The Inner Wheel Club of Bodija District 913 inaugurated IWM Dr. Wumi Abiola Okanlawon as the 38th Club President on Tuesday, alongside the induction of the new executive team for the 2024/2025 Inner Wheel year.
The event, held at the Alumni Hall, Edith Okowa, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, saw the presence of esteemed guests, dignitaries, and club members. Among the notable attendees were Senator Yunus Akintunde, the senator representing Oyo Central at the Senate, along with various community leaders and partners.
In her welcome address, IWM Olanike Ogunronbi expressed gratitude to all attendees, emphasizing the club’s history of impactful community service.
“This event has a long and illustrious history of bringing together great minds and influential leaders from across the state,” she remarked. She extended her thanks to sponsors, partners, family, friends, and supporters for their unwavering commitment.
Ogunronbi also acknowledged the expertise of the guest speakers, highlighting their role in enriching the event and inspiring innovative thinking.
Dr. Itunu Awosika, the guest speaker, delivered a theme titled “Ensuring Every Heartbeat Counts as Every Action Matters for Equality and Improved Livelihoods: Tasks for the Inner Wheel Club and All.”
She addressed the pressing issue of inequality and emphasized the need for various forms of empowerment, urging the club to be creative and provide loans, awareness of self and capacity building, soft skills, and collaboration.
“A strong membership drive is essential to sustain our impact,” she said. “We must harness the power of collective action to create a society where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive,”
Dr. Awosika continued. “Education and awareness are the first steps towards real change, and it’s our duty to lead these efforts.”
Dr. Awosika also stressed the importance of addressing mental health, noting, “Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and we must ensure access to mental health resources and support for all individuals. Our actions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of others.”
In her acceptance speech, IWM Dr. Wumi Abiola Okanlawon expressed her gratitude and outlined her vision for the future.
“I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me,” she said.
Reflecting on her three years as an active member, Okanlawon highlighted the club’s efforts in providing healthcare, empowering widows and persons with disabilities, and delivering essential amenities to underprivileged women and children.
Okanlawon praised the outgoing President and past leaders for their dedication and announced her goals for the year.
“I want to deepen our partnerships with local organizations, engage our members in more hands-on volunteer projects, and innovate new fundraising strategies,” she stated. She emphasized fostering unity, collaboration, and joy within the club, urging members to work together to make the world a better place.
Outgoing President IWM Olufunmilola Odeyemi also delivered a valedictory speech, expressing gratitude for the achievements during her tenure.
She recounted the club’s initiatives, including supporting widows, making donations to accident victims, offering scholarships, and aiding motherless babies’ homes. “I give all glory and honor to the Almighty God, who has graciously guided and empowered us,” she said.
Odeyemi thanked her executive team, members, and past district chairpersons for their support and encouraged continued backing for the incoming President. “I pray that the Almighty God will grant them the wisdom and strength to lead the club to even greater heights,” she concluded.
Earlier in his speech, the chairman of the day, former military governor of Ogun and Oyo States, Retired Major General Oladayo Popoola, praised the club’s non-political stance and its focus on humanitarian efforts.
“The Inner Wheel Club has consistently contributed to the betterment of society, especially in empowering women,” he said. “We must continue to invite more women to join in pushing our nation forward.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, highlighted the importance of the club’s work in her remarks. “The Inner Wheel Club’s initiatives have profoundly impacted many lives,” she said. “Their commitment to humanitarian service is exemplary, and I encourage more women to get involved.”
The event also featured inauguration of executive members and awards presentations to notable individuals, including Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, Dr. Saka Balogun, Chief Mrs. Bola Doherty, Prof. Olusola Akande, Alhaji Semiu Adenekan, Dr. Oyetunde Oyegbile, Mr. Olajide Abiola, and Engr. Abiodun Ajisafe, in recognition of their contributions to the community.
