By Christy Anyanwu
It was an evening of transition when the gavel and chain of office at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ikeja changed hands at the 38th convention and investiture held recently. It was also an evening of presentation of awards and empowerment to young people by the out-going president of the club.
Speaking at the occasion, Funmilayo Babs-Osabinu explained the theme of the annual convention, ‘sustaining our legacy’. She said: “We are actively building on what our forerunners have done in the past; leaving no stones unturned to ensure the future generations have a solid legacy to refer back to.”
According to her, many people think of legacies in material terms, such as big houses and huge bank accounts.
“Leaving a positive impact in people is such a powerful legacy. Our passion is inspiring every individual to dream more, learn more, do more and become the best in their respective areas of specialisation,” she said.
Guest speaker, Asiwaju Mokesioluwa Seun-Adedamola, who is a senior special adviser to Ogun State governor on special duties and founder, Akesi Foundation, applauded the JCI executive for a fantastic event. He said the members, who are between 18 and 40, have been able to give out of their wealth of experience and resources to do good by empowering some members of their community.
Outgoing 38th and 2022 president, Ayoola Ibiyode David, said 2022 did not only preserve the quality and rich culture of JCI Ikeja but the club infused innovation and digital resources to achieve measurable impacts with a lot more to come in the closing quarter.
David said: “Today, we make yet another history as we install the 39th and 2023 president-elect to take off from January 1, 2023. I must say the future beckons and we can only be better by achieving great successes and making more impacts.
“If you empower a lady you have empower a family and you have done well for the community. We went through some process to identify some people that have interest in fashion designing, pastries, baking, shoe and bag making.
“Those are the people we are training after which we empower them with start up equipment. We have 35 of such people this year and by next year, we’ll probably move to 100.”
In her acceptance speech, the new president, Oyebola Olafasakin, said her administration would make concerted efforts to attain an all-round growth for members first and then the local organisation. This feat, according to her, can only be achieved, “if we are truly united. If we must win 2023, we need to constantly engage people, partners, stakeholders, government and everyone at large, and in unity, we will deliver the Ikeja JCI.”
Shedding more light about the club, she noted that JCI is a body for young people and currently looking at young enterprising leaders and active citizens.
The club, she said, is domiciled in over 50 countries of the world and with over 10,000 members in Nigeria.