Ogun Government Applauds Abeokuta Sports Club for Excellent Leadership Tradition

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

ABEOKUTA -Abeokuta Sports Club has been applauded for sustaining its culture of leadership excellence and nurturing young talents while promoting sportsmanship.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that this commendation came from the Ogun State Government during the inauguration of the Alhaji Taoheed Awodele and Honourable Rahmon Kolawole Salako led Executives of the club in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Giving the commendation was the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engineer Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, while delivering a speech at the event.

The Deputy Governor, who congratulated the newly inaugurated President, Alhaji Taoheed Awodele, the Vice President, Honourable Ramon Kolawole Salako, and the entire executive committee stated that their emergence is a vote of confidence, which speaks to the respect and trust the members have in them.

Engr. Salako-Oyedele stressed that the Abeokuta Sports Club is one of Ogun state's most cherished social institutions. 

In her words, "This club is a community, a space built on mutual respect, shared interests and a tradition of excellence".

She further noted that, "Listening to President Awodele outlined his vision, one cannot help but be inspired by the energy and ambitions he brings to the office."

"I am particularly glad that this administration is focused on nurturing young talents, strengthening member engagement, and motorizing operations.These are ingredients that will allow the club to remain vibrant, competitive and relevant, not just today but for decades to come," she stated.

The Deputy Governor, also expressed her heart-felt congratulations to the the immediate past President of the Club, Prince Dr. Seni Ogunyemi and his executive committee on the successful completion of their tenure for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment to strengthening the club.

She also extended her warm congratulations to a new Vice Patron of the club, who is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi, other newly investitured Vice Patrons of the club, as well all newly inducted members.

She noted that their induction into the club reflects their value in the larger society.

OTN News reports that high points of the event inclyded: the administration of leadership oath to the new executive committee members by the legal adviser of the club, an address by the immediate past President of the club, presentation of awards to participating clubs, investiture of Vice Patrons, Fundraising ceremony as well as the induction of new club members. 

In his acceptance speech, the new President of the club, Alhaji Taoheed Awodele who highlighted the vision of his executive committee for the club, expressed his gratitude to the members of the club, the immediate past President whom he acknowledged, had navigated challenging times of the club yet successfully sustained the leadership culture of excellence for which the club has earned great reputation. 

Goodwill messages from the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, Otileta IV, who was represented by a prominent Owu Chief, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Lasile and other prominent Nigerians who graced the ocassion added colour to the event.

Meanwhile, no fewer than fifteen distinguished Nigerians among whom was, the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, the the Senator Representing Ogun Central Senatorial district, Honourable Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, the Seriki of Egbaland, Chief Tosin Fadare, became Vice Patrons of the club while scores of high networth individuals were officially inducted as members of the Club.

Other dignitaries who attended the inauguration and Investiture included:the Chairman, Registered Trustees of the Club, Justice George Oladeinde Soremi, (JCA, FICMC, JP), other Registered Trustee Members. namely: Engr. Mutiu Adebowale, Otunba Lekan Lukan and the Registered Trustee Secretary, Dr. Olubunmi Sanyaolu.

Also in attendance were: a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo, Veteran Film Maker, Pa Tunde Kilani among other prominent Nigerians.

Chief Olaide Fowosere, Chairman, Mainland Group Limited graced the ocassion as Special Guest of Honour. 

Maverick Fuji music legend, Adewale Ayuba, popularly known as Mr. Johnson played melodious music to the delight of all present at the event.

The Alhaji Taoheed Awodele led executive committee will lead the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club which was founded in 1904 between 2025 and 2027.