All roads led to the Alumni Hall (Edith Okowa) of the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, when the Inner Wheel Club of Bodija Inaugurated Dr. Wumi Abiola Okanlawon as its new President.
Okanlawon, an expert in accounting, auditing and entrepreneurship, will alongside other members of the new Excos run the club’s affairs for the 2024/25 Inner Wheel Club year.
The colourful ceremony was graced by the big names in the academic, business, traditional and political circles.
Among top celebrities at the event was the Oyo Central Senator, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, who doubled as chief guest of honour at the occasion. Akintunde not only graced but also made a donation of 3km of solar-powered street lights and cash for bags for school children.
The chief project launcher, Mogaji Joseph Tegbe, couldn’t attend the event but made an impressive donation through his representative.
Also absent at the occasion but donated handsomely is the Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Dr. Francis Alao, the royal father of the day.
The Executive Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Disability Matters, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, donated 10 assistive devices to 5 visually impaired indigent students, as well as a cash donation of N50,000 to each of them.
Major General Oladayo Popoola (rtd), who was the chairman of the occasion, donated handsomely as well.
The awardees were also not left out of donations-Dr. Saka Balogun; Mr. Olajide Abiola, the CEO of Gidanka; Engr. Abiodun Ajisafe, the CEO of Dynasty FM and Dr. Oyetunde Oyegbile, Chief Medical Director of Manna all made impressive donations.
Hon. Toyin Balogun, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, who was the special guest of honour, pledged collaboration with the club on their projects and made a donation as well.
The Mother of the Day, Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen, could not make it. However, she donated handsomely to support the club projects.
Other celebrities who graced the event included Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, the father of the day; Dr. Bridget Awosika, the guest speaker, among others.
In her speech, the new President of Inner Wheel Club of Bodija, IWM Dr Wumi Abiola Okanlawon, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Club for the great opportunity to serve the people.
“There is still much work to be done, so many persons and communities in need of our support. But I know that with the passion and commitment of our members, and the unrelenting support of well-meaning Nigerians, we are more than capable of rising to the challenge
“My vision as new President is to build on the strong foundation that past Presidents have laid before me.
“I want to deepen our partnership with local organizations around the state, ensuring that our aid is targeted and impactful,” she said.
