SOBA General Elections: Team Ayuk Iyok Promises To Move Association Forward With Hope, Pride

By Tarhyang Enowbikah Tabe

 

Prior to the elections of a new team to run the affairs of the Sasse Old Boys Association, SOBA,  Ayuk Iyok of the 1979 class of the college, who is running for the position of President General, has said, he is leading a coalition of hope and pride aimed at bringing a new lease of life to SOBA.

This is part of his public Manifesto that was released a few days to the elections slated for Saturday, November 7.

 “I know that a lot of you want me to tell you why a vote for the Ayuk Iyok-led coalition of hope and pride is important. However, I would like to first of all address some of the issues involved in this election and how crucial and decisive it is for Sasse and SOBA.” He said.

 According to Ayuk Iyok, this election is of dire importance to the short-term and long-term future for SOBANS, adding that SOBANS need a strong leadership to move forward but above all, they need a UNITED and COHESIVE SOBA.

Ayuk Iyok who served as Vice President in the outgoing executive committee of the association, says  in the midst of turbulence and with his experience in the past administration, he would like to submit to the members that he is the best qualified candidate to lead SOBA for the next three years.

He added that his team will be open and willing to listen to dissenting voices, build a strong alumni association, promote networking and rejuvenate chapters like they did for SOBA Douala and impulse Class participations in the welfare of Sasse and SOBA.

“We will have a suggestion hotline or a grievance cell which addresses the concerns of all Soba stakeholders. I believe that this will be the best of the improvements that I plan to make here. I will also ensure that all the required information is passed onto Sobans in time and gather feedback on the same.” Ayuk Iyok’s Manifesto reads.

According to the aspiring President General of SOBA, he would like to urge members to cast votes based on the vision of seeing a strong, united, inclusive and progressive Soba, adding that, the association is in need of individuals, who have the potential to represent them and the college, who can give their heart and soul for the betterment of SOBA.

“Friends, SOBANS, I cannot encourage you enough to make the right choice and vote for me and my team. Our dedication and hard work will lead us into a golden age. There was once a Presidential candidate who said, “I would rather be right than be President.” I submit to you that I can be both. For the future of our college and our alumni association, let’s vote for hope and pride for SOBA.” The Team Ayuk Iyok Manifesto ended.

The Action Plan

Team Ayuk Iyuk did not only end at the level of making public its manifesto, they went further to unleash their plan of action which intends to push Hope and Pride for SOBA.

The 13 points plan of action aims at putting SOBA first by making the association more inclusive, bringing on board all class groups by encouraging them to integrate or identify themselves with the various chapters in which they find themselves.

It also has plans of stimulating love and pride in SOBA from the early stages, instituting termly town hall meetings between renowned or reputed Sobans and the student community, arrange for a team of SOBAN doctors to visit Sasse occasionally for free medical check-ups and screening, introducing an annual SOBA prize giving ceremonies in Sasse College which could extend to SOBAN scholarships for a few brilliant but underprivileged students and creating of SOBA sports trophies.

The plan of action for Team Ayuk Iyok ahead of Saturday’s elections, intends to set a broad networking amongst SOBANS across the globe to facilitate the exchange of talents and skills for mutual benefit, as the needs arise.

The team also has plans to extend an outreach to all SOBANS by encouraging SOBACCUL to get closer to them through the creation of more branches as the needs arise.

The Continuation of the reconciliation process set out by the outgoing executive and ensuring that SOBA continues to function as a united association is a strong point on the plan of action.

 While pledging that transparency and accountability shall be the watch words of his team, he said they shall present regular updates on the state of the association and its finances.

The National Executive also plans to carry out regular visits to chapters to strengthen their bond and live up to their creed of being a brother’s keeper.

Team Ayuk Iyok also plans to re- invigorate regularly SOBA reunions to strengthen closeness as an association and also to encourage the students of Sasse College to appreciate the values of SOBA.

Finally, the team plans to continue to demonstrate their attachment to the Alma Mater by supporting and sponsoring projects that improve on the welfare and learning of the students of Sasse College.