By Law Ibitoye
A group of accomplished sons of Ilupeju Ekiti has inaugurated the Eso’ruta Dynamic Club, a socio- developmental organization aimed at supporting community leaders and contributing to the growth and development of the town.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on June 12 in Ilupeju Ekiti, the Acting President of the club, Eso Bakare Babatunde Oseni, said the vision of the club was to complement the efforts of community leaders in building, mentoring and securing a brighter future for the younger generation and unborn children.
Oseni noted that the club was established at a crucial time, stressing that community leaders had borne the burden of development responsibilities for decades. He said the club would serve as a support platform to assist in advancing the development of Ilupeju Ekiti.
He commended the developmental efforts of notable community leaders, including the National President of the Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Elder Banji Ogungbe, Chief Esan Ogunleye, Arc. Dipo Ajayi, Chief Dr. Femi Babalola, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, Chief Tola Gbuyiro, Oska Seyi Aiyeleso and Hon. Sunday Adunmo, describing their contributions as worthy of appreciation.
The acting president also advocated the rebranding of the annual Ilupeju Day celebration to “Ojude Apeju,” saying the proposed name would further promote unity and strengthen the cultural identity of the community.
As part of activities marking the inauguration, the club decorated Hon. Sunday Adunmo, the Ekiti State RAMP Coordinator; Engineer (Chief) Tola Gbuyiro; and Chief Dr. Femi Babalola, represented by High Chief Bakare Nurudeen, the Oluare of Ilupeju Ekiti, as patrons of the club. Similarly, Eyesorun Tolulope Morenike Oniyelu, Chief Mrs. Folake Ogunleye (Eyetu of Ilupeju Ekiti), and Lady Mrs. Alaba Ajayi were decorated as matrons.
In his remarks, Hon. Sunday Adunmo applauded the members for their commitment to community development and urged them to remain united and focused on their objectives. He advised the leadership to carry all members along, place God at the centre of their activities, and avoid actions capable of creating division within the club.
Chief Tola Gbuyiro described the emergence of the club as inspiring, noting that its name reflected the resilience and strength of Ilupeju Ekiti. He encouraged members to make the club a platform for innovative ideas and progress, while pledging support for initiatives that would promote excellence and community development.
Responding to requests made by the club, Engr Gbuyiro assured members that he would convey their proposals to the leadership of the Ilupeju Development Association, while urging them to contribute meaningful ideas toward making the proposed Ojude Apeju celebration a success.
Also speaking, retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sola Ogunmiluyi, commended the club for initiating a sustainability-driven platform and encouraged members to remain active participants in IDA activities wherever they reside.
Earlier, the Obanla of Ilupeju Ekiti, His Highness Sunday Olukayode Ogunsola, offered prayers for the success and longevity of the association.
Dignitaries present at the event included Retired Permanent Secretary, Barrister Deji AJiboye, the Managing Director of Omiye Microfinance Bank, Mr. Gbenga Adegun; the MD/ CEO of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, Mr Oska Seyi Aiyeleso; the CEO/ Chairman 101 Resort, Mr. Tolulope Ibi-Oluwatoba; High Chief Bakare Nurudeen, the Oluare of Ilupeju Ekiti; and the Olugbosun of Ilupeju Ekiti, chief Imam, Ilupeju Ekiti, Alhaji Kuranga, among others.
The 17-member club comprises professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse fields who share a common passion for the advancement of Ilupeju Ekiti and the welfare of its people.