The Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Thursday, November 12, played host to professionals, stakeholders, royal fathers and political leaders who gathered to witness the inauguration of the 9th Executive Council of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), with Dr. Samuel Olaloye Esanju emerging as the new chairman of the association.
The inauguration marks a new chapter in the association’s leadership, with expectations that the newly constituted executive council will strengthen its commitment to promoting professionalism, institutional development and collaboration among professional bodies in Nigeria.
In his inaugural address, the newly inaugurated chairman, Dr. Samuel Olaloye Esanju, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him, describing his new responsibility as a call to service. He pledged to deploy his wealth of experience and professional expertise towards repositioning the association and taking it to greater heights.
He disclosed that his administration’s agenda would be anchored on four cardinal pillars: expanding and strengthening the Council of Elders to make it more functional, promoting unity among members, advocating for the interests and development of younger professionals, and fostering stronger collaboration with the state government to advance the association’s objectives.
Esanju also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, collective participation and purposeful engagement, assuring members that his administration would prioritise the overall growth and progress of the association.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Professionalism in Action: Building a United Force for National Transformation,” the keynote speaker, Hon. Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe, emphasised that professionalism goes beyond the acquisition of academic certificates, noting that it requires adherence to ethical standards, competence, accountability and selfless service to the public.
The Asiwaju of Osogbo Land urged the newly inaugurated executives to establish a formidable disciplinary committee to uphold professional ethics and standards. He also charged them to maintain consistent engagement with the government while prioritising the development and mentorship of younger professionals to ensure the association’s continued growth and sustainability.
In their separate goodwill messages, Oyo State governorship candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Abimbola Adekanbi, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oloye Gboyega Adegoke, described APBN as a critical institution in driving national development.
The candidates acknowledged the significant contributions of professional bodies to nation-building, particularly through the provision of expert knowledge, promotion of professional standards and policy guidance for effective governance.
Reflecting on their longstanding relationships with the association, they assured members of their commitment to sustaining a strong working relationship with APBN, promising to fully engage its members and leverage their wealth of professional expertise in policy formulation and the implementation of development-driven programmes if elected into office.
The Royal Father of the Occasion, the Alademure of Ibokun, Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro, charged professionals to embrace unity, mutual support and collaboration as essential tools for making meaningful contributions to national development.
Oba Awogboro further stressed the importance of reflecting on the past, preserving valuable legacies and mentoring younger generations, noting that nurturing emerging professionals remains crucial to safeguarding the future and ensuring sustainable development.
Earlier, in their welcome addresses, the Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, and the Chairperson, Architect Mobolaji Adeniyi, expressed delight at being part of the occasion, describing it as a memorable milestone for the association.
They also expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated executives, describing them as capable hands with the experience, competence and vision required to take the association to greater heights. They pledged their support while urging the new leadership to remain committed to unity, progress and the overall development of the association.
With his emergence as chairman, Esanju is expected to provide strategic leadership, drive the association’s objectives and advance the interests of professional bodies across the country.
The event attracted members of the association and other stakeholders who witnessed the formal inauguration of the new executive council.
