By Divine Sam
The Ibadan Hilltop Lions Club recently held an investiture ceremony to install Lion Ayodeji Oluwaseun Awobusuyi as its 31st president. The event, which also served as a fundraising occasion, took place at The Law Hub in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Lion Ayodeji, a business expert and secretary of Trinity Cold Room, was appointed to lead the club for the coming year. District Governor 404B4, Lion Taiwo Oladayo Fatoki MJF NLCF, represented by 1st Vice District Governor Lion Pharm Adebowale Afolayan MJF NLCF, congratulated the new officers. He urged them to uphold the spirit of Lionism and strive to make a tangible impact in the lives of those in need. He emphasized the importance of fundraising, advocating for the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), and ensuring the club participates in district activities.
The chairman of the occasion, Lion Akeem Adedeji Agbaje, expressed gratitude to the Hilltop members for electing Lion Ayodeji and pledged continued support for the new administration. He also offered to sponsor a borehole project as part of the new president’s initiatives.
Lion Irene Oshinbolu, the chair of the investiture committee, highlighted the significance of the event, acknowledging Lion Ayodeji’s dedication and leadership. Immediate past president, Lion Oluwatoyin Oladapo, reflected on her year in office, noting the club’s successful initiatives such as the library renovation, food and clothing donations, and community outreach programs. She expressed confidence that the new president would continue to build on these successes.
Lion Ayodeji, who began her Lionism journey at Ibadan Polytechnic in 2021-2022, has served the club in various capacities, including as Tail Twister and member of several committees. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her commitment to the continued success of the club, reinforcing the value of teamwork and service to humanity. She thanked the district leadership and club members for their trust and pledged to take the club to new heights.
Other notable speakers included Lion Anogwi Anyanwu PMJF NLCF, who praised the leadership qualities of the new president and the past administration, and Lion Chief David Kehinde Akinwake, who reiterated the importance of supporting humanity through the club’s initiatives, the new president of Akobo integrity lion’s club Lion Esv Toyese Lawal FNIVS, NLCF among others.
The guest lecturer, Rev. Dr. Adenike Victor-Trade, emphasized the role of entrepreneurship in personal and community development. He encouraged the Lions to invest in businesses that would positively impact their families and communities.
The ceremony also saw the induction of new club members and the installation of other officers, including Lion Oluwatoyin Oladapo as adviser, Lion Bisi Sofunde as 1st Vice President, and Lion Elizabeth Ogunro as treasurer. The event was celebrated with speeches, presentations, a cake-cutting ceremony, presentation of awards and continued expressions of support for the new leadership.
