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Olufolake Ajayi Steps Out As Inner Wheel District 911’s 39th President
Olufolake Ajayi Steps Out As Inner Wheel District 911’s 39th President
Sahara Weekly Reports That Service is a lifestyle and no one understands this better than members of the Inner Wheel Society.
On Saturday, July 16, District 911 Inner Wheel members gathered at the Ayo ROsiji Hall Cathedral to usher in the 39th district chairman and her executives for the 2022/2023 year.
Well attended by members of the society alongside Rotarians and friends, the event saw the successful installation of IWM Olufolake Morohunranti Ajayi as the district chairman.
From right: Deputy National Rep., Zainab Ikheloa, IPDC Dupe Oyeduntan, District Chairman Olufolake Ajayi, her husband PP Kehinde Ajayi, International Inner Wheel Past President Yemisi Alatise and guest lecturer Dr. Tamramat Iyabo Runsewe-Abiodun
In an exclusive interview with INDEPENDENT, IWM Ajayi shared her thoughts on Inner Wheel’s journey so far.
“We started as wives of Rotarians about 98 years ago and they used to call us Rotary Hands. When they formed the International Inner Wheel, we carried on with our work. Now, even though they admit women to Rotary, we are unique in our ways and we stand beside all Rotarians to make the world a better place. We help to support and carry on more projects in support of humanity.”
Speaking on her charge as the new district chairman, she said, “My charge is to empower women and we’ve started it but I’m going to continue and raise the bar. Train a woman and you train the whole world. We want women to be confident, competent, and to be able to stand by themselves and look after the children. We’re not talking about girl children now, we’re talking about children because if you concentrate on one gender, the other will suffer. Our focus is on children. A woman will have girls and boys, so you cannot concentrate on one and leave the other.
“We also intend to imbibe this attitude into the younger ones now in schools for them to know the ideals of personal service.”
As part of her goal for the year, she plans to empower clubs and mentor members for greater tasks ahead. She revealed that she intends to work in line with the 2022-2023 International Inner Wheel year theme ‘Work Wonders’ in the service of humanity.
When asked about her background and how she came to be a dedicated Inner Wheel member, she explained that “I was born to serve, and I have a passion to care. As a result, from youth, I made up my mind that I was going to go for Nursing and the Nursing profession is a caring profession. I’ve worked in Nursing since 1971 and I’m empowering because empowerment is my passion. I’m empowering nurses, empowering students, empowering mothers. The empowerment process is key in my life because I empowered myself to move forward. I put in as president in 1996, and that was when we completed Ikota Health Centre in my year, and we handed it over to Munira Marwa and they are using it till today as Eti-Osa Local Government Headquarters For Public Health. So it’s been in me and when I was called on to come and chair, I said ‘well, why not?’ I’ll be 70 this year believe it or not and I said, ‘Father Lord I want to serve, here I am.’ Service is my passion, it is an innate ability in me.”
While speaking about the incoming district chairman, the outgoing chairman, Modupe Oyeduntan revealed that the incoming chairman is a woman worthy of honour based on her life of service.
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
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