By Ogochukwu Isioma
In a vibrant declaration that has reverberated across the University of Benin alumni community in North America, Comrade Osasere Favour Osifo—the outgoing Vice President of the University of Benin Alumni Association North America (UBAANA)—has formally announced his candidacy for the presidency of the association.
With a proven record of transformative leadership, generous philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to his alma mater and fellow alumni, Osifo’s campaign signals a new era of unity, growth, and sustained impact for UNIBEN graduates in the diaspora.
Osifo’s journey of leadership began during his undergraduate years when he served as President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). There, he championed transparency, academic excellence, and student welfare. Building on that legacy, he was elected Vice President of UBAANA in 2023, where he spearheaded critical initiatives aimed at deepening alumni engagement and strengthening ties between the North American alumni and the university.
Osifo brings with him a wealth of global experience in management and community-building. He pledges to channel this experience into visionary leadership for the entire UNIBEN alumni community. “Let’s build a stronger alumni network together. Vote for unity, vote for growth. Vote Osifo,” he said in a telephone interview with NEWSMAX.
Among his most celebrated initiatives is the Osasere Osifo Prize for Academic Excellence—a scholarship scheme that has awarded millions of naira to outstanding UNIBEN graduates. In its inaugural year, the prize awarded ₦250,000 to the overall Best Graduating Student. During the university’s recent 49th/50th combined convocation ceremonies, Osifo honoured six exceptional graduates with a total of ₦1,000,000 in cash prizes. These included the best graduating students for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic sessions, as well as the top performers from his alma mater’s Faculty of Physical Sciences and Department of Physics. This initiative reflects Osifo’s belief that “excellence is never accidental but the result of consistent effort, hard work, and determination.” Through these awards, he has not only celebrated academic brilliance but also inspired countless undergraduates to aim higher—relieving financial burdens and reinforcing a culture of achievement.
As Vice President of UBAANA, Osifo has consistently mobilized alumni resources to enhance UNIBEN’s infrastructure and promote student welfare. He has facilitated mentorship opportunities, expanded professional networks, and offered personal support to UNIBEN alumni across the globe.
He strongly believes that a united and empowered alumni network is essential—not only for personal advancement but also for amplifying UNIBEN’s global reputation.
Why North American Alumni Should Vote Osifo
• Tested and Trusted: Osifo has consistently delivered results—from SUG President to UBAANA VP. His leadership is grounded in experience, diplomacy, and reliability.
• Visionary Leadership: He brings a clear, modern strategy to strengthen alumni engagement, ensuring UBAANA stays relevant in a digital era.
• Proven Commitment: His philanthropy, alumni outreach, and project management reflect a deep and sustained dedication to UNIBEN and its graduates.
• Global Experience: As a U.S. Air Force veteran, cybersecurity expert and trained engineer, Osifo has managed large-scale operations with discipline and precision, earning the trust of colleagues and alumni alike.
• Unity and Growth Focus: He pledges to unify the association, deepen inter-chapter collaboration, foster mentoring across generations, and expand opportunities for alumni and students.
As the UBAANA election approaches, Osifo invites every University of Benin alumni in North America to participate in shaping the future of their association. His message is clear and inspiring: “Let’s build a stronger alumni network together. Vote for unity, vote for growth. Vote Osifo.”
With a legacy of academic philanthropy, strategic engagement, and principled leadership, Osifo makes a compelling case for UBAANA’s top office. His vision for the association is bold, inclusive, and focused on tangible progress.
From Georgia to Texas, California to the DMV, and beyond, alumni across the continent are encouraged to rally behind a leader whose actions match his words. Osifo offers more than ambition—he brings results, consistency, and a transformative agenda.
His candidacy represents not just continuity, but elevation. A vote for Osifo is a vote for a stronger, more united UBAANA. A vote for Osifo is a vote for impact.
Committed to mentoring younger alumni and fostering intergenerational collaboration, Osifo envisions an association where every chapter functions in harmony, and every voice is heard. He is running on the mantra: “Leadership That Connects. Vision That Delivers.”
When elected, Osifo pledges to sustain UBAANA’s success while ushering in a new era of transparent governance, expanded programs, organizational growth and enhanced member welfare.
Under Osifo’s leadership, UBAANA is poised to flourish: with expanded programs, a louder global voice for UNIBEN, and stronger solidarity among its members. His presidency will reward excellence, foster engagement, and deliver results that benefit alumni and alma mater alike.
UBAANA’s strength lies in its unity. With Osasere Osifo at the helm, that unity will not only be preserved—but transformed into an unstoppable force for good.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
• Isioma is a Public Affairs and PR Expert, Communication Strategist, and Development-Focused Media Entrepreneur with a background in Linguistics, International Affairs, and Diplomacy.
