Fare-well Speech by YALI RLC Alumni Nigeria President — Hammed Rauf

FAREWELL SPEECH PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 2022 EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE YALI RLC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN NIGERIA ON 2ND JANUARY, 2022.

National Executives Council Members,

The RLC in Accra Ghana,

Representatives in our midst, and fellow YALI RLC Alumni Members here present.

It gives me immense pleasure to greet you all, with a happy new Year message, and it is a dream come true seeing you all crossover with your loved ones joyously in Year 2022. Glory be to God!

Today is significant in the history of YALI RLC Alumni Nigeria. It simply means we have successfully completed our one year tenure in office.

Realizing this, it is imperative that I reflect on the journey so far. There is no doubt we have achieved pretty much together, particularly with your support and unity which have brought YALI RLC Alumni Nigeria Members together for programs, projects and fun.

Dear Yalians, I am so proud to say that ‘during my administration I have been able to promote YALI RLC’s image to the Consulate and Embassy.

Opening my doors to all alumni members to reach out to me directly at anytime when they needed my attention is challenging because whilst attending to many people during the day, I tried to satisfy them.

This made me lose personal business attention, but the truth is that, it was worth the time.

The position of President, provided me with another experience on how to relate with people of different tribes, I have learnt to face challenges and make difficult decisions, and above all, I have been able to Network with over 4000 Alumni.

I am particularly excited to inform all alumni members that we have laid good standards for this administration through our programs and projects, The proposed 1st Conference and inconclusive Constitution will help incoming administrations.

In my tenure I ensured that our Programs and Project coverered all the regions through the support of my Executives, the Regional Representatives and YALI RLC volunteers, to mention few.

The Clean up project in Southern parts, Drug Abuse project in Northern parts, School Tour project across the country, different webinars and in person training, were lofty initiatives we pushed and achieved.

Another great Record set as President, is that, Three Alumni Members, were inducted into the Executive Committee of The United States of Government Exchange Alumni Association, first time having 3 Alumni in USGEAA from our Association.

This had informed most of our silent decisions, but attracted unusual criticisms by some members even in The National Executives Council Group that almost made me step down as president, I remained resolute in the face of all that happened because we had noble leaders like Past President Dorcas, Past President Aisha Bubah, Past President Emediong and other well meaning members who always provided perspectives and counselling that kept me going.

Today, I am glad to be stepping aside for another set of leaders to handle the activities of our association. I also want to Appreciate the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC) led by Mr Toluse Dove Francis and Mr. Orenolu Idris, for conducting a transparent and credible election in our association which delivered the next leaders to continue the humanitarian work we have been called for.

I know I may have stepped on many people’s toes when making difficult decisions, please I want you to know that i was helpless, and it was for the betterment of this organization.

I am so sorry please, kindly accept my apology.

I am making this as an appreciation note and also expecting that others will give more support to the incoming Executives.

Finally, let me thank RLC for their unwavering support, especially Mrs Patricia and Mr James in Ghana.

As we start a new year, let us recommit ourselves to the values that guide us as young African leaders and fix our minds on creating solutions to help the many undeserved areas of our country and continent.

Congratulations to the new Executives and I wish you the best in 2022.

Thanks so much for the trust You have in me to lead You All in 2021, Serving as YALI RLC Alumni Nigeria President has been another great experience of my Life, as I leave, I promise to continue supporting all incoming administrations.

Hammed Rauf

President,

YALI RLC Alumni Nigeria 2021.