Chinedu Okafor
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Shield Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Comrade Olaiya Bidemi Arise, has urged the newly elected executive members to lead with truth, transparency, and fairness as they assume office for the next tenure. Arise gave the charge on Wednesday, 10 December, 2025, during the second edition of the cooperative’s executive elections held at the Security Annex of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
Addressing members after the voting exercise, Arise emphasised that the credibility of the election should reflect in the conduct of the new leaders. He noted that the process had been devoid of doubts and commended members for their orderly participation. He reminded the incoming leaders that “whatever you do today, rightly or wrongly, will judge you in the future,” urging them to be guided by conscience and sincerity in all dealings.
The election, which attracted 72 accredited members out of the cooperative’s total membership of 242, recorded a peaceful atmosphere and steady participation from cooperators across the university community. Aspirants also expressed confidence in the credibility of the process.
Principal Security Officer and presidential aspirant of the cooperative society, Ogunsakin Ebenezer Sunday, described the conduct of the election as free, fair, and without irregularities. He expressed belief that the outcome would reflect the collective will of the cooperative members.
Similarly, the incumbent Vice President and eventual President-elect, Ogunsakin Raphael, affirmed the transparency of the process, noting that the electoral exercise proceeded smoothly without any challenges. He stated that the credibility of the election was evident from the organisation and participation of members.
Raphael, who won the presidential seat with 37 votes against Ebenezer Sunday’s 31 votes, pledged to prioritise members’ welfare upon assuming office. He highlighted “stomach infrastructure” and loan facilitation as key areas his administration would strengthen, citing improved financial capacity within the cooperative. He also assured members of renewed efforts to digitalise the cooperative’s monthly deduction schedule to enhance accessibility and transparency.
In the vice-presidential contest, Mrs. Bunmi Olanrewaju emerged victorious with 45 votes against Comrade Jimoh Mariam, who garnered 28 votes. Olanrewaju expressed gratitude to members and promised to make staff welfare her top priority. She noted that the new administration would work collectively to deliver efficient service and uphold the trust placed in them.
Outgoing President, Mrs. Sachere Ronke Mercy, who completed nearly two years in office, reflected on the achievements of her administration, noting that the cooperative experienced significant growth during her tenure. Membership rose from under 100 to 242, while monthly deductions increased from about ₦1 million to nearly ₦4 million.
She also highlighted prompt loan disbursements, strengthened welfare support, and successful distribution of food items and gadgets as major accomplishments. She advised the new EXCO to maintain transparency, unity, and fairness in dealing with members, urging them to build on the foundation already laid.
Other officers elected include Dr. Ndubuisi Ugwu as Public Relations Officer with 52 votes, Akinyemi Gbenga as General Secretary with 65 votes, Olawale Samuel as Treasurer with 57 votes, and Samuel Oyeleye as Ex-Officio with 62 votes.
With the emergence of the new team, members expressed optimism that the cooperative would continue to expand its services, particularly in welfare, digital operations, and financial interventions.
Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of certificate of return to the newly elected executives of the cooperative society.