1st Delegation to the Sultan of Sokoto

The Council at its meeting held Tuesday, 24th April, 2007 resolved to confer fellowship award and appoint His Eminence, Alhaji Muh'd Sa' ad Abubakar ill, the 20th Sultan of Sokoto as the patron of the Institute. In an effort towards this, the President- Prof Akingbade, Registrar- Mr. A. O. Lawal, Mrs. Dixon-Ogbechi Bolajoko- Chairperson, Corporate & Inter-governmental Relations, Mr. Amadi Felix and Engr. Sule Abdullah- Council Members were delegated to visit His Eminence on Wednesday, 16th May, 2007.

However, due to official assignment had by His Eminence on the appointed day, the visit could not hold until Wednesday, 23m May, 2007 though with a major change in the composition of the delegation. The members that eventually made the delegation were, Mr. Kashim Adebayo Raji­2nd V/President, Mr. A. O. Lawal- Registrar/CE and Mr. Idris Wale Adeyemi- Executive Director of Finance.

President’s Message

In the president's message to the Sultan as delivered by the Registrar, he explained the basis of the delegation mission, being to congratulate His Eminence on the ascendance of the throne of his fathers, intimate him with the nature and activities of the Institute, and formally discuss on the highest membership position of fellow/fatherly one of patron conferred on him.

Prof Akingbade declared that Institute was aware of His Eminence contributions to leadership in the armed forces and the potentials of the role he was poised to playas frontline royalty in the country, in promoting Operations Research in the country as a veritable tool for development, progress and modernity.

Furthermore, he congratulated His Eminence for having been exposed to Operations Research at such a high level of a university advanced certificate which no doubt enable him to appreciate the potentials of OR for modern administration and management generally. The president, considered this country blessed having Alh. Muh'd Sa'ad Abubakar III as the Sultan at this period when the country is in dire need of leaders of vision and modern minds. He prayed that the Almighty would grant His Eminence long life, robust health, and great wisdom to reign.

Registrar’s Speech

The Registrar having congratulated His Eminence Alh. Muh'd Sa'ad Abubakar III on his ascendancy of an exalted traditional and spiritual stool, prayed that He who had chosen him would grant the Sultan enough strength, wisdom and long life to match the challenges of the position. He further confirmed the Institute's fellowship award to sultan and his appointment as patron of the Institute as incontrovertibly allowed by article 7 of the constitution of the Institute and therefore endorsed by the Council of the Institute. He briefly explained the organizational structure of the Institute to include: the Council and its principal officers - the highest governing and policy making body, Management Committee - the professional staff that performs day-to-day operational activities and Board of fellows - an advisory body to both the Council and the Management Committee. The other structures are committees of the Council whose membership was drawn from among the Council and other members of the Institute.

The Registrar informed the Sultan of the activities of the Institute, roles expected of His Eminence, particularly, his advice on formation of policies and connections with notable individuals, government establishment(s) and corporate organizations to give a boost to the activities of the Institute, especially, in the following areas:

• In-house training for organizations and institutions
• Participation of government and corporate organizations at the Institute's workshops.
• Securing approval of the National Assembly on charter status for the Institute.

In conclusion, Mr. A. O. Lawal did not mince word to disclose that paucity of fund had greatly hampered execution of many of the Institute's programmes. However, he mentioned that was the reason the Institute was contemplating endowment to be organized concomitantly with the investiture ceremony of His Eminence towards establishment of 'Operational Research Centre' to comprise principally, Research, Advisory Services, Training & Development and Information Technology units.

The Sultan’s Response

The Sultan, Alh. Muh'd Sa' ad Abubakar ill expressed his acceptance and appreciation of the Institute's gesture. He emphasized the need to educate people on the usefulness of Operations Research as it was still strange except for those who might offer some courses in it during their advanced studies.

His Eminence further suggested that the Institute could design training programmes for different cadres in the public service even if initially fees would not be attached. This, according to him would sensitize the public and drew the attention of decision makers. He promised to play expected roles in the promotion of OR for national growth and development. He suggested last week of June, 2007 for his installation as patron of the Institute and the proposed endowment. He finally advice on the importance and the need for adequate publicity to make such an event a success.