The meeting started at exactly 5:30pm on Saturday 25^th November, 2017  at Jacob’s place hotel Owerri, with a brief prayer led by Snr. Elite Abia James, after ISSPA member present had the opportunity to meet one another with an introduction from Snr. Elite Peter Abudorin, Snr. Elite Clever Uwajimba, Snr. Elite Chuks Damian (MC Prof), Snr. Elite Nwoke Alexander, Snr. Elite Sonia Brown, Snr. Elite Oparaeke Charles C., Snr. Elite Mgbeahuru Kingsley Chiedozie, Snr. Elite Abia James, Snr. Elite Osuji Vivian, Snr. Elite Uweh Peace Veronica, Snr. Elite Harcourt Promise Ahanna, Snr. Elite Ohams Claribel, Snr. Elite Obasi Ukpai Eze.

The National anthem and the press anthem was led by Snr. Elite Abia James, while the ISSPA was led by Snr. Elite Uwajimba Clever.

The president on the successful creation of ISSPA account with Diamond bank, he spoke on the issue of pointer issue that transpired between the incumbent press president Elite Ogon Bright Ego, he has that he had  a meeting with the Dean of student’s affairs (Rev. Fr. John Nwankwo), he explained to the dean that Imo Poly is an independent body in the school and therefore her publication is not subject to scrutiny by the management. Rev. John according to him admitted to these facts, and also apologized but pleaded that the press should at least confide in the management before publishing any controversial content that may affect the image of the school.

Snr. Elite Nwoke Alexander moved the motion for adoption of the minute, while Snr. Elite Ohams Claribel seconded t he motion for adoption of the minute.

ON THE ISSUE OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) REGISTRATIOIN

Snr. Elite Alex Nwoke speaking on the issue of CAC registration, elaborated on the importance of getting the association registered as it will help the association in her official interaction with the government. He further stated that the registration will cost the association N30, 500 and 3 executives will have to come and append their signatures.

WHY, HOW AND BENEFITS OF THE CAC REGISTRATION

ISSPA president Snr. Elite Mgbeahuru Kingsley said he cherish groups or associations that start at the root, he said they always come out triumphant is they stick together, he made several references, including the present government of Zimbabwe. “I see this group as a platform for greatness” he said. The president with several instances elaborated the importance of making friends, learning to became a link between the people coming up an those that have made it to the top already, he also stated that the association should reach out to help each other, he said that he discussed with the DEAN so as to secure a business center in Imo Poly which will generate finance for ISSPA and also create opportunities for press members present to benefit from ISSPA. He further states that ISSPA gets a quarterly or yearly magazine to help fight the ills in our society as enshrined in our press anthem and with that comes the need for our CAS registration, he also states that he would want press member to produce executives in the student union government of Imo State Polytechnic. And also ISSPA members would discuss their various jobs and businesses to aid other members who have nothing doing. “I see this organization as one that will dive into productions, quarterly magazines, business establishments and an exemplary family” he added.

In addition, Snr. Elite James said that it members have  opportunities, it should be communicated via our social media handle, he also frown on the attitude of members who do not react to information that are uploaded on the social media handles especially whatsapp and the effects it could have on the development of ISSPA, furthermore  he read contributions of ISSPA members on the google form, first he read out the contribution of Snr. Elite Harcourt Promise, Snr. Elite Obasi Eze, Snr. Elite Ifeanyi Onuoha, ………………………….. Snr. Elite Uweh Peace Veronica, Snr. Elite Ohams Claribel, he (Snr. Elite James Abia ) urged the ISSPA members to contribute their quota on where they want the house to be.

In response Snr. Elite Obasi Eze Ukpai said that we should be looking at the future, he elaborated on the need for ISSPA members to assist one another in securing a job or in advertising their job, skills or trade and equally now each others location in case of an issue where one is stranded and needs shelter. He said that if the association is to be registered with corporate afraid commission as a profit making association, it will have to pay tax and also register with NIN. He also elaborated on the need for one to show up his talent and not just for one to show up his talent and not just on what he/she studied in school, Snr. Elite Sonia said that Nigeria today is no longer about what you studied, but about how much you can diversify to fit into the society, she urged the member to try and short-term skills and courses that will increase the persons chances of making it in the society. Snr. Elite Clever thanked the Management of ISSPA the association so far. He said he is happy with the shape ISSPA is taking and that she has passed the days of her humble beginning. He further made several commends and contributions on the presidents mission and vision. In addition, he encouraged the members to take ISSPA more seriously as there is more to ISSPA than what we see now.

Snr. Elite Uweh Peace Veronica in addition to the ideas so far shared, urged everyone to be good at whatever they do, since there is always an internal list for every vacancy in any firm, she also urged the member to be sincere, she also said that ISSPA needs finance to grow, and as the founding father and mothers of ISSPA, we should be prepared to spend and be spent. She also told the members to endeavour to pay up their dues when due, rather than wait till it accumulate, as it will become too cumbersome and nearly impossible to pay.

Snr. Elite Oparaeke Charles thanked ISSPA for their birthday wishes, in addition to what UPV said, he said it is good for someone to good at whatever he/or she does. Still talking on being at what you do, he gave several instances on the importance and positive results/rewards of being good and sincere at whatever you do. He also gave an open opportunity to grant soft loan to any member who needs finance to start up a business for him/herself.

Snr. Elite Alex said if members leave here, they will or may go back to the dormant non-responsive state. He also frown at the reluctance of members, he said that if all the member have been present at the reunion, it would have been more interesting, fun and enlightening. He said that the occasion should not only be an occasion, but the members should be more compliant and responsive.

Snr. Elite Damian Chuks encouraged ISSPA members to be good at what they do, be proud of what they do, be sincere and goal oriented. Snr. Elite Abudorin Peter greeted the house, and said that it is our collective effort to sell the name ISSPA and achieve our goals.

Snr. Elite Jubilant stressed the need to get a place to set up a business center in Imo Poly. She also spoke in the house reaching out to other members who were press members, and also on the CAC registration, she said it is important for the house to get registered as it will help the house in getting her name, email address set, rather than getting conflicts later, due to the fact that the name we’re currently using may have been taken already therefore the need to change the name of the association. She also urged the members to be proud of what they do and develop on that.

The president (Snr. Elite Kingsley Mgbeahuru) said that newspaper publications, social media publications, quarterly, blogs etc. are ways of keeping the house afloat. Setting up a business center, with one manager (probably an ISSPA member), and employ press members to work there, maybe part time or full time as I.T students.

He further stated that the house intends to have a soft grant, to give out arms to give loan to members who are sincerely planning to start up something. He also said that he spoke with deputy governor on the issue of giving out soft grant to ISSPA members. He said that he left out the issue of setting up forum with other campus, but he will pick it up by visiting IMSU, Alvan, Federal College or Land Resources and Technology and Federal Polytechnic Nekede,