Connect with us

Events

Gbenga Badejo Becomes 54th President of Rotary Club of Ikeja

Published

on

Rotarian Gbenga Badejo has been installed as the 54th President of Rotary Club of Ikeja.

The colourful ceremony which took place last Sunday at Sheraton Hotels and Suites in Ikeja also witnessed the induction of the new board for the Rotary 2021/2022 year as well as presentation of awards to Rotarians and non-Rotarians, including 50 years of Rotary to Chief Olusegun Osunkeye.

Speaking at the ceremony which was attended by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Engr. Obafemi Hamzat who was represented by Dr. Aina Oluwagbemiga, Dorothy Ufot (SAN) and Akinla of Erin Ijesha, Oba Isaac, Rotarian Badejo said that he planned to continue with the club’s signature and legacy projects to achieve maximum impact in their adopted communities.
According to him, ‘’Some of my key projects for this Rotary Year are, building of Rotary Club of Ikeja Youth Community Centre for Leadership and Vocational Training- in collaboration with Lagos State Government, setting up of 20-seater ICT Centre for SOS Children’s Home, Micro Credit scheme interest free loans and renovation of a Block of Classroom with Complete furniture for Ikeja Junior High School.

He added that, ‘’We plan to build a Games Court that can accommodate Handball, Badminton & Volleyball, supply Medical equipment to LASUTH, give awards to Health care Professionals that have been adjudged to be excellent performers, visit and provide relief materials to Orphanages and IDP camps.

Rotarian Badejo concluded that the club would also host its annual SOS Children village Xmas Party, offer free test Medical Services to the Oregun Community, and distribute mosquito treated nets, provide borehole for Olusola Model Primary School Hudson Wright Oregun, donate equipment for Artisans, train and retrain Primary School teachers as well as engage in tree planting.’’

Rotarian Badejo, the fifth child of the Late Rev. Jacob Adesoga Badejo and Late Mrs Grace Folorunsho Badejo of Ijebu – Igbo, Ogun State, graduated from Nigeria’s Premier University – University of Ibadan in 1984 with a Degree in Geography from the Faculty of Social Sciences and emerged one of the best in his class.
He capped his career journey as a Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants, with many record-breaking achievements to his credit.

Rotarian Badejo was humble enough to take up Accounting from the scratch and eventually qualified as a Chartered Accountant having trained at BDO Binder Balogun Badejo & Co, Chartered Accountants where he cut his teeth in accounting and consulting and later Ayorinde Thomas & Co., Chartered Accountants.

He became the pioneer Finance Manager of SO & U Saatchi in 1991 an International Integrated Marketing Communications Company having offices in 36 countries across continents, and he rose to become the Chief Accountant and Head of Admin in 1996 before leaving to set up an accounting and consulting firm.

As the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of both GBC Professional Services and Gbenga Badejo & Co (a firm of Chartered Accountants and Tax Practitioners, Rotarian Badejo has successfully moved these organizations beyond introductory stages to the level of relevance and value; specializing in Assurance, Audit, Taxation, Forensic Audit, Financial and Management Consultancy, Mergers & Acquisition, Business Incubation, Corporate Re-organization & Restructuring, Corporate Governance & Insolvency with clients across industries.

Today, GBC has now, under his leadership, gone global. GBC is now a Correspondent Firm of Reanda International; an international network of Independent Accounting and consulting Firms with 41 Member Firms and over 250 partners with 4,500 staff in 147 locations across the globe including Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe.

An accomplished professional, scholar and motivational speaker, Rotarian Badejo, a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Taxation, Fellow of The Nigerian Institute of Management Member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), Alumnus of the Lagos Business School and an Alumni of Harvard Kennedy School has many corporate caps he is wearing.

He was appointed Expert-In-Residence at the Lagos Business School, Enterprise Development Centre, in recognition of his acumen, to counsel and mentor part of a pool of upcoming SMEs. He is Expert-in-Residence for Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce.

He served on the Board of ICAN Faculty for Forensic Audit and Investigation, ICAN Practice Monitoring Group and ICAN Professional Practice Monitoring Committee. He was subsequently awarded a Certificate of Proficiency by ICAN in Corporate Finance. He is Vice-Chairman, Finance & General purpose Committee – Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Member of Micro and Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Committee

He, at varied times, attended Lagos Business School CEP22, Strathmore Business School, Nairobi and IESE, Barcelona, Spain, and The Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, USA. He was also part of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Delegation to Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in the United Kingdom in 2018.

An astute Boardroom guru, Rotarian  Badejo had served and still serving on the following boards as a Non-Executive Director, Funmi Stores Limited, award winning  distributor to all the major FMCG companies in Nigeria, Non-Executive Director, BDS Consult, a Training and Management Development Consultancy outfit, Non-Executive Director, Pratix Consulting Limited – a Project Management outfit with interest in Real Estate and Power, Pioneer Director, Omoluabi Garment Factory Limited – a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project between Sam & Sara Ventures Limited and the Osun State Government, Non-Executive Chairman, Crowne Farms Limited – a fledging Agri-Business, Director, Investment 2000 Limited – An Investment Portfolio Company, Director, Primus 1948 Limited – A World Class Property and Mall Development Company and Non-Executive Vice-Chairman, Emergent Power and Energy Development Company.

He is a Member of the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Member of the Association of Reporting Accountants and Auditors in the Capital Market (SEC regulated)

A lover of God and an ardent member of the Methodist faith, Badejo, a Knight of John Wesley, was the Past President- YMCA Methodist Church Opebi Cathedral of Peace and Excellence, Treasurer- Christian Brothers Society, Pioneer Treasurer- Diocese of Lagos West (The Best Diocese in the Conference Area during his tenure), Patron- Association of Methodist Brigades, Special Member- YWCA Methodist Church Opebi, Cathedral of Peace and Excellence and Patron- Choir of Excellence Methodist Church Opebi, Cathedral of Peace and Excellence.

Apart from the highest honour of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Knight of John Wesley (KJW) conferred on him for his outstanding support towards the growth of evangelism in the church, Rotarian Gbenga Badejo also won the Sebeccly Cancer Care Award – In recognition of sterling support and contribution towards Cancer Control, A Guinness World Record Project for the World Largest Human Pink Ribbon formed by 7,598 Nigerians on 10th October, 2015, Award by IMTC / NCC UK for pioneering efforts leading to the procurement of a Franchise Agreement for Nigeria, Comprehensive High School Old Students’ – Award for Excellence and the Methodist Church Nigeria – Diocese of Lagos West – Award for Excellence

Rotarian Badejo served meritoriously in various capacities within Rotary before becoming the 45th President of Rotary Club Ikeja today. He was a 3- time past Treasurer and the Rotary Foundation Director, Rotary Club of Ikeja.

Rotarian Badejo who plays Golf, Squash and Table Tennis at his leisure is a Member of Ikeja Golf Club and Lagos Country Club. He is happily married with three children who are budding professionals in their respective fields.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Events

Tears, Thanksgiving As Family Commits Matriach, Olori Grace Omolola Adebiyi to Mother-Earth in Ekiti

Published

on

By

By Eric Elezuo

It was a solemn procession, assembly and deep reflection for a life well lived as family members, friends, colleagues, associates and the general public gathered in Are, Ekiti to pay last respect, and bid farewell to the matriach of the Adebiyi family, Olori Grace Omolola Adebiyi, who was also the wife of the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Jacob Boluwade Adebiyi, as she was laid to rest.

Fondly known as Olori Eyesorun Bosede, the beloved mother and grandmother, who passed away on February 19, 2025, is reputed to have left behind a legacy of love, strength, compassion and devotion to God, her people and vocation.

She was revered for her admirable qualities, which endeared her to the people of Are-Ekiti and beyond just her great tidings extended beyond the palace walls, playing vital roles in championing the welfare of the community and uplifting the less privileged.

The Olori’s final 3-day obsequies begun with a Services of Songs and Tributes Night, at the Joint Heirs of Salvation International Crusade Ministry, where well wishers and children took quality time to shower deserved encomiums on the deceased.

Thereafter, there was a fanfare arrival of her corpse in a motorcade, followed by a retinue of elaborate convoy of her children dressed in customized t-shirt, a symbol of their adoration for her, and supported by the Are-Ekiti community, whose lives she touched during her lifetime. The fanfare culminated into a rally round the community where she spent a good part of her life, bringing smiles to the faces of both participants and onlookers.

The journey of late Olori Eyesorun Abosede grace Adebiyi, began with a Christian wake keep at her Foundation Centre in Are-Ekiti. their are tributes From Friends and family.

Later, a Christian wake service was observed at the residence of the deceased at Oke-Idemuren Street, Are-Ekiti under the supervision of the Saint Andrew Anglican Church. The Wake service featured witnessed soul searching Bible readings and sermon, which were punctuated by renditions of hymns and more tributes.

The funeral service proper held a day after, also at the Saint Andrew Anglican Church, Are-Ekiti, and began as soon as the remains, carried by pall bearers and accompanied by family members and drummers, were received at the church entrance by the officiating ministers. Venerable V.O. Ojo, which led other officiating ministers.

In his brief sermon at the service, Venerable Ojo lauded Olori Adebiyi’s well spent life, calling on the children to emulate all her good qualities. He insisted that everyone must live a life to please God, lifetime Olori had lived so that on the last day, heaven will be the reward.

The seevice ended with prayers for the family of Olori Adebiyi, thanksgiving and cloaing hymns before the corpse made its way to its final resting place at her residence.

With the remains safety committed to mother earth, a grand reception followed at the Long Margue Community Play Ground in Are-Ekiti, where the family with the assistance of Infinite Events ensured guests were treated to top-notch entertainment comprising local and continental diahes as well as xhoice beverages, which flowed in ceaseless supply.

The ambience of environment also spoke volumes of the class Psquareevents is made of just as music maestro, Yinka Aiyefele serenaded the guests with sonorous sounds.

In his vote of thanks at the event, a son-in-law of the deceased, and a respected community leader, Aare (Engr.) Benjamin Kayode Adereti, extended heartfelt appreciation to dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, associates, and well-wishers who attended the burial ceremony of his late mother-in-law. He used the opportunity to further elaborate on the respectful life she lived, and how she affected lives that she came in contact.

Olori Adebiyi is survived by her husband, the Aare of Are-Ekiti, children, grandchildren, brother, and several others.

As a follow-up to his vote of thanks, Aare Adereti released an official statement, further expressing profound gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Olori Agba Ogunwusi, the Obalufe of Ife, the Ologudu of Ogudu, the Oba Asoya of Isoya, Sarun Adimula, HAM Oranfe of Ife, HSE Osogun, and many other revered monarchs and chiefs who honoured the occasion with their royal presence.

He also acknowledged the presence and support of the APC Progressive Family, led by Sooko (Alh.) Tajudeen Lawal, as well as national political office holders led by Engr. Kayode Sowade, former federal lawmakers, including Hon. (Chief) Rotimi Makinde and Hon. Ayeni.

May the soul of Olori Adebiyi rest in peace!

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa 

Continue Reading

Events

Midoil Communities Forum Celebrates Sekungba Monarch, Chief Solomon Omotayo, on 100th Birthday

Published

on

By

By Eric Elezuo

Becoming a centenarian in these times is an achievement in itself, and for all intent and purpose, worth celebrating. As a result, Chief Elizabeth Omolara Akintonde, in conjunction with the Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Limited, which she heads as the Executive Chairman, and the Midoil Communities Relationship Forum, spared no expense, pulled all the stops to celebrate the Baale of Sekungba Community, Chief Solomon Omotayo, as he hit the landmark age of 100.

Basking in the euphoria of a centenarian, an excited Baba as his subjects revered him, stormed the Midoil Refinery project ground, venue of the celebration, clad in sew-to-fit agbada Aso Oke attire, a symbol of his Yorubaness, dancing to beats of years past to acknowledge his period. He was accompanied by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and neighbours who led him into the arena, to the warm embrace of a very cheering crowd, who could not wait to tap the grace of his long fruitful years through a handshake. Baba did not disappoint, and he went round the arena, greeting guests and exchanging pleasantries while releasing prayers to as many that cares to say amen.

The event kickstarted fully as Baba comfortably took his seat amid loud encomiums just as the duo of prolific stage master, Ben Ogheiwi and radio personality, Adebayo Obatungashe, supervised proceedings as anchors.

The opening prayer was taken by the Baale of Ererufu, Elder Gabriel Lawal, and followed by the recitation of the three stanzas of the National Anthem. Friends and associates took turns thereafter to present goodwill messages.

In her speech, the Executive Chairman of Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Limited, Chief (Mrs) Akintonde, eulogised the baale, noting how benevolent and honest he has been in the relationship between Midoil and the Sekungba Community and the adjoining communities. She praised Baba for his uprightness, truthfulness and respect for humanity, adding that anyone would wish to be like him.

“For all you have done, and continue to do, we wish you a happy birthday, and pray that the Almighty will continue to sustain you in health and wealth all the days of your life,” Mrs Akintonde enthused.

Community after Community, leaders and representatives narrated how a man of integrity the centenarian is, praising God for blessing the community with a man of Baale Solomon’s calibre. They further heaped encomiums on the Midoil Executive Chairman for choosing their communities to invest and develop, noting the number of developmental projects including healthcare and educational facilities that have been added to them since the coming of Midoil to the environment.

In his message thereafter, the Olisa and Regent of Ketu, High Chief Adekunle Badru, lauded the foresight behind the Midoil Communities Forum, saying that it is yielding the desired developmental results.

With a photo-op ongoing amid sumptuous reception, the stage was set for dance of the celebrant, who was joined by friends and well wishers.

The event was rounded off with a vote of thanks by one of the sons of the centenarian, and the dances continued.

Continue Reading

Events

Hajia Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar Turns 75

Published

on

By

By Eric Elezuo

The wife of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Hajia Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, has celebrated her 75th birthday.

The event was held in a private ceremony attended by close family members, political allies and friends.

Speaking at the ceremony, the former Vice President, who was so excited, revealed how he married his first wife, Titi, against the wishes of their parents over 50 years ago, affirming that he couldn’t have married a better person.

Atiku said his wife Titi has been patient with him, and has been a blessing beyond measure to him and their family, calling on other spouses to continue to be patient with each other.

He wrote via his Facebook account, “On the occasion of my beloved wife Titi’s 75th birthday anniversary celebrations, I am proud to say that I couldn’t have married a better wife. Titi and I got married against our parents’ wishes in the most daring way, with no family members, with only two friends.

“Today, we have been married for more than 50 years. Titi has been a blessing beyond measure to me and our family. I don’t know how we started calling ourselves Mummy and Daddy. I thank her for being patient with my shortcomings.

“Patience is a virtue you can never regret. I encourage spouses to continue to be patient with each other. I wish Titi many more years of bliss and blessings.”

A woman of substance, Titi Abubakar, has pioneered many projects among which is the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) a not-for-profit, non governmental organization registered under Nigerian law with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

WOTCLEF captured the life and times of the superlative mother, wife and total Nigerian as follows:

Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, the wife of the former Vice President of Nigeria was born in Lagos on 6th June 1950. She had a primary education in Lagos and her secondary education at St Mary’s Catholic Grammar School Iwo in Osun State. She obtained her HND in Catering and Hotel Management from the famous Kaduna Polytechnic in 1983. Because of her exceptional performance she was offered automatic employment, as a lecturer in the same institution where she taught for ten years.

Chief Mrs Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Business Administration both from the University of Abuja. Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar undertook a specialist course in Hotel Management at the Scuola International de Science Turistiche Roma, Italy under the auspices of the World Tourism Organization and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was while she was in Italy that she came across women, especially Nigerian women, in their prime abusing their bodies through prostitution. At first, she thought that these were some wayward women giving Nigeria a bad image. On enquiry however, she learnt that the women were deceived and brought to Italy by some unscrupulous men and women and forced into prostitution.

While agonizing over the plight of these women, God gave her a vision that she would one day be in a position to help such women and others at risk. The opportunity presented itself in 1999 when her husband became the Vice President of Nigeria. She remembered her vision and established the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) as a not-for-profit, non governmental organization registered under Nigerian law with the Corporate Affairs Commission. She used the WOTCLEF platform to sensitize Nigerians on the detrimental effects of human trafficking not only on its victims but on the image and security of Nigeria as a country.

Through WOTCLEF, several thousands of trafficked women and children and others in situations of abuse and exploitation have been rescued, rehabilitated and reintegrated into their communities. She has also continued to provide educational sponsorship to many vulnerable and indigent children in primary, secondary and tertiary institution. A significant milestone in the work of WOTCLEF was enacted of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003 and the subsequent establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffick in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) which has today become a model anti-trafficking agency in Africa.

Chief Mrs Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar is a recipient of numerous awards and titles. In 2003, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) appointed her as a partner in the crusade against child illiteracy. Other honours include: Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary International; Merit Award from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Woman of Excellence Award 2003 from Dublin, the Republic of Ireland. In the year 2002, she was honoured with the Nigerian Woman of the year awarded by Dame International. She as also crowned queen of the Nigerian Youths in 2004 by the Patriotic Youths of Nigeria – a group of young Nigerian Professionals. She was awarded the First Lifetime Award 2010 by a German based organization, the Great Africa Network for Women in recognition of her work in promoting the dignity of trafficked women and children.

The All African Students Union has also recognized Chief Mrs Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar with the 2010 Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award. In appreciation for her pioneering efforts in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria especially in the sponsorship of the bill that established NAPTIP, Chief Mrs Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar was honoured with an award by NAPTIP in 2009. Unlike numerous other pet projects of wives of political holders which fizzle out when their husbands leave office, Chief Mrs Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar has kept her vision and passion for the less privileged alive. WOTCLEF has remained functional and continues to offer assistance to trafficked women, children and others at risk of being trafficked, abused and exploited. WOTCLEF rehabilitation centre for trafficked and vulnerable women and children is one of the few centres run by non-governmental organizations in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Trending