Lisabi Elite Club Installs Abiodun’s Aide, Farouk Akintunde, as 25th President, Raises N9.3m for Club Bus

  Lisabi Elite Club Installs Abiodun’s Aide, Farouk Akintunde, as 25th President, Raises N9.3m for Club Bus

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

The Lisabi Elite Club, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has inaugurated the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, Hon. Farouq Adeniyi Akintunde, as its 25th President, reaffirming the club’s long-standing commitment to service, unity and humanity.

Akintunde took over the leadership of the prestigious club from the immediate past President, Mr. Charles Lanipekun, during a well-attended inauguration ceremony held at the club’s house in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. He was sworn in alongside other newly elected executive members.

The event attracted members of the club, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, political associates, friends and family members, who gathered to witness what many described as a smooth and historic transition.

In his acceptance speech, Akintunde expressed profound gratitude to members of the club for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as President as a call to service. He pledged to lead with humility, transparency and dedication, while working with his team to deliver an enduring legacy that would positively impact all members.

“I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as your number one servant,” Akintunde said. “I am eternally grateful to God Almighty for sparing our lives to witness this occasion. This transition has been smooth because of the overwhelming support of members in all ramifications.”

The new President assured members that his administration would consolidate on existing programmes and activities, while positioning the Lisabi Elite Club to compete favourably with first-class social clubs in Abeokuta and beyond.

“Our founding fathers established this club on mutual understanding and determination. As members of this great club, we must look inward and decide what our individual membership will add to its growth and development,” he noted.

Akintunde also announced the fulfillment of one of his major campaign promises — the total upgrade of one of the club’s chalets. According to him, the renovated chalet is intended to serve as a model for future interventions by donors.

He disclosed that the facility now boasts a new 6×7 bed with mattress, air conditioner, plasma television, refrigerator, modern water closet and fresh painting.

On infrastructure development, the President made a passionate appeal for support towards the acquisition of a club bus, lamenting that Lisabi Elite Club remains the only major club in Abeokuta without one.

To demonstrate leadership by example, Akintunde announced the establishment of a ₦30 million endowment fund for the bus project and declared an initial donation of ₦5 million from himself and his family. He further revealed that a political ally, Mr. Joshua Sowunmi, had donated ₦1 million to the fund.

Newsangle Online gathered that families and friends of the new President also raised a total of ₦9.3 million during the inauguration as part of the appeal fund for the long-awaited club bus.

To ensure transparency and accountability, Akintunde constituted a standing finance committee chaired by Mr. Abiodun Folorunso, a banker and financial expert, with Mr. Mukandas Adeshina and Mr. Toheeb Somorin as members.

The President also unveiled members of his executive committee, charging them to see their appointments as an opportunity to serve diligently. The officers include Aare Shina Yekini (Secretary), Mr. Alapoti Saheed (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Jimi Adegbesan (Treasurer), Mr. Samson Olutoki (Financial Secretary), Mr. Moses Lijadu (Social Secretary), Deacon Taiwo Odekunle (Chief Whip), Mr. Emmanuel Olutunde (Public Relations Officer), Barrister Femi Adekunle (Legal Adviser), Alhaji Sunkanmi Olowolagba (Internal Auditor), Mr. Yinka Oyelumade (Sports Secretary), Alhaji Adebakin Aramide (Chief House Management Chairman) and Engr. Kayode Adeniji (Project Committee Chairman).

He also announced the appointment of Mr. Kunle Oyesiku as Chairman of the Debt Recovery Committee, while retaining the existing Education Committee.

Akintunde concluded by appreciating his predecessor, Mr. Charles Lanipekun, for his leadership and support, describing him as a source of wisdom and continuity for the new administration. He prayed for a peaceful, productive and prosperous year for all members as the club enters a new phase under his leadership.