The Social Year in retrospect: A Review of Olabiyi Oyindamola, the Socials Minister

By Oludare Olufunmilola 

For years, Queen Elizabeth II Hall has remained synonymous with a subtle reluctance towards social events, particularly those organized by the Hall itself. However, it is possible that we're neglecting the bigger picture; the University of Ibadan and its social make-up. The average UI student prioritizes academics over every other thing, often viewing social events as distractions. However, there is a differing opinion from Gladys, a resident of the Hall from two sessions back,

“I enjoyed the social activities a lot. The only thing I didn't attend was dinner and that was because I didn't pay. Most times, Queenites are not responsive. I don't know how it is now though”  She said.

This poses the question: is there even a need for a Socials Minister when students don't consider social events an important aspect of school? Despite this, the role of the Socials Minister remains indispensable, even if its importance is often overlooked. As a  member of the executive board, the Socials Minister does an important duty in organizing, coordinating, and planning social events, activities, and functions that advance community interaction. This post demands a certain set of skills which include organizational and communication skills.

Event planning is a primary duty of the social secretary; it entails the coordination of events such as parties, social nights, and other gatherings. By planning these events, the Office Of The Socials Minister creates a space for students to socialize  and build purposeful networks outside of academia.

In the previous sessions, Olabiyi Oyindamola, the outgone Socials Minister of Queen Elizabeth II Hall made quite an impression with her enthusiasm for socializing. As the social butterfly, her election into office by Queenites wasn't much of a discovery but rather, an expectation. Although her candidacy was unopposed, it would not have thinned out her chances of emerging the Socials Minister of the Hall. With a plan to improve the Hall's social outlook, Oyindamola campaigned on a promise to present events, activities, and moments, beyond her constitutional duties as the Socials Minister.

According to the Constitution of Queen Elizabeth ll Hall, 1996, Section 7(a), (b) and (c),

The Socials Minister Shall be the Chairperson of the Hall Week Planning Committee.

She shall be responsible for the co-ordination of all social activities involving the Hall e.g. debates, quiz etc. subject to the general direction of the Executive council.

Lastly, she shall do other duties as may be assigned to her from time to time by the Executive Council. To better evaluate the Socials minister’s performance, it is important to examine her manifesto plans and promises.

Introduction of Karaoke and Games night

In fulfillment of her campaign promise, Oyindamola organized a  Karaoke and Games Night on December 21st, during the 6th week of the second semester. The press made a report of the  event including students and executives of the hall who were in attendance. 

There was also a choreography session in addition to the karaoke and games. 

Improvement on the Hall week events

According to the manifesto, Oyindamola affirmed, based on her findings, that Queens Hall week is one of the most looked forward to, on campus; she promised Queenites that she would improve the hall week events. The recently concluded Queens Hall week featured 9 days of various events. There was a literary/debate day, a block party; fresh additions to the hall week lineup of events. This was a notable shift from previous administrations' norms. 

While subsequent events followed familiar patterns, the Socials Minister's novel additions not only improved this year's Hall week celebration but also set a precedent for future events.

She also mentioned that she would keep open lines of communication with Queenites to make suggestions about social events in the hall. In fulfillment of this, she sent out a Google link for Queenites to make their suggestions for social events in the hall. According to her, the Google link lasted for a week.

On evaluating her plan to be as accessible and approachable as possible to residents of the hall, Queenites were asked about their encounters with the Socials minister and how approachable they think she is. Naimat, a final year student and resident of B block said that

“Actually she’s a very friendly person and also very approachable because there was a time I talked to her and the response was good”

 Damilola, a resident of D block and a floor mate of Oyindamola, shared her honest opinion of the Socials Minister. She said, 

"While Oyindamola and I don't have a personal relationship, she's reliable when it comes to hall-related matters. We don't really talk outside of that, since we're not exactly close." 

This means that Oyindamola has relatively achieved her goal of being approachable, particularly in her capacity as Socials Minister, even if she hasn't formed strong personal bonds with everyone, which is in fact impossible.

On working with the other hall executives, the Hall Chairperson, Agbonde Mojoyin stated that, 

“Each person understands their portfolios and shows support for other positions. That would be the highlight for me.” Speaking with the Vice Hall Chairperson, popularly known as Iyanuyimika Angel, she expressed her satisfaction with other members of the executive and commended their cooperation in moving the hall forward. This shows that not only the Socials Minister is a team player but every member of the executive team.

Sports/yoga to Promote Wellness

The sport and Yoga day was done in collaboration with the Sports Minister's office. This event can be seen as Oyindamola's way of killing two birds with one stone, she fulfilled her promise of promoting wellness through sports and yoga sessions as it was also a part of the hall week events.

Advancing Creativity 

Oyindamola took a creative step by curating a series of "Do it Yourself" (DIY) videos, which were shared monthly with the Queen Elizabeth II Hall community. These videos were sent across various Queen Hall groups, providing Queenites with information and  guidance on how to make creative things and bring innovative ideas to life. 

Building connections

The freshers' welcome was held early in the first semester. However, the finalists’ sign out was not organized. The socials minister when asked stated that, 

“The freshers' welcome was held in the cafeteria. We did sports in the morning, lectures in the afternoon/Health lectures/games session. We had a party in the evening at the cafeteria. The finalist sign-out might not hold with the way it’s going. The finalist sign-out party was concluded to be handled by the Gen. Sec and Fin. sec. in the house.” 

This indicates how the matter moved beyond her purview, with the house having made a decision that rendered her unable to take further action.

Overall, the Socials Minister executed all her plans, with the exception of the finalist sign-out, for which she provided valid reasons. This administration is not a yardstick for future administrations but, they have exceeded the barest. Therefore , it is  important that all campaign promises are fulfilled, except in cases of unforeseen circumstances or impossibility.