Sir Ralph J. Karieren (RJK), a practising architect and building contractor, has pledged to prioritise unity, members’ welfare and infrastructural development as he seeks election as president of the Benin Technical College Old Students Association (BETECOSA).

RJK, a member of the 1979 set and former chairman of the association’s Lagos flagship chapter, said his vision was to build a stronger, united and progressive alumni association through deliberate efforts to strengthen chapters worldwide, attract younger members and support the development of the institution.

In his manifesto titled Leadership, Service, Progress, RJK identified six priority areas, including unity among members, welfare programmes, generational renewal, reinstatement of boarding facilities, sports development and the equipping of the college’s e-library.

He said his ambition was to reposition BETECOSA as a united body capable of delivering lasting benefits to members while contributing meaningfully to the development of Benin Technical College.

Addressing the chairman and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), the national president and executive committee members, as well as chapter chairmen and members in Nigeria, North America and the United Kingdom, RJK said his decision to contest was informed by his experience in service and his desire to address issues affecting the association’s corporate wellbeing.

“I come with vast experience in rendering superlative services,” he said, adding that effective service required identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats confronting an organisation.

“In trying to render services, you must identify the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats to our corporate wellbeing. I intend to use the opportunity of service to you all to address above matter,” he stated.

On unity, RJK pledged to serve as a unifying force for all BETECOSA chapters worldwide, stressing the importance of strengthening relationships among members and building a more cohesive alumni community.

He also promised to collaborate with the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to introduce impactful welfare programmes that would benefit members across the association’s chapters.

According to him, a stronger alumni association must not only provide a platform for former students to reconnect but also develop practical initiatives that respond to members’ needs.

RJK further identified the attraction of younger alumni as a priority, proposing deliberate efforts to connect recent graduates with chapters closest to them.

The initiative, he said, would help renew membership, encourage greater participation in association activities and ensure continuity in the organisation’s leadership and development efforts.

On the development of the college, RJK pledged to advocate for the reinstatement of boarding facilities, which he said would help restore the cosmopolitan character of the student community.

He also promised to support the school administration in advancing sports development whenever the need arose, noting the importance of providing opportunities for students to develop their sporting abilities.

Another key component of RJK’s manifesto is the completion of the college’s e-library project through the provision of the necessary furniture and equipment.

He said he would work towards furnishing and equipping the already-built e-library, an initiative expected to improve access to learning resources and support the educational development of students.

With more than 35 years of experience as an architect and building contractor, RJK said he intended to deploy his professional experience and leadership capacity to advance the association’s interests.

He emphasised teamwork, competence, integrity and a clear sense of purpose as the principles that would guide his administration if elected.

“Above all, I pledge to be a team player, bringing my wealth of experience to translate this vision into reality with Integrity, Character and Competence,” he said in the manifesto.

RJK added that his aspiration was to work collectively with members to rebuild the association, reconnect alumni across different chapters and move the organisation towards greater achievements.

“Together, we can rebuild and take BETECOSA to greater heights!” he declared.

He urged members to support his candidacy, expressing confidence that stronger chapters, a greater alumni community and lasting impact could be achieved through collective commitment.

RJK’s campaign slogan, “Let’s Rebuild, Let’s Reconnect, Let’s Move Forward,” encapsulates his promise to strengthen relationships among members, improve the association’s welfare initiatives and support the development of Benin Technical College.

The election provides an opportunity for members to consider RJK’s proposed agenda for the association, particularly his commitments to improving members’ welfare, attracting younger alumni and supporting educational infrastructure at their alma mater.