Constitution Of The Egbu Girls Old Girls Association (EGOGA)

ARTICLE I

PREAMBLE:

We, the Egbu Girls Old Girls Association (EGOGA) having firmly, solemnly and freely resolved to come together in Unity and Harmony as a Body to be known as EGOGA for the purpose of promoting and fostering a spirit of cordial relationship, understanding and interaction among the members of the Association globally, and, to partner with the Imo State Government and the Diocese of Egbu to ensure that the highest educational standard is maintained in our Alma Mater amongst other Aims and Objectives;

DO HEREBY MAKE, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES the following Constitution TO BE KNOWN AS: – EGBU GIRLS OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION (Hereinafter referred to as “EGOGA CONSTITUTION”)

ARTICLE II – NAME

SECTION 1 This Association shall be known as EGBU GIRLS OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION. (Hereinafter referred to as “EGOGA”).

SECTION 2 MISSION STATEMENT – To promote, nurture and encourage academic achievement for all students at Egbu Girls Secondary School (EGSS), Owerri, Imo State also known at various times in the past, as Egbu High School (EHS) and Girls Secondary School, Egbu (GSSE).

ARTICLE III

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To promote and foster a spirit of cordial relationship, understanding and interaction among the members of the Association globally.
To use the resources within its disposal to ensure adequate maintenance and improvement of all the infrastructures at EGSS.
To promote and advance the ethos of EGSS and maintain a senseof pride and place in the cadre of Secondary Schools in the state and country.
To encourage all Old Girls globally to keep alive their moral and financial affection towards their Alma Mater, EGSS, Egbu Owerri.
To promote academic excellence through grants and scholarships for secondary and tertiary education.
To provide a forum for the open discussion of matters of Public and Educational interest and the preparation of students for life after school and career choices.
To increase public awareness of the Association and the role it is expected to play in promoting ethical conduct amongst members.

ARTICLE IV

EMBLEM, COLOURS, MOTTO, SLOGAN AND SECRETARIAT

SECTION 1 EMBLEM: The emblem of the Association shall be the design on the School Badge with the Logo.

SECTION 2 COLOURS: The colours of the Association shall be Green & Cream (COLOURS OF THE SCHOOL).

SECTION 3 UNIFORM:The Association shall adopt a customized Ankara as the official uniform of the Association. Also there shall be T-shirts, Green Scarf and Badges with the school logo embossed on them.

SECTION 4 MOTTO: The Motto of the Association shall be: “WITH LOVE, SERVE ONE ANOTHER”

SECTION 5 SLOGAN: The Slogan of the Association shall be: “EGOGA! WITH LOVE, SERVE ONE ANOTHER”

SECTION 6 SECRETARIAT:

The Global Secretariat of the Association shall be the premises of EGSS, Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

ARTICLE V

SUPREMACY OF EGOGA CONSTITUTION

The provisions of this Constitution shall supersede the Bye-Laws of the State Chapters and Class Sets globally and where-ever any inconsistency appears in the provisions of this Constitution and those of the different Chapters and Class Sets, then the provisions of the EGOGA Constitution shall prevail and the provisions of such Chapters and Class Set by-laws globally, shall be null and void to the extent of such inconsistencies.

ARTICLE VI

MEMBERSHIP, BONAFIDE MEMBER, DUES, REGISTRATION FEE, CEASSATION OF MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 MEMBERSHIP: Membership of the Association shall be open to all Old Girls of EGSS who must have attended the school.

SECTION 2 BONAFIDE MEMBERS: An Old Girl shall be considered a bonafide member of the Association when she satisfies the provision of Article VI Section 1 above, participates in the affairs of the Association and fulfills her financial obligations to Association.

SECTION 3 REGISTRATION FEE: Every member of the Association shall pay a one-time non-refundable registration fee of N2, 000.00 (Two Thousand Naira only).

SECTION 4 ANNUAL DUES: Every member shall pay a consolidated annual dues of N10, 000.00 (TenThousand Naira only) which can be paid in two or four installments, from January1 to December 31.

SECTION 5 MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS AND BENEFITS

Members shall have the following Rights and Benefits:

(1) The right to participate in all activities of the Association.

(2) The right to use the facilities of the Association subject to the Global Executive Council (GEC)’s approval.

(3) The right to vote and be voted for.

(4) 1. A one-time benefit of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), shall be paid to a financial member or her family, in the event of her death or the death of her spouse, whichever comes first.

A non-financial member’s indebtedness to the Association, for non-payment of her Annual Dues, shall be deducted before the payment of the N100,000.00(One Hundred Thousand Naira) benefit.

For the avoidance of doubt, a non- financial member is a member who has as outstanding, the payment of 1(one) year Annual dues and various Levies.

In the event of the death of a spouse, the Association shall send representatives to attend the burial.

In the event of the death of a financial member, the Association shall be fully represented by members dressed in the ‘T’ shirt on black skirt and customized uniform respectively for the Wake keep and Burial.

The deceased member shall be given the last honour by the recitation of the School anthem, by fellow old girls at the Funeral.

SECTION 6 CEASATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Any member who desires to withdraw her membership from the Association shall notify the GEC in writing, of her intention and upon the receipt and acknowledgement of such notice by the Global General Secretary (GGS); the member ceases to be a member.

Any member who resigns or withdraws from the Association shall forthwith forfeit all right, claim and interest arising from or associated with the Association.
A member found guilty by a court of law of offences involving fraud, corruption, dishonesty or breach of trust and has not successfully appealed against the conviction shall cease to be a member of the Association.

ARTICLE VII

POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Association shall have the following Powers:-

SECTION 1 (1) To set up Committee to tackle any issue as it may deem fit from time to time.

(2) To partner with the Imo State Government and Egbu Anglican Diocese or any other organization for the purposes of the improvement of the school and do any such things as may be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the Association’s Aims and Objectives.

(3) To open and maintain Bank Accounts in Financial Institutions approved by the GEC.

(4) The designated signatories to the Account shall be Global President (GP), Global Secretary, Global Financial Secretary (GFS) and Global Treasurer (GT). The GP & GS shall be Signatory “A” while the GFS & GT shall be signatory “B” with two to sign mandate.

(5) Every Officer and Committee Member of EGOGA shall be required to sign a Letter of Indemnity authorizing the Association to recover any misappropriated fund by such individual in any way the Association deems appropriate before the swearing in of the Officer.

ARTICLE VIII

ORGANIZATION OF THE ASSOCIATION

SECTION 1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Organizational structure of the Association shall comprise of:

The Board of Trustees (BOT)
The Global Executive Council (GEC)
The Various Chapters Globally
The Class Sets Globally

SECTION 2 AFFAIRS OF GLOBAL EGOGA: The affairs of the Global Body of the Association shall be vested in the GEC.

SECTION3 BODY TO RUN THE ASSOCIATION: The running of the Association shall be vested in the GEC which shall consist of all Global Officers (GO) and two Ex-officio members as stated in EGOGA Global Constitution.

SECTION 4 HOW ASSOCIATION OFFICES ARE FILLED: All the offices of the Association shall be filled through an election conducted by a quorum of bonafide members at General Meeting except in the case of ex-officio members

SECTION 5 POWERS OF THE GEC

The GEC shall:

Have the power to make rules and regulations for the day to day running and management of the Association;
Have the power to raise funds or materials in furtherance of the Association’s activities provided however that the approval of the General House at a General Meeting shall be required for any amount of money on behalf of the Association.
Have the power to make expenditure or commence projects on behalf of the Association provided that such expenditure and projects must have been approved by the General House upon a Budget or Supplemental Budget presented by the executive at the commencement of tenure or as circumstances may demand.

SECTION 5 POWERS TO ENACT INDEPENDENT CONSTITUTIONS AND BYE-LAWS:

Every Chapter or Class Set shall be bound by the provisions of their individual Constitutions and Bye-Laws, provided that any Chapter or Class Set’s Constitution that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Global Constitution shall be void to the extent of their inconsistencies.

SECTION 6 NETWORKING: The Global Body, Chapters and Class Sets shall reserve the right to network with each other as the need may arise provided that such networking shall be for the overall benefit of the School and the Association.

ARTICLE IX

GLOBAL REUNION (GR)

SECTION 1 WHEN: The Reunion of the Association shall take place on a date and month as would be agreed by members of the Association and subsequently every three years except in exceptional circumstances.

SECTION 2 VENUE: The premises of EGSS, Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria and other venues considered appropriate by the GEC.

SECTION 3 FAILURE TO HOLD AT THE EXPECTED TIME: Where due to circumstances beyond the control of the Association, the Reunion could not hold as stated in section 1 above, it shall be held at a time and place to be fixed by the GEC.

SECTION 4 FUNCTIONS OF GR:

Provide a forum for all Old Girls of EGSS globally to re-unite in a spirit of conviviality, harmony and goodwill.
In an election year, inaugurate the new GEC Officers.
Raise funds for specific projects in the school;
Give out Awards to deserving old Girls and admit them into the Guild of Awardees as well as recognition of the best student of the year.
Confer Awards to deserving persons and induct Matrons and Patrons of the Association.
Does any other business as the provisions of this Constitution may permit.
OrganiseReunion Gala Nite/Lecture Luncheon (Ms. Hubbard Lecture) and Thanksgiving Service.

ARTICLE X

THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE ASSOCIATION

SECTION 1 REGISTERED TRUSTEES: There shall be for the Association Registered Trustees, otherwise known as, “The Registered Trustees of EGOGA”.

SECTION 2 WHO ARE THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES: The Registered Trustees of the Association shall be reputable members of the Association appointed at a General Meeting of the Association by 2/3 of the votes cast by members present and voting at that meeting.

SECTION 3 NUMBERS OF REGISTERED TRUSTEES AND TENURE:

The Trustees of the Association for the purpose of Part “C” of Companies & Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020 shall be seven (7) members. The Trustees shall be appointed for life.

SECTION 4 REMOVAL OF A TRUSTEE: A Trustee may be removed by the members of the Association at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association subject to the following conditions:

She resigns from office.
Ceases to be a member of the Old Girls Association
Becomes Insane.
Is officially declared bankrupt.
Is convicted of a criminal offence involving dishonesty by a court of competent Jurisdiction.
Is removed from office at a General Meeting of the Association by two-third of the votes cast by old girls present and voting at that meeting.

SECTION 5 VACANCY – HOW FILLED: The GEC shall have the right to fill any vacancy which occurs in the membership of the Trustees subject to ratification by members at a General Meeting.

SECTION 6 MEETING AND PURPOSE OF TRUSTEES:

The Registered Trustees shall apply to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for a Certificate of Incorporation under the CAMA 2020 and for the alteration of any changes required for the smooth operation of the Association.
The Trustees shall acquire and hold, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of, in trust for the Association any property interest held for the benefit of the Association subject to ratification of GEC.
The Trustees shall in the event of any dispute within the Association act as mediators in resolving dispute and their decision subject to ratification of the GEC shall be final.
The Trustees shall administer the common seal of the Association.

SECTION 7 OPERATIONAL CAPACITY: The Board of Trustees shall operate in an advisory capacity only.

ARTICLE XI

MATRONS AND PATRONS OF THE ASSOCIATION

SECTION 1 WHO QUALIFIES: Matron and Patrons of the Association shall be persons who are not old students of EGSS.

SECTION 2 CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT: Such persons would have contributed to the development of the school and would have been considered fit to be so appointed by the GEC irrespective of their domicile.

SECTION 3 RATIFICATION: Such appointments shall be ratified by members of the Association at the General Meeting during Reunion, WhatsApp or Zoom Platforms or any meeting scheduled for that purpose.

SECTION 4 REVIEW OF ROLL CALL: The Roll call of Matrons and Patrons of the Association shall be reviewed from time to time by the GEC and approved by the members at a General Meeting.

ARTICLE XII

EGOGA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SECTION 1 ESTABLISHMENT OF AWARD: There is hereby established for the Association an Award to be known as EGOGA EXCELLENCE AWARDS.

SECTION 2 AWARD – FOR WHOM: The Award shall be open to all Old Girls across the Globe and will be based on two categories viz:-

CATEGORY: (a) Excellence Award based on outstanding Personal/Business achievements that has brought the name of EGSS to the fore and projected the school’s name and EGOGA in good light to the world.

CATEGORY: (b) Award of Excellence based on Extra-Ordinary and consistent display of commitment to EGSS and the ideals of EGOGA.

There will be award for the best students as well.

SECTION 3 APPLICATION FOR AWARD– HOW MADE: Application for the award shall be by bonafide members of EGOGA who must complete a Nomination Form provided by the Awards Committee.However, the decision of the Award Committee upon ratification by the GEC shall be final.

SECTION 4 (1) GUILD OF AWARDEES: Beneficiaries of the EGOGA EXCELLENCE AWARD shall be formed into a group to be known as Guild of Awardees with paraphernalia of office and shall be given due recognition at all EGOGA Events.

(2) POWERS OF THE GUILD OF AWARDEES: Members of the Guild of Awardees shall have the right to elect from among themselves a Chairperson and Secretary and other officers as they may deem necessary for the effective co-ordination of the affairs of the Guild.

(3) PURPOSE OF THE GUILD OF AWARDEES: Members of the Guild of Awardees shall further the Aims and Objectives of this Association and shall endeavor to contribute meaningfully both morally and financially towards the realization of the goals of the Association.

(4) GOVERNING LAW: The Guild shall be governed by the provisions of this Constitution and shall act in advisory capacity only.

ARTICLE XIII

GLOBAL OFFICERS (GO) AND DUTIES

Section 1: GLOBAL OFFICERS: The Officers shall be addressed as follows:

Global President
Global Vice President I
Global Vice President II
Global General Secretary
Global Asst. Secretary
Global Financial Secretary
Global Treasurer
Global Public Relations Officer
Global Welfare Officer
Global Ex-officio member I
Global Ex-officio member II

The Chapters and Class Set Officers shall be addressed as: Chapter President and Set President etc.

SECTION 2 DUTIES OF GLOBAL OFFICERS

GLOBAL PRESIDENT (GP)

The GP shall represent the Association Globally. She shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the Global Body and shall have direct supervision over all the Officers. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Supervise and organize Chapters and Sets of the Association Globally either personally or by delegation.
Preside when present, over Global General Meeting (GGM) and GEC. During any period she is unable to so preside, the Presiding Officer at any such meeting shall be either of the two Global Vice Presidents (GVPs’) or in their absence, any other GO chosen by the members in attendance.
Promote cordial relations among the members of the Association.
Convene through the GGS all the meetings of the Global Association.
Delegate such of her powers as she may deem fit globally.
Be a signatory to the correspondences of the Global Association and signatory to the Global Association’s Bank Accounts.
Present an annual report to the GGM.
Present a budget of the Global Association for each year at the 1^st General Meeting of the Global Association.
Keep an imprest account of a minimum of N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) to be accounted for from time to time.
Discharge all duties incidental to her office.
Deliver forthwith, at the termination of her term of office all accounts and records to her successor in office.

GLOBAL VICE PRESIDENT I (GVPI)

The GVPI shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the GP. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Familiarize herself with the duties of the GP so that in the event of a vacancy in the office of the GP she will be better prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of the said office.
Perform such administrative duties as may be assigned to her by the GP.
Actively participate in all GEC and GGM and conduct all such meetings in the absence of the GP.
Participate in the preparation of the Association’s Global budget.
Liaise with the school authority before every GGM and update the Association about events in the school.
Keep the school authorities and the PTA informed about the activities of the Association.
Liaise with the GP and GVPII to ensure that money voted for projects in the school is properly released and used for the projects it was earmarked for.

GLOBAL VICE PRESIDENT II (GVPII)

The GVPII shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the GP and shall act for the GP in her absence and in the absence of the GVPI.
Carry out such functions as shall be assigned to her by the GP or the GVPI from time to time.
Liaise with the GP and GVPI to ensure that money voted by the Diocese for projects in the school is properly released and used for the projects as it was earmarked for.
Be very conversant with Laws passed by the Federal and State Government (Legislators) as it may affect the School and inform students through the GVPI of any bursary, scholarships or academic opportunities that may be available to them.
Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.

GLOBAL GENERAL SECRETARY (GGS)

The GGS shall act under the supervision of the GP and in her absence, under the supervision of either GVPI or in her absence, the GVPII. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Keep a register of members of the Association, with full particulars of all members.
Administer the Association’s secretariat, issue notices and agenda for meetings on the instruction and knowledge of the GP.
Keep record of proceedings and minutes of meetings of the Association.
Have custody of records and present a written report on the work on the Association, in the preceding year
Sign all documents with the GP relating to the Association.
Obtain prior consent of the GP before issuing any correspondence on behalf of the Association.
be in custody of the Association’s seal

GLOBAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (GAS)

The GAS shall act under the supervision and direction of the GP, GVPs and GGS. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Perform such duties as are implied by the title of the said office including but not by way of limitation to the following:
1. Assist the GGS in the performance of her duties and act for her in her absence.

ii Perform such duties as may be delegated to her by the GGS from time to time.

GLOBAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY (GFS)

The GFS shall act under the supervision and direction of the GP and the two GVPs. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Perform such duties as are implied by the title of the said office including but not by way of limitation to the following:

Collect all monies of the Association and issue receipts for such collections.
Hand over such monies so collected to the GT after collection.

iii. Keep an up-to-date account of all monies collected and transferred to the GT.

Make her books of account available to the GEC and the Internal Auditor upon request.
Shall be a signatory to the Associations account.
Along with the GP and the GT to prepare an annual budget for presentation to the GEC and the GGM for approval at the beginning of each financial year of the Association.
Perform such additional assignments as shall be given to her from time to time by the GP or the GVPs

GLOBAL TREASURER (GT)

The GT shall act under the supervision and direction of the GP and the GVPs. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Perform such duties as are implied by the title of the said office including but not by way of limitation to the following:

Receive all monies collected by the GFS or any other officer or member of the Association or other sources and issue receipts for such collections.
Deposit the monies so collected in such Bank or Banks as the GEC shall determine within two working days of such collection.

iii. Keep accurate books and records of account and permit inspection of the same by the GP, any executive member or any Association’s member so authorized by the Executive at any reasonable time or for any proper purpose.

iv To furnish any such book/records as may be requested by the Auditor appointed by the GEC .

Be one of the Signatories to the Association’s Bank Accounts.

vi Shall keep an imprest account of N20,000 for the Association.

vii. To perform additional assignment as shall be given to her by the GP or any of the GVPs’ from time to time.

GLOBAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (GPRO)

The GPRO shall act under the supervision and direction of the GP and GVPs. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Perform such duties as are implied by the title of the said office including but not by way of limitation do the following:

Be the Chairperson of the Publicity Committee.
Publicize the meetings and functions of the Association from time to time.

Work with the Media to ensure that the Association is given maximum publicity of its activities.

Announce the official position of the Association on issues after consultation with the GP in Council.
Coordinate all Association’s events in conjunction with the GEC.
Maintain regular contact by mail, e-mail, phone, or any other communication media with members at the Chapters and Set levels globally to ensure that they are kept informed about the activities of the Global body.

GLOBAL WELFARE OFFICER (GWO)

The GWO shall act under the supervision and direction of the GP and the GVPs. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Perform such duties as are implied by the title of the said office including but not by way of limitation do the following:

May be the Chairperson of the Welfare Committee.
Track member’s achievements, losses and update the Association accordingly.

iii. Do every other thing as may promote the bonds of friendship amongst members of the Association Globally.

GLOBAL PROVOST (GP)

The Global Provost shall act under the supervision and direction of the GP and GVPs. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

(a) Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.

(b) Perform such duties as are implied by the title of the said office including but not by way of limitation do the following:

Shall be in charge of arranging venues for the meeting.
Shall ensure decorum at meetings

iii. Shall ensure attendance is taken at every meeting

GLOBAL INTERNAL AUDITOR (GIA)

The GlA shall act in conjunction with the GP, GVPs, GT and GGS. Her specific responsibilities shall be to:-

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Audit the Books of the Association every six months and make a report of her findings to the GEC and members at the GGM and at the last meeting of the Association’s financial year.

GLOBAL EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

The Global Ex-officio members shall be past GPs. A GVP may be a substitute until more than one GP emerges. They shall act under the supervision of the current GP. Their specific responsibilities shall be to:

Further the Aims and Objectives of this Association.
Advice the GP and the GEC on ways to run the Association effectively and on the promotion amongst all the members of the Association globally.
Chair Committees as may be assigned to them by the GP from time to time and report directly to the GP and her designated representatives.
Be automatic members of the GEC.

SECTION 3 VACANCY IN ELECTIVE OFFICE: An Office shall become vacant if:

VACANCY BY RESIGNATION: The holder of the office tenders her written letter of resignation. Such a letter shall be debated and accepted through a vote to be decided on the basis of a simple majority vote during the General Meeting following when the letter was received.
VACANCY BY GROSS VIOLATION OF CONSTITUTION: The holder of the office is removed from office for gross violations of the provisions of this Constitution or found guilty of fraud or embezzlement of funds.
VACANCY BY INCOMPETENCE: The holder is found one way or the other to be incapable of performing the functions of her office either due to absenteeism from the activities of the Association or due to conduct likely to bring the Association into disrepute.

SECTION 4 FILLING OF VACANT POSITION OF A REMOVED OFFICER

Where an office becomes vacant due to the removal of an elected officer as contained in Section 3 of Article XIII, the office shall be filled as follows:-

COMPOSITION OF ELECTORAL COMMITTEE (EC): An EC of three (3) members present at the General Meeting where the resolution to remove the officer was passed will be constituted at the same meeting.
CONDUCT OF ELECTION – WHEN: The EC shall conduct an election during the next General Meeting for the sole purpose of filling the vacancy created.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Nominations shall be called from the floor of the meeting and election shall be held after the close of nominations. All the nominated candidates shall only take part in the election where there is a seconder to each candidate’s nomination.

SECTION 5 MODE OF ELECTION: Election shall be by secret ballot and the result shall be announced immediately thereafter by the EC and the winner sworn in by the GP or her Representative.

SECTION 6 APPONTMENT OF TEMPORARY OFFICER: Pending the election of the new officer, the GP shall have the power to appoint a temporary officer to fill the vacant position. Such an appointee shall be eligible to contest the election, provided that she is nominated in compliance with the provisions of section 4(c) of this Article.

SECTION 7 NOMINATION AND VOTE BY BONAFIDE MEMBERS ONLY: Any person nominating a member and the nominated member for any office in this Association must be bonafide members in good standing.

SECTION 8 TENURE OF GLOBAL OFFICERS (GO)

TENURE: The tenure of the GO shall be for three years from the time of inauguration provided that an officer shall be eligible to re-contest for anotherterm.

MID TERM ELECTION: In the case of a mid-term election to replace an Officer whose position has been declared vacant, the newly elected Officer will serve out the term of the replaced Officer and may re-contest for the same position or any other position she is qualified for.

SECTION 9 ELIGIBILITY TO CONTEST FOR OTHER OFFICES:–

The GO may contest for other elective offices subject to sub section (b) and (c) of this section.
A person having been elected and held office of GVPI for two terms shall be eligible to contest for the position of GP but not a lower post.
A person having been elected and held office of GVPII for two terms shall be eligible to contest for the post of GVPI or GP but not a lower post.
A person having been elected GP for two terms shall not be eligible to contest for any other elective office for life except for membership of the Board of Trustees.

SECTION 10 REMUNERATION OF GLOBAL OFFICERS (GO)

The GO of the Association shall not be remunerated for their services to the Association.

ARTICLE XIV

MODE OF REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICER FROM OFFICE

To remove an elected officer from office, the following steps must be taken:-

SECTION 1 COMPLAINT IN WRITING: A written complaint shall be made by any member of the GEC who shall forward a copy to the officer concerned.

SECTION 2 TIME TO RESPOND: The Officer concerned will have thirty days (30) to respond to the complaint in writing.

SECTION 3 CONDUCT OF ENQUIRY: After the concerned officer’s response, the GEC shall conduct an enquiry into the complaint and submit their recommendations to the General Meeting who shall debate the recommendations and may remove or retain the officer by a simple majority vote. Provided that the GEC shall within the period of its enquiry suspend the affected officer from its Executive Meetings except by an invitation to the affected officer to attend and defend the allegations against her.

SECTION 4 FAILURE TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINT: Any officer against whom an allegation has been made in writing and served with the complaint will be deemed to have resigned her office if she fails to respond to the complaint in writing and appear before the GEC to defend the allegation(s) upon invitation within the stipulated period of thirty (30) days.

ARTICLE XV

RUN OFF AND DISPUTED RESULTS IN AN ELECTION

SECTION 1 CHALLENGE TO ELECTION RESULT: Any member having failed to win an election and suspects fraud in the voting process may request for a recount of the votes or to inspect the ballot papers if used. The recount shall only be done once and the result of such a recount shall be final.

SECTION 2 APPEAL FOR INVALIDATION OF VOTE: Where the complaint is predicated on the non-satisfaction of the provisions of Article XIII, section 4(c) and section 9, the member shall appeal to the EC to invalidate such members vote and the EC shall use the remaining votes to decide the winner of the election.

SECTION 3 QUALIFICATION TO DISPUTE ELECTION RESULTS: The results of any election shall not be disputed by any member who did not contest for the office whose results are being disputed. Only candidates who took part in the election and lost are eligible to dispute the results of the election to the offices they contested for provided that the challenge must be made soon after the election.

ARTICLE XVI

MEETINGS

SECTION 1 GEC MEETINGS

NUMBER OF MEETINGS PER ANNUM: The GEC shall meet as often as the business of the Association shall require but not less than two (2) times a year.

QUORUM: The quorum of the GEC shall be five (5) comprising the GP or any of the GVPs, GGS or GAS and three other members of the GEC.

WHERE NO QUORUM IS FORMED: Where no quorum is formed after two hours of the time fixed for the meeting, then the meeting shall stand adjourned to a date to be communicated to GEC by the GP or any of the GVPs through the GGS or GAS or the GPRO

SECTION 2 GLOBAL GENERALMEETING (GGM) AND EXTRA ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING (EOGM)

WHEN: The GGM of the Association shall be held on a day and month to be agreed by the Association at a time to be decided by a simple majority of the members attending and voting by show of hands.

EXTRA ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING: The GEC may call an EOGM as and at when necessary outside the Global General Meeting referred to in section 2 of Article XVI.

ARTICLE XVII

ELECTIONS

SECTION 1 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE (NEC)

A Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC) of five (5) bonafidemembers shall be elected at the General Meeting of the Association preceeding the Election month.
To qualify for election to the Committee, each member must have paid her annual dues in full and attended the General Meetings of the Association twice that year before the date of the general election;
Nominations of eight (8) members into the elections committee shall be made by bonafide members of the Association present at the General Meeting preceding the Election. Election shall be conducted for the eight (8) nominees and five (5) members shall be elected into the NEC provided that the members so nominated and elected shall satisfy the requirements of Section 1 (b) of this Article and provided that members at the General Meeting may deploy the doctrine of necessity to ensure that a Committee emerges for the purpose of movingthe Association forward.
The NEC shall not be a standing committee.

SECTION 2 THE DUTIES OF THE NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

The NEC shall carry out the following responsibilities:

The collation of names of nominated and seconded candidates seeking election into vacant offices of the Association.
Conducting an eligibility screening exercise to ensure that each candidate complies with the requirements stipulated for the various offices.
Monitoring of the conduct of campaign, if any, by candidates and their supporters.
Conduct elections into the Association’s elective posts at a time agreed by the General Meeting and ensure that all the candidates for elective executive offices must make a presentation before the General House during the Meeting shortly before the commencement of elections.
Organize and supervise all elections and bye-elections with utmost good faith by exercising its powers independently without any influence from any quarters but subject to the provisions of this Constitution.

SECTION 3 CONDUCTS OF ELECTION AND ELIGIBILITY TO CONTEST

Elections into the Associations elective posts shall take place in the month of December during the Reunion.
Voting during the election shall be by show of hands or through a method agreed upon by the Elections Committee for those who are physically present; and a count of ballots from active, dues-paying members who are virtually attending the Annual General Meeting, in addition to having also attended two or more General Meetings.
Result of the election shall be announced immediately after the elections.
To be elected an officer, the candidate must receive a simple majority of all the valid votes cast during the election.
Where there are more than two candidates and no candidate receives the required majority on the first ballot, the candidates receiving the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated and balloting shall continue until one candidate receives the required number of votes.
Only bonafide members with fifteen (15) years post-graduation shall be eligible to vie for the Association’s Offices.
Only members who must have attended at least two General Meetings of the Association within the election year and paid their dues in full for the current fiscal year shall be eligible to vie for the Associations Offices.
Newly elected officers shall commence their tenure in January of the following year after the Reunion in December.

SECTION 4 FAILURE OF ELECTION TO HOLD

If for any reason, elections fail to hold as and at when due under the provisions of this Constitution, the affairs of the Association shall continue to be run by the substantive executive until such a time when the postponed election must hold, which should not exceed six months, and the newly elected executives tenure will commence. The Committee members shall ensure that the Elections are conducted in accordance with the provisions of Article XVII, section 3 of this Constitution.

SECTION 5 ELECTION OF EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: The Ex–Officio members, as stated in Article XIII shall be Past GPs. However, while waiting for the emergence of Past GPs, Ex-Officio members shall be elected by the GO upon presentation of names by the GP at their inaugural Executive Meeting and the election shall be on a simple majority vote.

SECTION 6 VETO POWER: Where there is a tie, the Global President shall have a second vote.

ARTICLE XVIII

AUDIT OF THE ASSOCIATION’S BOOKS

SECTION 1 POWER TO APPOINT AUDITOR: The (GEC) shall appoint an Auditor once a year and the appointment shall be ratified by the members at a General Meeting.

SECTION 2 DUTIES OF THE AUDITOR: The Auditor so appointed shall audit the Books of the Association and make findings to the GEC through the Internal Auditor who shall in turn submit the Audit report to members at the next General Meeting after the receipt of the Report. The Auditor shall personally make a presentation of the Report to members at the said General Meeting.

SECTION 3 SOURCE OF AUDITOR: The Auditor so appointed shall not be a member of the BOT, Guild of Awardees or GEC but may be appointed within or outside the Association’s membership.

SECTION 4 REMUNERATION OF THE AUDITOR: Remuneration of the Auditor shall be determined by the GEC.

ARTICLE XIX

MISCONDUCT AND FORMS

SECTION 1 FORMS OF MISCONDUCT: Conduct of a scandalous or disgraceful nature such as corruption, dishonesty, fraud, falsification or suppression of records, abuse of office, unaccountability, use of indecent language/exchange of words between two members, posting of non EGSS related issues, libel, slander and misappropriation of funds amongst others.

SECTION 2 OTHER FORMS OF MISCONDUCT: Conduct prejudicial to the Aims and Objectives of the Association which bothers on discipline and good governance that may affect the image of the Association and may likely bring the Association into disrepute.

SECTION 3 CRIMINAL OFFENCE: Conviction for a criminal offence by a court or Tribunal of competent Jurisdiction in Nigeria or Abroad.

ARTICLE XX

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Examples of disciplinary actions that may be imposed on members of the Association as sanctions for misconduct as stated in Article X1X above shall include but not limited to the following:-

SECTION 1 (a) Warning (Oral or Written)

(b) Suspension from the Association for a determined period

(d) Recommendation for appropriate Legal Action.

(e) Any other disciplinary measure that may be decided by the General Meeting from time to time.

ARTICLE XXI

OTHER COMMITTEES

SECTION 1 The GP may, upon approval of the GEC set up other Committees which may be considered necessary for the effective running of the Association and for the adequate attainment of its Aims and Objectives.

SECTION 2 DISSOLUTION OF COMMITTEE: All committees so constituted shall stand dissolved at the end of the term of the Executive that constituted them, provided, however, that the GP shall reserve the right to remove any chairperson appointed by her and replace them with other members.

ARTICLEXXII

LEGAL ADVISER

The GEC shall appoint two (2) in house Lawyers as the Advocates who shall advise the Association on legal matters relating to the aims and objectives of the Association. However, they are to liaise with a practicing Lawyer to prosecute claims on behalf of, or defend, the Association when the need arises. They shall be members of the GEC.

ARTICLE XXIII

FINANCE – FISCAL YEAR

SECTION 1 ASSOCIATION’S FISCAL YEAR: The fiscal year of the Association shall be from January 1 to December 31 of every year.

SECTION 2 SOURCE OF ASSOCIATION’S FINANCE: The source of the Association’s finance shall include but not limited to annual dues, donations, levies, gifts and endowments.

SECTION 3 ASSOCIATION’S BANK ACCOUNTS: The Association shall maintain savings, fixed deposit and current accounts at reputable banks and the signatories to the Association’s accounts shall be as laid out under this Constitution.

SECTION 4 WHEN TO PRESENT ASSOCIATION’S BUDGET: The GP shall present the budget to members at the General meeting to be held in the second quarter of the Association’s Fiscal Year, provided however that upon application, the members at General Meeting shall extend the time upon which Budget presentation may be made.

SECTION 5 APPROVAL OF ASSOCIATION’S BUDGET: The budget so presented shall be debated and approved through a simple majority vote of members present during the quarterly meeting or any other extended meeting.

SECTION 6 FAILURE TO APPROVE ASSOCIATION’S BUDGET: In the event that the budget is not approved due to whatever circumstances, the debate shall continue during the next General Meeting and if there still exists a tie during the vote for adoption of the budget, the GP shall have a casting vote, provided that the GEC is empowered to spend up to fifty (50) percent of the proposed budget for the running of the Association until the budget is approved.

ARTICLE XXIV

ASSOCIATION’S PROPERTY

SECTION 1 HAND OVER OF ASSOCIATION’S PROPERTY: All elected and appointed officers of the Association shall at the end of their tenure hand over all the Association’s properties in their possession to their successors or to the GP as the circumstances may dictate.

SECTION 2 TIME TO HAND OVER BY FORMER OFFICER: The handing over of the Association’s property shall take place not more than thirty (30) days after the departure of any former officer from office.

SECTION 3 MAINTENANCE OF ASSOCIATION’S PROPERTY: The GP and all the GO must ensure that Association’s properties are well maintained, managed and protected and that proper records of the properties are kept at all times.

ARTICLE XXV

PROCEDURAL POWERS

SECTION 1 DECISION BY SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE: Except where it is otherwise provided in this Constitution, all decisions of the Association shall be by a simple majority vote of bonafide members present at the meeting.

SECTION 2 DEAD LOCK, HOW SOLVED: Where there is a deadlock in the voting, the person presiding shall have the casting vote.

SECTION 3 POWER OF PRESIDING OFFICER: During meetings, the person presiding shall use her power/discretion to permit members to speak and shall not unreasonably deny any member from contributing to debates during meetings.

SECTION 4 ORDER AT MEETING: No member, except the GP or the person presiding shall be allowed to pick calls when the meeting is on or have reason to interrupt a member who is addressing the House in a meeting. Members shall ensure that they maintain proper decorum during meetings and accord the Presiding Officer and the Global Provost due respect.

SECTION 5 PERMISSION TO LEAVE MEETING: No member shall leave the meeting without obtaining permission from the presiding officer or the Global Provost.

SECTION 6 ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS: Members shall ensure their presence, consistent and prompt attendance at the Association’s meetings.

ARTICLE XXVI

SEAL OF THE GLOBAL ASSOCIATION

SECTION 1 CUSTODY: The GGS shall be the custodian of the Association’s Seal which shall be kept at the Associations Secretariat.

SECTION 2 USE: The GEC shall decide as to which documents the Association’s Seal should be affixed and when the Seal is affixed to a document, such a document shall be signed by the GP and the GGS except where the document is a Cheque.

ARTICLE XXVII

AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 AMENDMENT, WHERE MADE: This Constitution may be amended only at a General Meeting of the Global body of the Association.

SECTION 2 HOW MADE: No amendment of this Constitution shall be reported or voted upon unless a motion for such amendment has been furnished in writing addressed to the GP at least two weeks to the Association’s Global Meeting and same shall have been introduced and debated at one (1) GGM prior to the one in which a final vote is held.

SECTION 3 NUMBER NEEDED TO AMEND: This Constitution may be amended only by a two-third(2/3) majority votes of members present at the meeting when final voting is taking place and who are eligible to vote.

SECTION 4 EFFECT OF AMENDMENT, WHEN: Each amendment shall take effect at the close of the GGM at which it was adopted unless otherwise specified in the amendment.

ARTICLE XXVIII

BINDING FORCE OF THE CONSTITUTION

SECTION 1 The Provisions of this Constitution shall be binding only on EGOGA Global but may be adopted with necessary amendments by the Chapters and Sets globally.

ARTICLE XXIX

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONSTITUTION

SECTION 1 The provisions of this Constitution shall take effect from …the…1st…..Day of………January…2023

……………………………………………. ………………………………….

IJEOMA M.C. ENEKWA (MRS.) CHIAKA MOGAHA (MRS.)

Chairman Secretary

constitution drafting committee constitution drafting committee

ARTICLE XXX

DATE OF ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION

This Constitution was adopted at the GGM of the Association held online

on…… the 12th….. day of December, 2022.

ARTICLE XXXI

CITATION OF THE CONSTITUTION

This Constitution may be cited as the Global Constitution of EGOGA, 2022.

NAMES OF THE CONSTITUTION DRAFTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

S/N	NAME	STATUS	SIGNATURE
1	SIS IJEOMA EGBUNINE ENEKWA	CHAIRMAN
2	SIS WINNIE EKE	V/CHAIRMAN
3	SIS STELLA AGU AMAMASI	MEMBER
4	SIS EDNA ASINOBI	“ “
5	SIS NORAH ATUMONYOGO DELANNOY	“ “
6	SIS LUCY ECHEANYANWU APAKAMA	“ “
7	SIS CHIOMA AMADI	“ “
8	SIS DAISY SAMS UCHEGBU EKE	“ “
9	SIS NKASI OKAFOR	“ “
10	SIS CHIAKA OBICHERE MOGAHA	SECRETARY