Glamour as Ovation Editor, Michael Effiong Becomes 33rd President of Rotary Club, Ikeja South

By Eric Elezuo

The banquet hall of the Sheraton hotel, Ikeja, came alive Sunday when the cream d la cream of the society gathered to witness the installation of the Editor, Ovation International Magazine, Mr. Michael Effiong as the 33rd President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja South as well as celebrate his golden jubilee anniversary.

The two-in-one event kicked off earnestly as guests from all walks of life trooped in in their numbers for what many has described as a mother of all events and a landmark in the life of Michael Effiong.

Beaming with unquantified joy, Effiong arrived the venue in company of his delectable wife and two adorable children with close friends, family members and colleagues cheering him on.

With a call to order by Immediate Past President Yinka Adeosun, the business of the day kicked off properly just as the Doyen of Past Presidents led the procession that ushered in the President-in-waiting after which he took his place among notable dignitaries as already recognised by the master of ceremonies, Comedian Tunde Adewale, better known as Tee A.

Giving his speech, the chairman of the event and Co-Founder, Eko Hospitals, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku, described Mr. Effiong as a personality who has given his best to his profession and has affected the lives of as many that comes his way. Dr. Kuku encouraged him to continue be his original self and live his life to supply succour to all and sundry.

The event also saw the presentation of some Rotary traditions including raffle draws and rotary songs conducted by PAG Bade Oke shortly before a welcome address by Installation Chairman, PP Azuh Arinze was presented. Azu highlighted how the committee went about the task that manifested into the magnificent installation and appreciated all who turned up.

“I welcome you all…to this auspicious and momentous occasion, and on my honour as well as that of the ‘prestige of Rotary, particularly my fellow committee members who were exceptional and spectacular, working assiduously and conscientiously to make today both grand and great…” Azuh said.

The stage was set for the lecture of the day, which was undertaken by the guest speaker and Member, Fidelity Bank Board of Directors, Otunba Seni Adetu.

Otunba Adetu, whose wedding anniversary coincided with the installation ceremony titled his lecture Winning in the Corporate world. He identified three areas which needed attention in order to move ahead in the corporate world. They include speeding up technological advancement, giving attention to infrastructure development and enhanced leadership.

Adetu also highlighted that for any leadership to live up to expectation, six key functions must be undertaken, and they are:

1. Hold your destiny
2. Less is more…meaning that few things will deliver more impact
3. Focus your energy on what you can change
4. Measure yourself against the best
5. Inspect what you expect, and
6. Take calculated risk

Adetu’s presentation was loudly appreciated and he was gifted a fabulous cake in honour of his 29th year marriage anniversary.

The moment everyone at the gathering was waiting for finally dawned as IPP Yinka Adeosun supported by past presidents and senior officers of the Rotary Society installed Mr. Effiong as the official president for 2019/2020 period amidst applause and screams.

In his acceptance speech, Effiong expressed his heartfelt joy at the honour, giving glory to the Almighty God, and appreciation to his parents, who unfortunately could not live to witness his day of reverence. While itemising his projects, he stated that “one of these is so close to my heart, and  that is about the dilapidated state of Temidire Primary School, Olambe, Ogun State’

“I will call it our school because the story of Temidire Primary School is a testament to the spirit of giving that Rotary espouses. The school was established by Rotarian Remi Bello when he was president. He donated his farmland to the community and marshaled funds to establish a school…you will agree with me ladies and gentlemen that these students deserve better,” Effiong reasoned.

His speech was punctuated with a short documentary on the dilapidated state of the institution prompting dignitaries to make donations towards its rehabilitation. Among those who committed to the project were CEO, Esther Ajayi Foundation, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Chairman Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo and Olorogun Sonny Kuku.

The night of class did not end without the recognition of awardees and induction of new members. Among the awardees were Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Olajide Adediran and Engr. Olasoji Olagunju of Hurlag Technologies Limited. The newly inducted members were Dr Elisha Attai, Fatima Aduke Mohammed, Nelson Ndubuisi Collins and Casmir I. Anyanwu. There was also the induction of the Board of Directors, which was the first official function performed by the new president.

With a vote of thanks by Doyen of the Club, PP Oliver Ogbonna, the grand ceremony wound down to a close.

Speaking to The Boss, a highly excited Mike Effiong said he feels very humbled, noting that while he expected his friends to turn up, he never knew it was going to be this huge.

“Could you imagine, I have friends from way back coming for this occasion. There are friends from my primary and secondary schools, from the University of Lagos, Nigerian Institute of Journalism and everywhere I’ve ever identified with and beyond. Honestly, it is massive. I sincerely appreciate everyone,” he said.

The roll call of influential guests at the event include His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun; His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Elegushi of Ikate-elegushi Kingdom; Co-Founder/Joint Chairman, Eko Hospitals, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku; Member, Fidelity Bank Board of Directors and CEO, Algorithm Media, Otunba Seni Adetu and wife; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu; President/Founder, Esther Ajayi Foundation, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi and husband, Dr. Ademuyiwa Ajayi; Chairman, Biscom Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo; Founder/CEO, Fisolak Global Resources, Princess Toyin Kolade; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and District Governor Nominee, Rtn Remi Bello.

Others are Mr. Kanmi Osobu who represented Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AIG Tunji Alapini ( Rtd), Fuji music maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal; Veteran Sports Broadcaster, Dr Larry Izamoje, Godwin Mekwuye, Hajia Bisi Shuabu, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Benny Obaze, Arch. Biodun Faari-Arole, Mr. Abisoye Fagade, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Pastor Femi Faseru, Gbemisola & Kunle Aluko, Former Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Otunba Dayo Adeneye, Dayo Adedayo, Dr Reuben Abati, Femi Awoyemi, Lanre Ogunlesi,  Benny Obaze, Charles Otudor, Ayo Animashaun, Ayeni Adekunle, Wale Adebajo, Debo Ayoade, Solomon Kolade Olotu, Fela Amosun, Hakeem Anjolaiya, Richard Akinnola, Mayor Akinpelu, Prince Damola Aderemi, Ayo Aminu & UBA’s Media Officer, Ramon Nasir.