...Iganmode Club Ota has fostered lasting friendships among members, promoting distinguished and healthy character traits for future generations
President of Iganmode Club Ota, Ogun State, Chief Jide Ojuko, on Tuesday revealed a series of activities celebrating the club’s golden jubilee anniversary. During a press conference held at the club’s multipurpose hall within their secretariat in Ota, he outlined the carefully curated events that will commemorate the club’s 50-year history, beginning from its establishment in 1975 by its founding fathers.
“From January 7th to January 19th, 2025, the ancient city of Ota will come to life as we honor our rich collective heritage, pay tribute to our Founding Fathers, and highlight the hospitality and legacy of the Awori people throughout these remarkable five decades,” Ojuko announced at the conference.
Speaking about the club’s history, Chief Ojuko shared how a group of dedicated young men from the Ota community made significant sacrifices to establish the club. He recounted, “The name ‘Iganmode Club Ota’ was proposed and unanimously adopted by eighteen visionary minds, reflecting our commitment to community progress.” He emphasized that, thanks to divine providence, the club is now celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year.
As the Sobaloju of Ota and a former commissioner across various ministries, Ojuko highlighted the club’s enduring contributions to society. He noted that it has fostered lasting friendships among members, promoting distinguished and healthy character traits for future generations.
Ojuko also highlighted the club’s humanitarian efforts and its impact on community development. Key initiatives include:
- In 1978, a block of four toilets was donated to Ota District Council School, Sango-Ota.
- In 1995, a block of three classrooms was contributed to Iganmode Grammar School, Ota.
- In 2014, it provided a borehole to Ijamido City Hall.
- Offering scholarships to underprivileged students at various times.
- Making occasional donations to General Hospital, Onipanu-Ota.
- Most recently, donating two plots of land for the construction of a Vocational & Skill Acquisition Center for the Ota community.
- Additionally, Ojuko, who bears the title Afobaje Ijaiye-Ojokoro in Lagos, stated that the club remains committed to promoting and safeguarding the Royal Institution in Ota and its surroundings. Educational excellence is a priority for this notable socio-cultural organization.
In recognition of outstanding academic achievements, Iganmode Club Ota hosted three notable secondary schools on February 5, 2017, in honor of their performances in the 2016 edition of the Annual National Mathematics Cowbellpedia Competition. The participating schools were The Ambassadors College, Ota; Ota Total Academy; and Scholars Universal Secondary Schools, Ota. The Ambassadors College ultimately produced the overall winner of the competition.
Reflecting on the cultural significance of the club, Ojuko emphasized the origins of the Iganmode Cultural Festival—an event initiated by Iganmode Club Ota. In 1992, during the reign of Oba Timothy Talabi Dada, the idea of an annual gathering for indigenous Ota sons and daughters was conceived and celebrated as “Iganmode Day,” now known as “ODUN ỌMỌ IGANMODE.”
For the two-week-long golden jubilee celebrations, Chief Ojuko outlined several activities designed to engage, inspire, and connect participants of all ages:
- Day 1 (Jan 7, 2025): Press conference at the Iganmode Club hall.
- Day 2 (Jan 12, 2025): Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club.
- Day 3 (Jan 13, 2025): Royal visit to the Olota of Ota, followed by charity visits to an orphanage and the General Hospital.
- Day 4 (Jan 14, 2025): Public lecture from 10:00 a.m. on “Developing Ota into a Metropolitan City: The Challenges, Prospects, and Advantages,” featuring an interactive session with expert panelists.
- Day 5 (Jan 17, 2025): Jumat Thanksgiving Service at Ota Community Central Mosque.
- Day 6 (Jan 18, 2025): Grand Finale at the Clubhouse.
- Day 7 (Jan 19, 2025): Church Thanksgiving Service at Praise Baptist Church, Sango-Ota.
As the club eagerly anticipates this monumental anniversary, President Ojuko expressed sincere gratitude to sponsors, community leaders, planning committee members, esteemed elders, and all club members, particularly the youth. “We appreciate your commitment to preserving our heritage and inspiring future generations,” he remarked.
The club president extended an open invitation to the public, stating, “On behalf of the entire membership of Iganmode Club Ota, I warmly welcome everyone to join in this Golden Anniversary of our dear Club. Let us come together in the spirit of unity and progress and celebrate the beauty of our culture in the heart of Ota,” he said.
Other members present at the club’s press conference for their 50th anniversary include Mr Bunmi Omoroga, the Vice President; the Seriki of Oruba-Ota, Oloye Lai Deinde, club’s General Secretary; Alhaji Taofik Akinde, the club’s Treasurer;
Alhaji Kamoru Ogungbayi, club’s Social Director and Mr Akeem Akinbo, club’s Chief Whip.
Iganmode Club Ota was founded on 14th January 1975. The Club has produced highly placed individuals in the society, both dead and alive, and still waxing stronger, while the Club’s Royal Patron is the Ọlọta of the Paramount and Ancient Ọta Kingdom, Àwórì land.
From a humble beginning, the Club has weathered the storm to get to its present stage of 50 years of an unblemished journey.
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