The 2002 Alumni Association of Bashorun High School, Ibadan under the leadership of their President, Dr Oyeleke Oyebamiji has been described as unique and classic in thoughts, activities and operations.
This commendation was made over the weekend by the President of a Multidisciplinary Finance Professionals Group otherwise known as MFP Group and MFP Global Services when he featured as the Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker at the maiden edition of the Meet-Up Programme of the Association held yesterday in Ibadan.
The MFP President commended members of the Association for rising beyond selfish aggrandizement to elect officers to move them forward. According to him, that was the only reason they can organize programmes beneficial to the Alma Mata, Students, Members and the Society. He eulogized them for the team spirit and togetherness amongst them.
He encouraged them to remain focused and resolute in pursuing common goals for the betterment of the stakeholders.
The MFP top-brass delivered a lecture on three important topical national issues to the admiration of participants.
Highlights of the lecture are;
Topic 1: Striking a balance: between career/business and family life
There is correlation and interrelationship between work and family. The work brings income; the family is where you mostly spend the income earned from work. The work requires time, commitment, presence and energy ditto to the family.
However, the family require your emotional connection in addition to the four earlier mentioned.
There are other competing tasks requiring your time, presence and energy such as personal relationships, professional relationships, religious activities and hobbies aside from home and work. That is why knowing how to balance all the competing demands is crucial.
Maintaining this balance encompasses the ability to allocate time and energy to work-related tasks, family life and others.
Striking the right balance is not about choosing one over the other, but about harmonizing all spheres so that none is neglected.
Causes of work–family conflict
i. Long Working Hours ii. Financial Pressure iii. Poor Planning and, iv. Technology-Related Distractions.
Effects of poor work-life balance
i. Stress and Burnout ii. Family Conflicts iii. Reduced Productivity
Practical strategies for balancing career/business and family life
i. Time Management and Prioritization: Planning and Scheduling
ii. Communication and Relationship Building:
Open Communication Within the Family and Workplace Communication
iii. Managing Expectations
iv. Setting Boundaries Between Work and Family: Separating Work Time from Family Time and Avoiding Work Intrusion into Family Activities
v. Learning to Delegate
vi. Taking regular breaks, vacations and regular rest help prevent burnout and restore energy.
vii. Building a Support System
Topic 2: Surviving the current economic challenges in Nigeria
Economic challenges refer to conditions or problems that hinder the effective functioning and growth of an economy.
The challenges manifest itself in the following ways;
i. Inflation ii. High Cost of Living iii. Exchange Rate Instability iv. Unemployment and Underemployment v. Insecurity – Increased Crime and Social Vices vi. Poor Infrastructure vii. Business Closures and Reduced Investment viii. Food Insecurity and Malnutrition ix. Decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) etc.
General causes of economic challenges in Nigeria are;
i. Overdependence on Crude Oil Revenue ii. Weak Economic Diversification
iii. Corruption and Weak Governance
iv. Poor Infrastructure
v. High Public Debt
vi. Population Growth not translating to economic growth
vii. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation
viii. Policy Inconsistency etc.
Practical Strategies for Surviving the Current Economic Challenges in Nigeria
i. Effective Financial Planning and Budgeting
Prioritize your needs over your wants
Do not embark on white elephant projects unless you are very comfortable and buoyant
Prepare budget always and appraise inflows and outflows
Do not plan towards uncertainty such as gifts
Do not engage in a lifestyle beyond your income
Do not engage yourself in frivolity
ii. Diversification of Income Sources
Apart from your regular career and inflow, embark on the following;
Embrace Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Acquire new skills, proficiencies and competences
Practice Agriculture and Food Production
Leverage on technology to shore up your income
iii. Embark on Savings and Investment no matter how little
iv. Join Cooperative Societies to expand your business
v. Embrace Human Capital Development
Study materials to develop intellect
Attend refresher courses for new ideas
Learn, relearn and unlearn
vi. Invest your income wisely – Avoid investment with too high returns
vii. Be sensitive to opportunities particularly from the government
viii. Be creative and innovative
ix. Be conversant with new government policies per time etc.
Topic 3: Security tips: staying safe during this period of insecurity
Insecurity is the persistent threats that undermine peoples’ survival, livelihood, and dignity, preventing them from achieving stable and meaningful living conditions. In Nigeria, security threats are, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, ritual killings, religious and ethnic unrest etc.
Causes of insecurity
Poverty and Unemployment
Weak Governance and Corruption
Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Drug and Substance Abuse
Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Ethnic, Religious, and Communal Conflicts
Youth Marginalization and Poor Education
Cybercrime and Misuse of Technology
How to stay safe during this period of insecurity
i. Personal Safety – Promote a Culture of Safety in Everyday Life
Be vigilant, and encourage others to adopt similar practices.
Obeying security regulations, avoiding unnecessary risks, respecting public warnings, and participating in safety education programmes
Keep important emergency contact numbers readily available
Keep sufficient call credit or airtime on your mobile phone
Install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) where affordable
Restrict unnecessary access to your residence
Inspect your surroundings before retiring for the night
Store cutlasses and other dangerous tools securely indoors
Keep torchlight inside car and in your home in case of emergency illumination
Keep whistle or something that can provide alarm available in your home
Motivate and appreciate your security personnel
Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before travelling
Secure your house with locks, adequate lighting, controlled access points, perimeter fencing where necessary
ii. Maintain Situational Awareness
Pay attention to environment to notice unusual behaviours, suspicious objects, unsafe locations, or emerging dangers before they escalate into serious incidents.
iii. Stay Informed Through Credible Sources
Access to accurate and timely information is essential during periods of insecurity. Individuals should regularly monitor updates from recognized government agencies, security organizations, and reputable news outlets to remain informed about security developments in their communities. Reliable information enables people to make better decisions regarding travel, business activities, and emergency preparedness.
iv. Report Suspicious Activities Promptly
Individuals should promptly report suspicious persons, unusual movements, unattended items, or activities that appear inconsistent with normal community behaviour to the appropriate security agencies.
v. Protect Personal Information and Digital Identity
Limit the amount of personal information shared on social media, as criminals may use publicly available information to monitor routines or plan criminal activities.
vi. Avoid High-Risk Areas and exercise caution where it expedient to embark on trip
Individuals should avoid areas experiencing civil unrest, violent conflicts, criminal activities, or other security concerns.
vii. Prepare an Emergency Response Plan
An effective emergency plan should include identified safe locations, evacuation routes, emergency meeting points, communication procedures, and the responsibilities of each family member or household occupant.
Individuals should also become familiar with emergency exits in schools, workplaces, places of worship, shopping centers, and other public facilities they regularly visit.
viii. Cooperate with Security Agencies and Emergency Responders
Maintaining public safety requires effective collaboration between citizens and security agencies. Cooperation also includes providing accurate information during investigations, reporting criminal activities promptly, and avoiding actions that may obstruct emergency operations.
ix. Participate in Community Safety Initiatives
Security is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the efforts of government institutions. Communities that actively participate in neighbour hood watch programmes, community policing initiatives, and other local security efforts are generally more resilient to crime and better prepared to respond to emerging threats.
x. Remain Calm and Think Clearly During Emergencies
One of the greatest challenges during emergencies is the tendency for fear and panic to influence decision-making. Panic can impair judgment, delay appropriate action, and increase the likelihood of injuries or other adverse outcomes.
xi. Maintain your spiritual life and seek God’s guidance
For individuals of faith, prayer, moral living, and spiritual discipline can strengthen emotional resilience, encourage responsible conduct, and promote hope during difficult times while complementing practical security measures.
Dr Prince Oyebade Oyedepo was honoured with an award of excellence in appreciation of his role to the success of the programme. He was also announced as a Patron and Father of the Association to be invested alongside other eminent personalities at their subsequent programmes.
The event further witnessed great speeches by the President, Dr Oyeleke Oyebamiji, Vice President, Other EXCO members as well as other distinguished members of the set. It was also an opportunity for members of the set to exchange pleasantries and share reminiscences.
The 25th anniversary of the set comes up next year and preparation has commenced in earnest.
