It was a pleasure to serve as CIANA’s President from September 2016, starting at the reunion in Atlanta. I was passed the baton by Lady Nana, the founder and first president of the group. We all honored our alma mater at the 40th- anniversary celebration in Nigeria in September 2017. Our school’s logo and motto are “Discipline and Knowledge.” However, our alumni goal is “Purpose and Progress,” reflecting our evolution over the years and our continued growth, thanks be to God.

We served for five years with one goal in mind: to move the group forward in accordance with the constitution, which states that the purpose of the association shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

• We are a registered non-profit, non- political, charitable, and voluntary organization, a status we achieved on June 22nd, 2017. We were officially registered in North America as an NGO with an employer and tax ID. We also successfully opened a bank account for the organization, facilitating our financial operations.
  
• We identify and organize alumni of CSSI in North America and promote the welfare of our members by hosting reunions and attending members’ events. We also raise funds among ourselves as needed.
  
• We strive to strengthen teaching and learning at our alma mater. For example, we started a scholarship scheme in 2019, awarding full tuition, books and uniforms to the best student being promoted to SS1. This initiative is ongoing.
  
• We support and collaborate on viable projects and programs initiated by the school’s administration, benevolent organizations, the PTA,
  
• the school board of governors, and other chapters of CSSI. Our current president is part of the National Body EXCO to date.
  
• We work to salvage, sustain, promote, and protect the image of our alma mater. We fully participated in the 40th anniversary of our alma mater in September 2017, both physically and financially. CIANA has also participated in several fundraising initiatives led by the Alumni National body.

In 2018, we attended the reunion in Nashville, where I was re-elected as President. The journey continued with a successful grand ball reunion titled “Ankara Night.” Awards were given to outgoing executives and new executives were sworn in.

In 2019, we had another successful reunion in New York City. Then, in 2020, COVID struck, and the world nearly shut down. However, we persevered as a group and never missed our monthly meeting. We even adapted to have virtual reunions in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, we held seminars on Aging, Finances, and hosted fun online parties to keep our spirits up. God kept us all alive through this stressful and depressing time.

In 2022, having survived the COVID pandemic, we were able to schedule a physical reunion in St. Louis, which was also successful. We handed over the baton to the current president in an online election held in 2021.

It was a great honor and pleasure to serve as the President of CIANA during my tenure. With the help of every participating member, our tenure was successful. Thank you to everyone.

As we transitioned to the current leadership, we had some unfinished tasks:

• To adopt and organize a charitable event to help the poor and needy in Nigeria, including donating clothing, shoes and food to the poorest areas of our country.
  
• To consider publishing a CIANA electronic newsletter biannually or annually to capture and update all our events as time permits.
  
• To create a cooperative banking experience among the true and committed members of CIANA, allowing us to build a form of cooperative financial services for members.
  

I know many efforts and hands are on deck to make our dreams come true. Thanks to the good leadership of our current president, Mr. Olusegun Olufemi, who has selflessly led the group in the right direction after our tenure, we know that our dreams can become a reality. I must also mention Lady Nana Fatimah Musa, without whom CIANA would not exist. It was her vision that spurred the creation of this group, and she continues to be supportive through the years. Thank you, our founding and past president, my dear sister.

In conclusion, I dare to say that we are not just any group; we are Commandos with purpose, high hopes, and dreams. As we continue to fellowship together in love and harmony, there are great benefits ahead for all of us.

Let us be active members of this great organization so we can change the world together.

Thank you.