Ayo Aluko-Olokun, editor of the Nigeria Democratic Report, has been elected as the President of St. Patrick’s Grammar School Alumni Association, starting a two-year presidency, with a focus on unity and collaboration to revitalise the school.

The veteran media professional was declared the winner of the body’s alumni election, which was held in Ibadan on March 15 during the association’s annual general conference. His administration is expected to last for two years. He took the leadership baton from the immediate past president, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

A statement signed by Alh. Ishola Olanrewaju, the publicity secretary of the association, added that the alumni body also elected Surveyor. Saka Ademola Lateef as the first national vice president, Mr. Wale Lawal as the second national vice president (Diaspora), Mr. Patrick Akinyode as General Secretary, Mr. Gabriel Oshomah as the first assistant General Secretary and Mr. Idowu Faith Alive as the second Assistant General Secretary.

Other members of the National Executive Committee elected include Engr. Victor Akinosun, Treasurer; Engr. Joshua Akindele, Financial Secretary; Mr. Olusogo Faluro, Social Secretary; Mr. Bayo Gbadamosi, Internal Auditor; Barr. Samuel Erinle, Legal Adviser; Mr. Isiaka Akinbode, Welfare Secretary; and Alh. Ishola Olanrewaju, Publicity Secretary.

Mr Aluko-Olokun has had four decades of a career in journalism, having worked in the defunct Concord Press and The Comet (now The Nation).

In his acceptance remark, Mr Aluko-Olokun called for the collective involvement of all alumni of the school in rebuilding the association for the sustainability, vibrancy and energy to return the school back to its old status.

He emphasised the National Executive Committee’s determination to initiate immediate action and encouraged members to focus their energies on collaborating to revitalise the school.

He further said, “To all of us, let us put the elections behind us and forgive one another. The election may have placed us on different sides, but today, we stand as one family united by our love for St. Patrick’s Grammar School. True leadership is not about victory but about fostering unity and progress.

“The strength of our association lies not in any single individual or group, but in our collective resolve to build something greater than ourselves. Now is the time to move forward, setting aside our differences and focusing on our shared goal—revitalising our alma mater.

“Let’s channel our energy into collaboration, not division. Every member has a role to play, and our strength lies in working together. By pooling our talents and resources, we can restore our school’s excellence and leave a lasting legacy. Together, we rise. Together, we build. Together, we succeed.

We assure our members that this new NEC will quickly establish our programme of action and set about our tasks. We have taken note of all your comments and observations. We covet your support and prayers in this new beginning,” he said.

Mr Aluko-Olokun also extended his appreciation to the past administration of the body’s national executive committee for their commitment to the service of progressing the association.

“To our immediate past president and NEC members, we appreciate you for your sacrifices and services. We shall continue to tap you for services and advice as we strive to move our association forward.

“For us, the work has started. We are fully committed to fulfilling our commitments. To our members, we shall call on you from time to time; please don’t shut your doors against us,” he said.