CONSTITUTION OF CHILDHOOD FRIENDS

 

-IRE EKITI

 

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

 

ARTICLE 1 -NAME:

The Group shall be a private members Group and shall be known and called CHILDHOOD FRIENDS.

(a)   The Headquarters of the Group shall be in Ire Ekiti. The Group may approve the establishment of Zones in or outside Nigeria.

(b)  This Constitution shall be the Constitution of Childhood Friends Ire Ekiti. This Constitution shall apply to all members to the extent of the provisions herein.

(c)   This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the group and if any other rule, order, or provision is inconsistent with this constitution, then this Constitution shall prevail, and that other rule, order, or provision shall be.

 

ARTICLE -2 - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

The aims and objectives of the Group shall be:

(a)- To promote and foster unity, love, respect, and discipline among members.

(b)- To develop and promote the Cultural, Intellectual, and Social Welfare of its members and Ire Ekiti.

(c)- To promote economic and commercial activities in pursuance of the aims and objectives of the Group.

(d)- To encourage members to participate in the growth of the group by engaging them in meaningful discussions and other developmental activities.

(e)- To co-operate with and promote similar cultural and social organizations in the pursuit of- the above objectives.

(f)- To improve members way of life through sensitization programs on the use of available resources, property ownership, health etc.

(g)- To actively get involved in the development and progress of the group in all areas.

(h)- In pursuance of these objectives, the group may establish or promote facilities through which the aims and objectives may be achieved, or as the Executive Committee may deem necessary or expedient.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE -3 - MEMBERSHIP

- The group shall have the following categories of members

(a)- Active Members

(b)- Dormant Members

(c)- Full Members

(d)- Resident Members

(e)- Non- Resident Members (Zones)

(f)- Distant Members (Diaspora)

(g)- Honorary Members

 

ARTICLE 3 (A)- DEFINITION OF MEMBERSHIP

(a)- Active Member is a Member who is fully involved in the activities of the group; he/she takes active roles in the management and growth of the group

(b)- Full Member is a member who has been fully absorbed by the group after probation of six (6) months and is actively involved in the activities of the group.

(c)- Dormant member in this group will be regarded as a silent member who does not attend meetings regularly, nor participating in any group discussions or forum, nor contributing regularly or involve in any activities of the group.

(d)- Resident Members are those who live or work in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

(e)- Non-Resident Members are those who are ordinarily residing outside the area specified in 3 (d) above.

(f)- Honorary Members are those who have substantial contributions to the welfare,growth and development of the group both financially and otherwise.

 

 

ARTICLE 3 (B)- APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Group shall be open to male and female indigenes of Ire Ekiti deemed eligible by the Executive Committee based on his/her records, with regards to his contributions in the Community.

(a)- Application for membership shall be made online through the website of the group.

(b)- The applicant shall download and fill the application form on the website; the completed form would be submitted in the same format.

(c)- The applicant shall be screened by the Membership Committee. The committee would make a recommendation to the Exco to ratify the application and get back to the Membership Committee for final approval.

(d) - The applicant will pay the sum of N20,000.00 for application form, after which the applicant will have access to the website to download the form.

(e)- The applicant will pay the sum ofN20,000.00 as membership, enrolment and subscription fees afterhis approval as a member of the group.

(f)- Upon payment of the annual dues, membership, enrolment, subscription or any other fees, the applicant shall have a copy of the constitution. He shall become a member of the group, and be entitled to all benefits, privileges and obligations of the membership.

 

 

ARTICLE 3 (C) RIGHTS AND PRIVILEDGES OF MEMBERS

Subject to the express provision of this constitution to the contrary, all members

shall enjoy the following rights, powers and privileges.

(a)- A full member may seek election to any office or position established by this constitution and shall be entitled to vote;

(b)- A full member shall be entitled to attend, participate and vote at any Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Special General Meeting (SGM) of the group

(c)- A full members shall have the right to access all relevant information relating to the affairs of the group including books and records of accounts, audit reports and minutes of meetings.

(d)- Full members shall have the right to take part in all the activities organized and run by the group.

(e)- Full members must subscribe to Group Life Insurance Scheme of the group which shall be determined from time to time.

(f)- Right and privileges of honorary members shall be restricted under the right power and privileges of this constitution.

(g)- Dormant Member will not be entitled to any rights, privileges or benefits whatsoever in the group.

(h)- Financial status, commitment and regular attendance at meetings are also a prerequisite to full membership.

 

 

 

ARTICLE 3 (D)- RESIGNATIONS AND LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP

(a)- Any member has the right to resign or withdraw his/her membership anytime for any or no reason. The reason for such resignation shall be investigated.

(b)- Any member whose activities, utterances or behavior are considered to be contrary to the aims and objectives of the Group, shall be referred to Disciplinary Committee for necessary action and further recommendation to the Executive Committee.

(c)- A member shall be deemed to have lost his membership if he/she:

(i)- Is found guilty of gross misconduct and expelled by the Group.

(ii)- Becomes insane.

(iii)- Is officially declared bankrupt:

(iv)- Is convicted of any criminal offence by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(v)- Refusal to pay his/her dues and is in arrears of the said dues and levies for up to 18 months.

(vi)- Does not take part in the group activities, irregular attendance at general meetings or is absent at the general meetings consecutively for three times without prior notice to the group.

(vii)- A member who has lost his membership as in (c) - (vii) above may be reinstated if he makes a written promise to the Group to change. This will be based on interview by the Disciplinary Committee and send the recommendations to the Executive Committee for final approval if found remorse and changed.

 

 

 

ARTICLE 3 (E) DEATH OF A MEMBER

(i)- In case of death of any member, one of the children of the deceased shall have automatic ticket to join the group.

(ii)- Members must attend the burial ceremony to pay their last respects.

(iii)- The Welfare Committee in conjunction with the Social Committee will meet and recommend to the Excos the roles of the group to the family of the deceased on the burial rites both in cash and kind as the case may be.-

 

 

 

CHAPTER II ORGANS

ARTICLE 4- ORGANS AND FUNCTIONS

The Executive Authority and Administration of the Group shall be vested in theExecutive Committee, which shall be responsible to the General Meeting.

 

ARTICLE -5 THE EXECUTIVE

The Officer of the Group shall be as follows:

◦- Coordinator

◦ - 1st Coordinator

◦ - 2nd Coordinator

◦ - General Secretary

◦ - Asst General Secretary

◦ - Treasurer

◦ - Financial Secretary

◦ - Social Secretary

◦ - Publicity Secretary

◦ - Sergeant-At-Arms

◦- Legal Adviser

◦ - Welfare Secretary

◦- Internal Auditor

◦ - Immediate past Coordinator

-- The Executive Committee shall consist of all the officers listed in Article 5 above.

-        The Coordinator reserves the right to co-opt or appoint any member(s) into the Executive Committee as and when desirable, or before AGM or election.

-        The executive shall be elected directly by all members of the group in a proper and well organized manner at the Annual General Meeting

-        Upon sworn in, they shall hold office for a term of two years from the date they were sworn in with the option to stand re-election, however each office holder can run for a maximum of two (2) terms.

 

 

ARTICLE 5 (A) - POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall have powers:

(a)- The Executive shall run the affairs of the group by the content of the constitution.

(b)- To borrow any monies required for the purpose of the Group upon such securities as may be determined.

(c)- To purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any real or personal property, and rights or privileges which the group may think necessary or convenient for any of the purpose of the Group.

(d)- To sell, manage, lease, mortgage, dispose of, or otherwise deal with all or any Part of the property of the group.

(e)- To invest the monies of the group not immediately required in such manners as may from time to time be determined by the Executive Committee and to place any such deposit with bankers, financial or mercantile houses.

 

ARTICLE 5 (B)- FUNCTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE

Subject to this constitution, the following shall be the functions of the Executives.

(a)- Management and coordination of all matters of the group and may appoint Committees as it may consider necessary to carry out specific functionsin furtherance of the aims and objectives of the group.

(b)- Take custody of all properties, documents or books belonging or acquired by the group.

(c)- Act for and on behalf of the group.

(d)- Decide the location of the registered office and- or any change of this if and

when required.

(e)- Admit and enroll members into the group.

(f)- Fix or alter the enrollment fee, annual subscriptions and levies as and when

- required.

(g)- Invest and deal with the monies, and properties of the group from time to time as may be deemed fit.

(h)- Undertake any development programfor the benefit of the group. Such exercise of power shall receive a two-third majority of the members present at such a meeting.

(i)- Convene general and emergency meeting of the group as deemed necessary or required.

(j)- Appoint Trustees of the group.

(k)- Appoint an internal auditor to examine the books of the group annually.

(l)- Create endowment or revolving funds for general or specific purposes such as the relief of needy members or indigent student with the approval of the General Meeting.

(m)- Perform any functions, play any roles and undertake any duties that are incidental to the success of the group and the fulfillment of its aims and objectives

 

1. - THE COORDINATOR

(a)- The coordinator shall be the head of the Executive and administration of the group. He shall be answerable for all matters on behalf of the group.

(b)- He shall convene and preside over meetings of the group both Executive and General.

(c)- Have responsibility for the observance of the Group's rules and conventions.

(d)- Act for and on behalf of the group when and if necessary, in conjunction with any officer or member of the group.

(e)- Direct other members of the group in the conduct of their assigned responsibilities.

(f)- Exercise such power as may be vested by the Executive Committees or Annual General Meeting.

(g)- Be a signatory to all the Group's Bank Accounts.

(h)- Give an annual address at the Annual General Meeting.

 

2. - 1^STVICE COORDINATOR

(a)- Will be eligible to become the coordinator at the expiration of the Coordinator's term of office.-

(b)- Preside over General and Executive meetings in the absence of the Coordinator

(c)- During the acting period, he shall have all such powers as are vested in the coordinator.

 

32nd VICE COORDINATOR

(a)- Will be eligible to become 1st Vice Coordinator at the expiration of the 1st Vice Coordinator's term of office.

(b)- Preside over General and Executive meetings in the absence of the Coordinator and the 1^st Vice Coordinator

(c)- During the acting period, shall have all such powers as are vested in the 1^st Vice Coordinator or Coordinator as may be necessary.

 

4. - THE GENERAL SECRETARY

(a)- Give a detailed report of the activities of the group at the Annual General Meeting.

(b)- Prepare, issue and review regularly membership directory (including members usual occupation and other useful details as necessary).

(c)- Conduct all correspondence on behalf of the group and have custody of all documents.

(d)- Have custody of the common seal of the group.

(e)- Send all circulars for meetings and take minutes of the proceedings of the meetings.

(f)- Perform such other functions may be directed by the Executive Committee.

(g)- Be a signatory to the Group's Bank Account.

 

5. - THE ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

(a)- Assist the General Secretary in the performance of his duties and act for the General Secretary in his absence.

(b)- Perform such executive functions as the Executive Committee, the Coordinator or the General Secretary may assign him.

(c)- Record minutes of meetings at general meetings.

 

6.- THE TREASURER

(a)- Be responsible for the collection and safekeeping of all monies belonging to the group.

(b)- Keep a proper book for the receipts and expenses of the Group in strict compliance and accordance with accounting principles.

(c)- Prepare financial statement of the group annually and present the statement of accounts to the Annual General Meeting.

(d)- Be signatory to all cheques of the group jointly with the coordinator or in the absence of both of them, the General Secretary.

(e)- Present Annual Financial Report to Executive Committee.

 

7.- THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY

(a)- Be responsible for ensuring that all levies, dues and contributions of members are promptly paid and delivered to the Treasurer.

(b)- Send notices of indebtedness to all members regularly.

(c)- Prepare financial statement of the group annually and present the statement of accounts to the Annual General Meeting.

 

8. - THE SOCIAL SECRETARY

(a)- Shall conduct all the social activities of the group in accordance with the resolution and decisions of the Executive Committee or the Annual General Meeting.

 

9.- THE PUBLICITY SECRETARY

(a)- Be responsible for maximum publicity of all the activities of the group and its members.

(b)- Shall perform any other duties assigned to him by the Coordinator.

 

10.- THE WELFARE SECRETARY-

(a)- Collection of information on the welfare of member on a monthly basis and report to the Executive Committee.

 

11.- LEGAL ADVISER

(a)- The Legal adviser (a Professional Lawyer) shall provide legal counsel and guidance to the group.

(b)- Analyzing legal issues, drafting legal documents and offering strategic advice to mitigate legal risks.

(c)- Ensure compliance with regulations

(d)- Litigation support and Policy development

(e)- Property Security

12.- BANKER

The Executive Committee shall appoint any reputable Bank as the Bankers of- the group.

13- CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC)

- The Executive Committee shall register the group with CAC

 

ARTICLE 6- COMMITTEES OF THE GROUP

There following standing committee shall be constituted by the Coordinator, the committee shall report directly to the Executive and Ad-hoc Committees may also be appointed as the occasion demands

-        Membership Committee

-        Social Committee

-        Welfare Committee

-        Finance and Fund Raising Committee

-        Projects, Scholarship and Award Committee

-        Disciplinary/Dispute Resolution Committee

 

ARTICLE 6 (A) - FUNCTIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

(a)- Membership Committee:

Consider all applications for admission of new members into the group, expulsion and any matters relating to membership standing.

(b)- Social Committee:

Prepares and presents the social program for the year and sees to the execution of the program.- Coordinates other social functions of any of our members

(c)- Welfare Committee:

Shall presents monthly report to the Executive Committee concerning the welfare of members and bring any welfare issues relating to anyone to the Executive.

(d)- Finance &Fund-Raising Committee:

Prepare the groups budget(capital and revenue), source fund for project, Annual General Meeting (AGM) expenses and other duties that may be assigned by the Executive Committee.

(e)- Projects,Scholarship and Award Committee:

Take charge of the groups projects (formation, implementation, execution and commissioning). Vets all applications for Group's scholarship and post-graduate awards and recommends to Executive the final list for approval.

(f)- Disciplinary Committee and Dispute Resolution Committee:

In charge of all disciplinary matters on any members that may contravene the constitution and to also settle all disputes that may arise among members both within and outside the group.- Shall also investigate and resolve any case of violence in any home if it is made known to the group.

 

ARTICLE 7- PATRON, MATRON AND GRAND PATRON

There shall be a Patron, Matron and Grand Patron of the group who shall be appointed by the group.

(a)- BothPatron and Matron may not necessarily be an indigene of Ire Ekiti, but the Grand Patron shall be the Onire of Ire Ekiti.

(b)- The Patron, Matron and the Grand Patron shall be kept informed from time to time of the activities of the Group, and their advice sought on major projects initiated by or subscribed to by the Group.

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER III ELECTIONS

ARTICLE 8- PROCEDURE FOR ELECTIONS

(i)- A General Election shall hold every two years during the physical Annual General Meeting (AGM)

(ii)- Each of the office holders shall access office through election and shall have a single vote.

(iii)- Election of officers into the Executive Committee shall be by secret ballot and by simple majority.

(iv)- No members shall elect an officer of the Group unless he has been duly Proposed and seconded and he is a qualified member.

(v)- In the event of any office becoming vacant for any reason before the Annual General Meeting, the Executive Committee shall have power to elect an acting successor at next Annual General Meeting.

(vi)- Wherever there is a tie in any post, there will be a run-off where another vote shall be taken within fourteen days of the announcement provided if more than two members had vied for that post; only candidates who were position one and two respectively in the first election shall vie in the run-off

 

ARTICLE 9- ELECTORALCOMMISSIONS

(a)- The Coordinator shall summon a meeting where an Electoral Committee shall be constituted to conduct free and fair election; it shall be a five-man Ad-hoc Committee.

(b)- The Coordinator shall appoint a Chairman (Commissioner) and the Secretary among the five-man committee, who shall lead the commission.

(c)- The Chairman shall announce vacant posts inviting members to obtain application forms online upon payment of non-refundable fee of N10,000.00

(d)- Prospective candidate shall access nomination forms online, filled and print out a copy before submission online.- The copy printed shall also be submitted to the Commissions Secretary.

(e)- The Committee shall screen the candidates to know their credibility whether qualifyor not to contest inthe election.

(f)- The Chairman of the Commission shall announce the date of election which will be during the Annual General Meeting (AGM)

(g)- All voters must be accredited before election

(h)- Only the Commissioner and his Committee, Returning Officer, Candidates Agent shall attend the counting of ballot papers.

(i)- All vote cast shall be counted in the presence of all immediately after all members has cast their votes

 

ARTICLE 10- TENURE OF OFFICE

(a)- No officer shall hold office for more than four years.

(b)- Officer can be re-elected for another term of two years, making four years but cannot contest more than twice.

(c)- Each officer shall hold office until his successor takes office.

(d)- No non-financial member shall be eligible to contest or hold any office in the group.

(e)- No member shall be eligible to hold office until he has completed two years as a member of the Group, provided that a member who has not completed two years in the Group, may be elected by 2/3 majority of members present and qualified to vote at the meeting.

 

CHAPTER IV MEETINGS

 

ARTICLE 11- THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(a)- The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Group shall beboth VISUAL and PHYSICAL. The Visual Annual General Meeting shall be bi-annual and Physical Annual General Meeting shall also be bi-annual. Date and time of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be fixed by the Executive Committee.

(b)- The Agenda of the AGM shall be brought to all members not later than 14 days to the date of the meeting and where applicable, the foregoing may be made by press advertisement or posted on the website.

(c)- To receive from the Executive Committee, reports in respect of the Group's Activities, Balance Sheet and Statement of Account for the preceding Financial Year and recommendation for the coming one.

(d)- To decide on any resolutions that may be duly submitted to the meeting.

(e)- To elect officers and members of the Executive Committee who are due?

(f)- To appointor replacement for any deceased Trustee.- Election to new office would only take place during physical meetings

(g)- No other business shall be transacted at the annual General Meeting unless notice in writing has have been given to the General Secretary 14 days before the date of the meeting.

(i)- Three (3) months before the Annual General Meeting, a notice of such meeting and of the business to be transacted shall be forwarded to members and every member shall be deemed to have received such notice.

 

ARTICLE 12- GENERAL MEETING

(a)- A General Meeting shallhold once a month.

(b)- Members must participate, contribute meaningfully and be supportive at all meetings.

(c)- Whenever the meeting is session, no member leaves until meeting ends.

(d)- It is compulsory for all members to attend general meetings. Failure to attend general meeting three consecutive times without notice of absence or apology will attract a fine of N10,000.00 or be suspended. Before suspension, the case will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee for decisive action.

 

 

ARTICLE 13- SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

The Coordinator may, at any time, for any special purpose, call a Special General Meeting, or at the request in writing of any ten members stating the purpose for which the meeting is required, the General Secretary shall summon a Special General Meeting giving at least seven days notice.

 

ARTICLE 14- QUORUMS

(a)- At the Annual General Meeting,twenty (20) qualified members including the Coordinatoror the Vice-Coordinator, the General Secretary and any other member of the Executive Committee shall form the Quorum.

(b)- At ordinary and Special General Meetings, fifteen (15) members shall form the Quorum including at least 3 members of the Executive.

(c)- At the Executive Committee Meetings,any five (5) officers Including the Coordinator or the Vice-Coordinator, the General Secretary or the Assistant General Secretary shall form the Quorum.

 

ARTICLE 15- PROCEDURES AT MEETINGS

(i)                 At all General and Executive Meetings decisions shall be arrived at by show of hands and simple majority.

(ii)               Every member present shall be entitled to one vote upon every motion, and in case of equality of vote, the Coordinator shall have a casting vote.

(iii)             The Secretary General shall take the minutes of all meetings

 

CHAPTER 5 - FINANCE

ARTICLE 16 - -REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE GROUP

(a)- The Financial year of the group shall be one year period

(b)- All monies and funds shall be paid directly into the Designated Bank Account of the group with the proof of payment, no cash payment whatsoever.

(c)- No payment shall be made out of the bank account without a resolution from the Exco and the group

(d)- Revenue of the group shall be derived from:

(i)- Membership dues, subscriptions, forms and levies.

(ii)- Donations and collections from members and others.

(iii)- Special Projects Contributions and funds raising

(iv)- Friends and well wishers of the group donations-

(v)- Proceeds from investments

(e)- Funds of the group shall be expended on the following and others expenses that may come up in the nearest future

(i)- For the promotion of the aims and objectives

(ii)- For the welfare of the members

(iii)- For administrative purposed and day to day running of the group

(iv)- For the development of Ire-Ekiti

(v)- For investment purposes

(vi)- For payment of remuneration to any officers or servants or person employed by the group for any services rendered to the group.

(vii)- Statutorily, a token sum of N100,000.00 shall be given to any of our members as part of our support upon invitation of the group in case of any ceremony. This shall cover only, burial of aged parents, wedding ceremony of his/her daughter and coronation or chieftaincy title of himself/herself. This amount will be subject to change in the near future by 2/3 majority of members.

 

ARTICLE 17- AUDITORS

(a)               An Internal Auditor shall be appointed by the group, the Auditor shall open all the group accounts, records and documents for inspection at anytime.The Financial Secretary shall produce an account of receipt and payments, a statement of assets and liabilities made up to date before the Annual General Meeting.

(b)              The Auditor shall examine such financial statement and either certify that they are correct, duly voucher in accordance with the law.

(c)- A copy of the auditor�s report on the accounts and statement shall be sent to all members at the same time the notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is convened.

(d)- An Auditor may be paid honorarium as may be resolved by the Annual General Meeting

(e)- In the nearest future, members shall be entitled to dividends whenever surplus is declared in the group Annual Financial Statement, in addition to the dividend, the Executives shall have honorarium of some % in accordance with CAMAActs.

 

ARTICLE 18 - TRUSTEES

(a)- The Group shall also have five trustees for the purpose of Land (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance Cap. 98 Laws of Nigeria and shall be appointed at Annual General Meeting.

(b)- Such Trustees hereinafter referred to as the Trustees shall be five in Number and shall be known as the Registered Trustees of the Group.

(c)- Only full members shall be eligible for appointment as Trustees.

(d)- The Trustees shall have a common seal and shall be kept in the custody of the Honorary General Secretary who shall produce it as at when necessary.

(e)- The Trustees may hold office for life.

(f)- All Documents to be executed by the Trustees shall be signed by at least three of them and sealed with the common seal in conjunction with the Secretary.

 

ARTICLES 19- - AMENDMENT

(a)- Amendment(s) to the constitution of the group must be approved by at least 2/3 majority of members at the General Meeting

(b)- The amendment cannot be implemented without prior consent in writing

 

ARTICLE 20 - CODE OF REGULATION

(a)- Every member shall pay annual subscription of AGREED AMOUNT not later than 30^th September of each year

(b)- Any desiring to resign from the group shall submit resignation to the Secretary in writing, which shall take effect from the day of receipt by the Secretary of such notice

(c)- Any member may be expelled from membership if the group so recommend and if a special general meeting shall resolve by 2/3 majority of members present that such a member shall be expelled on the ground that his conduct has adversely affected the reputation or dignity of the group.

(d)- Any member who resigns or removed from membership shall not be entitled to any refund of his subscriptions or any part thereof or any money contributed by him/her at any time.

(e)- The Executives shall from time to time put in place rules and regulations for the group.

 

ARTICLE 21- POWERS TO MAKE REGULATIONS

(a)- The Executive Committee may make regulations as necessary or expedient for giving full effect to the provision of this constitution.

(b)- Any such regulations made shall be approved by a majority of the members present at a general meeting and shall take effect from the date decided at such meeting.

(c)- Any question concerning the interpretation of any of the provisions of this Constitution or any regulations made there under shall be referred to Executive Committee whose decision shall be final.

 

15- DATE OF RATTIFICATION

The foregoing Constitution, Rules and Regulations were passed at the Group's monthly meeting held on Sunday 9^th March, 2025 virtually.

 

- -____________________- ___________________

Secretary General - Coordinator