By Precious Oluwole

It was carnival like on Tuesday as Skylight Club, Oba Ile, a non-political, non-religious and socio-cultural oasis, held its annual family party.

In his welcome address, the outgoing President of Skylight Club, Chief Skyy Tayo Omodara opined that the Skylight Club, Oba Ile, is not just an association, it is a living testament to the heartbeats of a vibrant community.

According to him, Skylight Club is devoted to propelling the essence of Oba Ile, its cherished heritage, and the souls that inhabit it. “We have danced hand in hand with the positive growth of our members, the spirited Oba-Ile Youths, and the entire community”.

He stressed that the family party is a day of grace acknowledgment, a familial feast, and certainly, a gathering of well-wishers.

He added that the Club, since it’s inception in 1981 has been a maestro, orchestrating beautiful projects in Oba Ile, from social symphonies to educational tapestries, cultural murals, and physical marvels.

“Dear guests, let’s bask in the joy of the creation of the Igba Otun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), headquartered in Oba Ile.

He appreciated Governor Akeredolu for breathing life into this commendable development. He also applauded the Oloba Oodaye of Oba Ile, and all sons and daughters near and far.

“To all traditional rulers, spiritual guides, and residents of the new IGBA OTUN LCDA, our hearts beat in unison—congratulations! Let’s dance together to the rhythm of progress and development.

“As I weave the final notes of this symphony, my heart swells with gratitude for the incredible members of this noble club. Eight successive years of shared dreams, and today’s success is a song sung by your unwavering support”.

While congratulating the new executives of the Club, the outgoing President charges them on unity, transparency and dedication.

The chairman of the Occasion, the Bobagunwa of Ilara Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Adeleke Adedipe, in his address congratulated the out gone Presidents for his successful tenure as well as the new executives.

He urged the outgone President not to leave the new executives and give them directives where and when necessary. He also urged the new executives not to leave anybody out in their administration and make the progress of the club their priority.

The new President of the Club, Chief Adedipe Damilola IIeowo who gave his acceptance speech pledged continuity, provide quality leadership and also, carry every members along in his administration.

Ileowo, however, solicited for support and coorperation from members of the club, as well as his executives for the progress of Skylight Club.

The personalities awarded at the family party includes Dr Tolulola Bayode, founder, Dorian Home with award of Humanitarian Leadership Award, Mr. Tunde Adedayo, Chairman, CEO, Sunview Hotel, Akure, with the Skylight Hospitality Excellence Award, Mr. Adeolu Rotimi Williams Chairman, CEO, Mariston Hotel and Suites, Proprietor, Wexford College, Oba Ile, with the award of Skylight Hospitality Excellence Award.

Others are Comrade Bola Taiwo, State President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ondo State Chapter, with the award of Skylight Leadership Excellence Award, Oba Ile Club, USA, with the award of Skylight Community Development Award, Mrs. Esther Aina Aladesay, a veteran cultural and traditional musician, with the award of Skylight Ambassador of Culture, Mr. Olalekan Fabilola with the award of Skylight Role Model Award and Mrs. Olanike Ogunbodede, a veteran Ace Broadcaster and Master of Ceremony, with the award of Skylight Role Model Award.

Responding on behalf of other awardees, Dr Tolulola appreciated Skylight Club for their recognition, stressing that the award would encourage them to do more in their selfless activities.

In attendance were; the Oloba Oodaye of Oba Ile, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, the Adapogun of Ipogun, Oba Rapheal, Oluwadare Ojo, Bishop of Owo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ayodeji Fagbemi, Former Ondo State Head of Service, Mrs Kosemani Kolawole, among other prominent personalities.

The event which was held at St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, Oba Ile also featured inauguration of new executives and fund raising.