Members Of The Executive Board:
President:
OLABISI FOLASHADE OREKOYA
Fola Orekoya began her secondary school education at New Era Girls Secondary School in
September of 1976 and completed in the summer of 1981. Because of her love for the
media, Fola continued her education at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba where she
studied both print and broadcast journalism. At NIJ, Fola was deeply involved with the
Rotaract club (student body of Rotary International) of which she was the Director of Club
Services. For her internship, Fola worked at NTA 10 at Tejuosho, Yaba. After graduation, she
worked with Vanguard Newspapers as a Foreign Affairs Reporter. She had several
ground-breaking investigative stories during her time with Vanguard Newspapers including
breaking the story of toxic waste dumping in Nigeria by Italian companies/government. She
covered late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s visit to Nigeria and late George
Schultz, former US Secretary of State. In 1988, Fola left Vanguard Newspapers to further her
education by moving to the United States where she met her husband, Prince Oladunjoye
Orekoya. Fola enrolled at Northeastern University, Boston Massachusetts where she
graduated cum laude in Political Science. Upon completion of her degree, Fola worked at Harvard University in Cambridge Massachusetts.
At Harvard University, Fola worked at the
University Information Systems publishing department as a Production Planner. She was the
project manager for the diplomas and commencement materials production for the university.
2 years in a row Fola was nominated by peers and received the Harvard Hero award as an
individual for selfless service and dedication to excellence and as part of a team in
recognition of collaborative efforts and dedication to excellence. In 2007, she was awarded a
master’s degree in management from Cambridge college in Cambridge Massachusetts. With
a new degree in hand, Fola moved on to another job with Thomson Learning in 2007 as a
Manufacturing Buyer. Fola is blessed with 3 adult sons who are doing well in their different
endeavors. Fola enjoys movies, travelling, loves reading, sports and is a huge Boston sports
Vice President-
Oyepero Soyebo
Née Osilaja
Class of 1977-1982
Profession: Accountant
Pero has resided in the United States for over 30 years, and has enjoyed a lucrative career in
Corporate Tax Accounting. She is a proud tax geek.
She has been married to her sweetheart, Ibukun, for 27 years and they are blessed with 3
wonderful children.
Pero is a Christian and has served diligently, and in various capacities, at the church where
she and her family have been members for over 25 years.
She is an avid traveler and can’t wait to retire so she can explore the globe.
Pero has been a member of the NEGSS International Alumnae since its inception and has
been privileged to serve as Vice-President for over 10 years. She considers it a great honor
to be a part of an elite group of wonderful ladies who not only support the sisterhood
emotionally and socially, but hold dear to the mandate to give back to their alma mater,
thereby impacting future generations.
Advisory Members:
Ngozi Oloruntoba-
Ngozi Oloruntoba is a middle school teacher with the NY public School System. Her objective
in life is to impact knowledge to all the kids she teaches. Ngozi attended New Era girls’ secondary school and graduated in 1978. She went on to attend Lagos State Polytechnic
and graduated after four years with a Business Administration degree. She migrated to the
United States of America (New York City) after which she attended York college, got her
bachelors degree and proceeded to Touro college for her Masters degree. She obtained a certificate to teach General Education students and became a Special Education Teacher.
While working as a special education teacher, Ngozi also taught and mentored other
teachers on how to develop individual education plans for special education students. She
also attended College of Saint Rose where she obtained Educational Leadership certificate.
Presently, Ngozi works for the New York City Department of Education as a Special
Education Teacher. She is married with four children.
Mrs Tawa Durojaiye-
Tawa Durojaiye is a retired ICU registered nurse. She was born and raised in Lagos Nigeria,
for her primary education, she attended St. Joseph primary school, and New Era Girls’
Secondary school (class of 1966-1970) for her secondary education. After NEGSS, Tawa
proceeded to Queens School, Ibadan for her A-Levels. During those years, she played table
tennis for Lagos state in 1966, represented Nigeria in 1968, and also Western Region in
1971. She is a graduate of the University of Ife and had the privilege of traveling all over the world representing Nigeria, and University of Ife. She relocated to the United States to attend
Southeastern University in Washington D.C. and later moved to Florida where she attended
Polk University and University of South Florida. Her passion for Table Tennis continues till
date as she still competes in Tampa, at the Senior Citizens Games held annually and she
has been awarded many medals. Outside of Table tennis Tawa loves spending time with her
grandchildren, listening to music, dancing, singing, playing mouth organ, flute and has
recently discovered a love for playing the piano. She is blessed with 2 children and 3
grandchildren.
General Secretary-
Nike Alabi-Thorpe
Originally from Oyo town in Nigeria and grew up in Lagos, Nike Alabi Thorpe attended New
Era Girls Secondary School from 1977 to 1982 as Nike Alabi.
She attended St Teresa Girls College in Ibadan from 1983 to 1985 before proceeding to
University of Lagos to obtain her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. Nike worked briefly at
the formerly known, Nigeria Arab Bank at Broad Street Lagos, after her college.
Nike migrated to the US to continue her education and currently lives in Richmond Texas with
her family of two loving adults. With a background in Project management and board
/corporate subsidiary management, Nike works at a Houston Corporation and is eagerly
waiting for retirement.
She is an active member of the NEGSS International Alumnae Association since inception
and currently acts as Secretary of the Association and has been on multiple committees of
the association.
In addition to spending time with her family, Nike loves travelling, music, reading, exploring
and learning about other cultures.
Executive Member At Large-
Morinola Olukemi Sodeke
Morinola Sodeke was born in North London, Islington where she started her early education
at Stroud Green School, Islington, London, England.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she attended Ireti Girls School, Ikoyi Lagos and Rose Cottage
Primary School, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. She gained admission into New Era Girls Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos in 1976 and graduated in 1981. As a student of NEGSS, Morin was
an advert athlete for Abayomi House and a supporter of the school’s Literary & Debating
Society. She went on to attend Ogun Polytechnic for her A levels and proceeded to
University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984 where she graduated with a BSc
in Demography (major) & Social Statistics (minor) in 1987.
After completing her service in the NYSC program, she relocated back to London, England
where she worked at The Offices Of Population, Censuses & Surveys, St. Catherine’s
House, Holborn London.
In 1990 she moved to the USA where her unique skills as a Relationship Builder landed her
jobs with various industries such as Banking, Media Advertising, POS Financial Consulting,
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and currently in the Healthcare Accreditation
industry as a Client Relations Manager.
She is a mother to two adult sons and a forever loyal four-legged Shi Tzu called Rylo. In her
spare time, Morin enjoys traveling, staying in touch with friends and family, being the ultimate
gatherer of people and relaxing at home with a good movie/TV show with an occasional
glass of wine, can’t go wrong with Moscato/Sangria.
Morinola Sodeke served as NEGSS International Alumnae Association’s first General
Secretary from its inception till 2021 when she humbly resigned. However she is actively
engaged in the furtherance of the association’s goals.
Social Secretary-
Ajibola Taiwo Fadairo
Ajibola Taiwo Olaonipekun was born into the family of three sets of twins and two to Chief
(late) Emmanuel Olufemi and Mrs. Elizabeth Oluremi Fadairo of Sagamu, Ogun State. She
attended Fountain Nursery and Primary School Surulere and New Era Girls’ Secondary
School, graduating in 1978. She proceeded to Ogun State Polytechnic and The Nigerian
School of Journalism respectively.
Ajibola worked with Times Leisure Services, a division of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc as a
Senior Promotions and Exhibition Representative where she acted as a chaperone to Miss Nigeria. She later joined Tanus Communication Limited as their Public Relations and
Marketing Manager before relocating to Minnesota, USA.
In the US, Ajibola became a Licensed Day Care Provider after which she joined LifespArk
Whole Person Senior Care Company as their Senior Care Specialist and Team Care
Coordinator. In 2020, she was nominated as one of the top five best caregivers in the United
States of America. Ajibola is an active member of the Employment Engagement Committee
of LifespArk, Financial Secretary/Treasurer with Amazing Grace Full Gospel Ministries,
Minnesota and Social Secretary, NEGSS International Alumnae. She is married with a lovely
son.