate while setting up to decorate the hall for our dinner. We were fortunate to have our inaugural reunion 22 years ago at the Prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island. The sight of our entourage, consisting of two coaster buses and over 10 personal cars arriving and departing from the event, remains surreal to this day. The policemen waved cheerfully at us as we passed through endless checkpoints. The hotel staff warmly welcomed us. We even had the pleasure of inviting our favorite lecturers to join us. The buffet was overflowing with delicious food, adding to the festive atmosphere of the occasion.

"A successful planning committee is the backbone of any memorable event, weaving together meticulous details to create an experience that lingers in hearts and minds long after the curtains close." It was fun been part of the planning this event.

I have clear memories of 25 years ago when we transitioned from clinical to non-clinical classes and organized Our First-Class Dinner Party at New Great Hall, LUTH.

With limited funds, those of us in The Food Committee had to personally visit Mile 12 market (my 1st visit)to save on costs. It was a new experience sharing baskets of pepper. Imagine our culture shock when we were told we had to pay "owo-ile"! Quickly typical of students, we responded with shouts vehemently refusing to pay. Of course, we paid at the end. This marked the beginning of my journey into Bulk Procurement(personal & official).

This reunion stirred deep emotions and memories, providing a precious opportunity to reunite with old friends after 22 years and reflect on our shared experiences. Beyond celebrating our journeys since graduation, the event emphasized the enduring bonds and friendships that have endured over time. Laughter, shared stories, and nostalgic recollections of past adventures has continued to highlight our personal growth and evolution.

It was also A poignant moment to honour and remember our colleagues who have passed away, their legacy living on in our hearts and their contributions cherished by our community.

As this unforgettable gathering draws to a close, may we continue to uphold the Spirit of Camaraderie and Resilience that defines our Alma Mater; Nurturing these Renewed Connections, ensuring they remain Strong and Enduring.

May our Paths Cross again, bringing us Strength and Joy in the Bonds we have Rekindled. Amen.