The Ilesa Social Elite Club celebrated its 60th anniversary on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with a grand and colorful event that brought together dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers from various parts of Ijesaland.
The event was a remarkable milestone, showcasing six decades of commitment to excellence, community service, and the promotion of unity and development in Ijesaland since the club’s establishment in 1964.
The President of the Club, Barrister Babatunde Akinshola, reflected on the organization’s achievements over the years and outlined its ambitious future plans. “The Ilesa Social Elite Club has not only survived the test of time but has thrived and grown into a formidable force for good in our community. We are proud of our legacy and determined to remain the leading club in Ijesaland, driving impactful initiatives that touch lives and foster progress,” he said.
The highlight of the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of the IJESA Vocational Training Center, a flagship project aimed at equipping young people aged 18 to 24 with valuable vocational and entrepreneurial skills. The center will offer training in areas such as hairdressing, tailoring, bakery, and computer literacy.
Barrister Akinshola noted that the project is designed to address the root causes of social vices by empowering the youth with practical skills and opportunities for self-reliance.
He called on philanthropists, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to support the initiative, emphasizing its potential to transform lives .
The Vice President of the club, Chief Odanye Alaba Julius, expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and the founding members of the club for their vision and resilience.
He emphasized that the vocational training center would benefit not only the youth but also women and other vulnerable groups in the community, enhancing education, boosting the economy, and promoting social stability. “With the unwavering support of Ijesa indigenes and friends of Ijesaland, we are confident of achieving our goals and guiding the younger generation toward a brighter future,” he added.
Prince Adetona Oluwaseun Onibokun, the club’s Secretary, shared the organization’s aspirations to expand its reach and influence, transforming the Ilesa Social Elite Club into an internationally recognized institution.
He expressed optimism about the support from donors and stakeholders for the establishment of both the Vocational Training Center and an ICT hub, which would further bridge the digital divide in the land and position the community for greater opportunities in the global economy.
One of the oldest and most respected members of the club, Honourable S.O. Adedeji, who has been actively involved for 19 years, praised the club’s consistent growth and achievements.
He urged members to remain united and to continue upholding the legacies of the founding fathers, stressing that their collective strength and shared vision would propel the club to even greater heights.
Sir Isaac Olaosebikan Longe, newly inducted into the Board of Trustees, expressed his delight at the club’s accomplishments and pledged his unwavering support for its ongoing and future initiatives. “It is an honor to be part of such a visionary organization. I am committed to contributing to its growth and ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come,” he said.
Several prominent members, including Alhaji AbdulRazaq Akanji Mustapha, Elder Anthony Asaolu (popularly known as Lalede Ijesa), and Prince Michael Adebiyi Adebayo(Igi Nla), lauded the club’s efforts in advancing human capital development and community service.
They commended the leadership for its forward-thinking projects and called on members to sustain the momentum.
Elder Awe Albert shared his optimism about the club’s future, expressing confidence in the capabilities of the new executive team to deliver on their promises and drive the organization toward unprecedented success.
Similarly, Deacon Awofolaju Wole described the vocational training center and other planned initiatives as bold steps toward addressing pressing societal challenges, including unemployment and youth restiveness.
Also speaking, a member of the Ijesa Development Association, Chief Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, congratulated the club on reaching the significant milestone of 60 years.
She highlighted the enduring impact of its projects and expressed hope that the club would continue to evolve and expand its influence. “Sixty years is no small feat, and I believe the Ilesa Social Elite Club will achieve even greater milestones in the next 40 years, becoming one of the most prominent clubs in Nigeria and a source of pride for Ijesaland,” she said.
The Ilesa Social Elite Club also honored some illustrious sons of the soil with prestigious awards.
The trio of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Rev. Adelowo Adebiyi, and Alhaji Issa Azeez Adesiji were among the awardees.
Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was honored with an award of Sterling Performance in Public Service while the Omoluabi Progressives Chairman, Alhaji Issa Adesiji Azeez, was decorated with an Award of Sterling Performance in Public Service in recognition of his lofty track record when he was the Chairman of Ilesa West Local Government and Reverend Adelowo Adebiyi, the former ACN/APC Chairman in Osun State and an efficient retired civil servant, was honored with an award of Excellence in Professional Service with other Notable Dignitaries among them
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