......Honours members with awards and Chieftaincy Titles

By: Temitope OYEKAN

The Blessed Bomode Oku Society, Iperu Remo, Ogun State, a foremost socio-cultural age-grade group, has celebrated its 60th anniversary on

Saturday, 31st May, 2025.

The event featured the commissioning of the BBOS Secretariat/Multipurpose Hall,  installation of chiefs and presentation of awards of honour to deserving members. 

The society founded in 1964, has a membership strength of over 100, both at home and in the diaspora, who are all doing well in their chosen professions. Among them are successful business owners and top civil servants who have attained the peak of their career in both the state and federal civil services, including the first female Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN, who retired few months ago after an unblemished career and her meritorious service to the country.

The Secretary and Giwa of the society, Prince Stephen Oluwole ADEKALU, while reading its  profile, stated that it was founded by the parents of the incumbent President and Lady President, Tajudeen AMUSA, and Fausat ADESUYI, with the aim of fostering unity, support and community development.

The society according to ADEKALU, was originally named as Egbe Bomode Oku ti ile Taju ati Fausa, but was changed to Blessed Bomode Oku forty years ago to create a unique identity.

Officers of the society who were presented with awards of honour are the President, Mr. Tajudeen AMUSA include the Lady Secretary, Alhaja Sadiat Lola ADESINA; Treasurer, Mr. Ganiu AKADIRI; Asiwaju Egbe, Prince Larry Muse GBADEBO; Asiwaju Obinrin, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat MADEIN; and the Iyalaje Egbe, Dr. Pero Ajoke SOFOWORA.

Some notable members were honoured with chieftaincy titles for their contributions towards development of the society and the community in general, among whom were Mrs. Kuburat AMUSA (Amereya Egbe); Mrs Taobat FOLORUNSHO (Fiwajoye Egbe); Mrs Moriamo OYENUGA (Alatunse Egbe); Chief Nosiru OGUNTUYO.(Seriki Egbe); Mrs Taiwo OREDIPE AKADIRI (Balogun-Obinrin); Mr Olalekan SOTOMIDE (Majeobaje Egbe); Alhaja Sadiat Lola ADESINA (Ìyálóde Egbe); Alhaji (Balogun Egbe).

Others were Mr. Ganiu AKADIRI (Mayegun Egbe); Prince Adebayo KALEJAIYE EWENLA (Babalaje Egbe); Mr Kayode Adebayo (Mayode Egbe); Mr Okanlawon FADERO (Fiwajoye Egbe); Alhaji Waheed JIMOH (Alatunse Egbe) and Mrs Risikat OGUNLAJA (Yeye-Oge Egbe).

The apala crooner, Musiliu Haruna ISHOLA-BELLO performed to the admiration of members and invited guests.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion are Barr. Olusola IDOWU, SAN, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Iperu Akesan Development Association; Chairman for the Day; Otunba Olakole OLATUNJI, Asoju Oba of Iperu Akesanland, Special Guest of Honouŕ; and Chief (Mrs.) Dame Adesola Oluyinka ADEBUTU, Iyaloja General, Ikenne Local Government, as Mother of the Day.

The event also had in attendance, the President, Iperu Development Association, Otunba Taiwo OYEBANJO; and the Aro of Iperu Akesanland, Oloye Jide SOSAN.

Earlier in the day, the Chairman for the event, Barr. Olusola IDOWU, SAN, joined by other important dignitaries and members of the society had cut the tape to formally commission the BBOS Secretariat/Multipurpose Hall.

Speaking at the event, the legal luminary hailed the age-group's commitment to using culture and age-long held tradition to enhancing the socio-economic development of Iperu-Remo community. I affirmed that one other salient lesson to learn from the group is that the strength to be a country lies in togetherness.

"It is so uncommon to have a group like this that had been together for 60 years. It comprises of professionals, like the immediate past and the first female Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Madein.

"We equally have among them the artisans like bricklayers, carpenters, successful traders, among others and they have all been together for 60 years without any recourse.

"The lesson for us even as a nation and society is to cherish our diversity in unity because there is a lot of positivity in unity, and in this we can achieve a lot just like this age-group. 

"This group having stayed together for 60 years has been able to achieve this magnificent hall, which may even be the first of its kind in Remo land. So we can do a lot more in togetherness and this is the lesson for us all to take away from this event," IDOWU said.

While congratulating the society, IDOWU urged them not to rest on their oars, but to rather build on their past success and continue to add value to the nation's development.

Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin  MADEIN, the Asiwaju Obinrin, emphasised the need for people to always identify with their roots as it encourages bonding and opportunities to also impact on one's immediate environment and community.

She said that the society which comprises of people born between 1964 and 1965 will continue to rally support for one another and champion other initiatives that will further aid the socio-economic development of the community.

The President of the group, Mr Tajudeen AMUSA said that the age-grade group was actually set up for them by their mothers for the children that were born between 1964 and 1965 and that they later took over the running of the age grade having reached adulthood.

He pledged that the group will continue to prioritise unity, togetherness and above all, selfless service that can uplift their communities.

The week-long event commenced with a special prayer held.on Thursday by Muslim Clerics, followed by a Special Parade of members on Friday, 30th May, 2025; while the diamond anniversary celebration was rounded off on Sunday, 1st June, with a Thanksgiving Service  held at the St. Paul's African (Bethel) Church, Iperu Remo.