By Bisi Bamishe
Alumni of institutions in the country have been urged to close ranks so as to form a formidable team for the growth of the former institutions, known in Italo as ‘alma mater’ and society at large.
Giving this charge at the weekend during the 2025 ThanksGiving Get Together of Times Journalism Alumni Association (TJAA Class99) held at the Ladi Lawal House, Lagos Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Alausa Ikeja, the Governor-General of TJAA Class99, Ogbuefi Chinenyeze Remmy Nweke, commended members for their continued commitment towards positioning Times Journalism Alumni Association in the journalism industry.
He encouraged members to embrace online courses in their various chosen careers so as to stay ahead of their games.
Nweke, who also is the Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, said that the essence of the ThanksGiving GetTogether was to assist members of the Class99 and TJAA at large to close ranks and network for a better future, whilst relaxing.
He described professional networking as one of the benefits of Alumni groups. Commending members of TJAA Class99 for always being there when it matters, especially for alumni, Ogbuefi Nweke, who doubles as chair, Board of Trustees of TJAA, declared Class99 as “pacesetters.”
In her remarks, the Deputy-Governor, Secretariat for TJAA Class99, Mrs Funmi Omoboriowo, aka FunmiFly on Ekofm/Radio Lagos, applauded members of the class for always being their brothers and sisters keeper and enjoined them to keep it up.
She pointed out that there are lots of positive energies to draw from one another.
In his address, chairman of the occasion, the Managing Editor, JournalNG, Malam Ismail Aniemu, appreciated the opportunity to preside over the 2025 edition of the TJAA Class99 Thanksgiving GetTogether.
Aniemu also applauded TJAA Class99 for keeping the flag of the class flying as well as that of its parent body, Times Journalism Alumni Association (TJAA).
“… I wish everyone a blessed 2025. May God be with us all,” Aniemu said.
The special guest at the occasion and former President, Students Union Government (SUG 2002), Lolo Nkem Nweke gave kudos to TJAA Class99 for remaining together thus far.
She equally called on other classes at TJAA to emulate them, stressing that there are things to learn and relearn when people of like minds come together, especially having shared the four-walls of an institution like Times Journalism Institute (TJI) together.
In her remarks, the chairperson of 2025 TJAA Class99 Thanksgiving GetTogether, Chief Mrs Folashade Azeez, expressed thanks to all members of Class99 for their commitment and love.
She equally singled out the 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) members for commendation, while pledging more improvement in the organisation and execution of their future activities.
Members were later feted as they danced to unwind and network.
