By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka
Yoruba Community Council, Abuja chapter, has elected its executives members that will see to the need and welfare of the Yoruba living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after an election held at the Calisto Garden, Area 2, Garki, on Saturday.
A member of the council of 15 years, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, has emerged the elected president of the association.
Chairman of the electoral committee, Hon. Tunde Suarau, urged the newly elected officials to stick together as a bunch of broom which cannot be broken and work together as a team.
He further enjoined them to work with the various heads of Yoruba communities across the Federal Capital Territory for the success of the association.
Speaking after the poll, Ajayi, said, the election was held to usher in the new executives for Yoruba Community Council, FCT chapter while expressing gratitude to the members for looking inward and not let the practice of the past continue.
According to him, the council has been trying to see how an in-house man who knows exactly what the problem of the community is and can actually lead the community.
“Before now we have been having many people coming from outside working for themselves as individual against the interest of the community but today I want to appreciate my people and thank God for this time we are able to pick from within. Ajayi also reiterated the need for cooperation among members.
“The important thing first is to work for the unity and cooperation of all members of the Yoruba community in FCT because the interests of those that have led the community before now has resulted to the community splitting into various groups. So, by the time we work as one we would be able to at least get what we want as a group in Abuja.”
He urged other members of the community to work efficiently within their strength and connection to see to the growth of the people and achieve the set goals during their tenure.
Speaking on behalf of the FCT council of Obas, HRH, Oba Musbaudeen Adekan Olanrenwaju, expressed the Obas’ support.
He added: “This is the first time the Yoruba community council will unite together. These executives are well elected and we know they will perform to expectation. We have no grievance against them. We are happy and we are (all the Obas in FCT) in full support.”
Stating her agenda for the Yoruba women of FCT, the elected women leader, Evang Abigeal Omotayo, said: “My aim is to carry all the women along so that we cannot be cheated and then to expose us to the government, organise and also make us to be part of National Women Council so that we can collect whatever belong to women.”
Other elected officials of the Yoruba Community Council included: Bamidele Isaac Olanrewaju and Mr. Abubakar Garba (vice presidents); chief Oluremi Obisesan Nurudeen (general secretary); Rashidat Bello (assistant secretary); Mrs. Adeoye Abigail Omotayo (women leader); Olatunbosun Babalola (PRO); Chief Mrs. Adebisi Kuti (treasure); Mr. Olagunju Oluwatoyin (finance secretary); Segun Anipupo (youth leader); Bolomope Sodiq (chief whip); Ibitoye Oladokun (legal adviser); Sebastin Olajide Babalola (organising secretary; Ojo Abiodun Olusola (welfare secretary); and Ogungbuyi Quadri Sekundayo (auditor).
According to chairman of the electoral committee, Hon. Tunde Suarau, date of the inauguration would be announced later.
