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The Ogbomoso First Community Initiative, popularly known as O-First Group, elected a new executive team at its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held yesterday.
The newly elected leaders will oversee the affairs of the prestigious apolitical group for the next two years, with Architect Sakiru Akinola Suara assuming the role of President.
During the AGM which took place at Sir Demola Dare-Williams Hall, LSG Hotel, behind Ola-Oluwa Baptist Church, Alao Akala Memorial Way, Randa Area, Ogbomoso, the immediate past President, Barrister Olusegun Adekunle, ESQ, OON, officially handed over the instruments of office to his successor.
In his farewell speech, Adekunle expressed profound gratitude to God for granting him the grace and opportunity to serve as President for the past four years. He described his tenure as a period of growth, resilience, and transformation, marked by both significant achievements and formidable challenges.
He emphasized that the 2025 AGM was monumental, as it would set the standard for the O-First Group’s future, particularly in a rapidly evolving socio-economic environment. He acknowledged the high expectations from the Ogbomoso monarch, Oba Gandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, and the wider community, stressing that modernization and progressive leadership were now crucial.
Adekunle noted that the AGM coincided with significant religious events, including the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-al-Fitr, as well as the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Despite prevailing economic challenges, he expressed confidence in the Group’s ability to navigate difficulties and surpass expectations through resourcefulness and resilience.
He also thanked the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and all members for their trust and cooperation throughout his tenure.
He highlighted that, despite occasional differences in opinion, their collective dedication steered the group in the right direction, adding that strategic leadership fosters unity rather than division.
Reflecting on his tenure, Adekunle listed several key accomplishments achieved in collaboration with members, including: commissioning of the Òkè Òsùrù facilities, addition of a Skills Acquisition building to the Group’s landed assets at Òkè Òsùrù, construction of an access road to facilitate development in the area, a large-scale healthcare outreach benefiting over 500 individuals in underserved communities, a major empowerment programme supporting over 100 people, provision of accessible water services by installing a fetching point with twice-daily water supply, employment support for at least four staff members to sustain their families, collaboration with the NDLEA to mark the UN Day Against Drugs and support Drug-Free Clubs in higher institutions, sponsorship of 30 indigent students for JAMB registration, facilitation of township road construction and installation of over 20 transformers through a Group member, support for the Federal Polytechnic, Ayédé, with the construction of an administrative building at the Iresapa temporary site, donation of medical equipment to Bowen and LAUTECH Teaching Hospitals post-COVID-19, launch of a radio interactive programme conceptualized as a personal project, which cost approximately ₦11.9 million, personally funded by the outgoing President, continuous support for both the late monarch, Oba Jimoh Oyèwùmí Ajagungbade III, and the incumbent, Oba Gandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III in various developmental stages, participation in the Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival and ongoing preparations for the 2025 Ogbomoso Cradle Festival and many other numerous achievements that cannot be mentioned under his leadership of the group.
He pledged his continued support for the Group, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility for sustained progress. He urged members to collaborate with the new leadership, share ideas, and contribute their time and talents for the Group’s continued success.
In his acceptance speech, Architect Sakiru Akinola Suara, the new elected President thanked members for their trust and confidence in his leadership. He praised the Board of Trustees and the Group’s founders for their commitment to Ogbomoso’s development. He outlined his administration’s focus on key areas, including: strengthening organizational structures to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity,
promoting initiatives that foster unity, cooperation, and progress within the Group and the broader Ogbomoso community, supporting education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programmes, particularly for vulnerable and underprivileged citizens, showcasing Ogbomoso’s rich cultural heritage through arts, festivals, and historical initiatives.
He called on all members to unite in achieving the Group’s shared vision, emphasizing that collective efforts would bring meaningful change to Ogbomosoland
The new executive committee of the O-First Group includes: Architect Sakiru Akinola Suara – President, Mr. Tunde Ige – Vice President, Professor Jide Ajao – General Secretary, Dr. Akanni Segun Ajala – Assistant General Secretary, Òtunba Bayo Egunbiyi – Member Secretary, Mr. Shittu Kabiru Oladimeji – Financial Secretary, Mr. Idowu Oyedapo – Social Secretary, Barrister Foyeke Bolade – Legal Adviser, Engineer Adedamola Dare-Williams – Chief Whip/Welfare Officer
With a new leadership team in place, the O-First Group is poised to continue its mission of community development and social transformation in Ogbomoso.
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