-As Youth, Ladies Christian Guilds Celebrate 30th, 26th Anniversary
The Youth Christian Guild of the United African Methodist Church Cathedral (UAMCC), Igbogbo Circuit, Lagos Diocese, on Sunday embarked on a new chapter as Olugbenga George Oduniyi takes over the leadership of association from Prince Olugbenga Ogunlewe.
The induction ceremony took place during the special 30th and 26th anniversary thanksgiving service of Youth Christian Guild and Ladies Christian Guild respectively. The handing over of paraphernalia of the Office of the President of the Guild was done during the anniversary reception at the Shokis Hotel, Igbogbo.
His Grace, Most Revd., M. J. Toying, Archbishop, Diocese of Lagos, presided over the service.
Oduniyi is a senior staff of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), former President Igbogbo Youth Coalition (now Igbogbo Youth Forum); and the Chairman, Achievers’ Crew, a community -based, political and progressive platform. He served the out gone President as Vice President for many years,
The newly elected executives that will work with the new President are Chief Adebanjo Okunade – Vice President; Bro Femi Oremeru – General Secretary; Bro Wale Adeniji – Asst Secretary; Bro Olabode Oyesanya – Treasurer; Bro Segun Mustapha – Financial Secretary; Bro Doyin Eyikogbe – Welfare Director; Bro Adeyemi Oshodi – PRO; Bro Olalekan Sodiq – Social Director; Prince Olugbenga Ogunlewe Ex – official 1 and Bro Femi Dankuwo – Ex – Officio 2
In his acceptance speech after being decorated by his predecessor, Bro Oduniyi, described his emergence as the Lord’s doing while stating that his service and dedication to the Guild for three decades prepared him for the position of leadership.
“With a heart full of profound gratitude, deep humility and total submission to the will of God, I, Olugbenga George Oduniyi, stand before you today as the President of the Youth Christian Guild, to accept formally the mantle of leadership you have graciously entrusted to me for the next four years.”
“This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes. For over three decades, by His grace, I have served this noble Society without blemish, upholding the tenets of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, you have crowned those years of faithful service with this great honour. I do not take it for granted.”
The new Youth Christian Guild executive furthered,
“This is not mine alone; it is for all of us. It is for loyalty, for unity and for progress.”
He expressed his appreciation to the Electoral Committee; his predecessor, Chief (Engr.) Olugbenga Ogunlewe and his Executive team, and the entire Youth Christian Guild Family and assured them that he would not let them down.
He pledged that his administration will key into the prophetic postulation of a Reverend of the Church that referred to the Guild as “Unstoppable Generation”.
Oduniyi called for unity among members of the Youth and Ladies Guild, citing Bible passages to emphasise the importance of collectiveness and togetherness.
“We cannot be unstoppable if we are divided. Togetherness is our strength.”
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
Stressing that the Guild will be truly “Unstoppable” if members work in unity and in one purpose, the newly sworn in president also cited Isaiah 60:22: “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.”
Unveiling his administration’s agenda, Oduniyi listed Evangelism: Soul winning and revival for Christ and the Church at large; Togetherness: Total unity, peace and reconciliation. One accord, one voice; Welfare: Lifting our members through welfare support, empowerment and job/business linkage and Growth: Rebranding, membership drive and a legacy project, as its focus.
He pledged to the members of the Guild, “I am ready to serve. With God and with you all standing with me, we shall succeed.”
The out gone President, Engr. Olugbenga Ogunlewe in his valedictory speech, said that the end of his tenure and the beginning of a new chapter for the Guild is a memorable moment and a day of reflection.
“Today is indeed a very special and memorable occasion. It is a day of celebration, thanksgiving, reflection, and transition.”
“We are gathered not only to mark my formal exit from office as President of the Youth Christian Guild, but also to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 30 years of existence, growth, service, and fellowship of YCG in UAMC Igbogbo.”
“Thirty years as a period of time is not a small achievement.
It represents three decades of faith, commitment, sacrifice, fellowship, service, leadership, and dedication by generations of young men and women who have passed through this great society,” he said.
He emphasised that the vision which birthed the Guild three decades ago, has been sustained because successive generations have embraced the responsibility of sustaining it.
“Today, we benefit from the sacrifices of those who came before us.
We therefore owe a debt of gratitude to the founding members, past executives, past presidents, church leaders, and every member who, at one point or another, contributed to YCG Igbogbo’s development,” he charged.
While at the same time he appreciated past presidents and the entire members for their support throughout his administration, and also stated achievements during the period.
“As an administration, we focused on strengthening fellowship, participation, accountability, youth development and the overall visibility and relevance of YCG within the Church.”
“We encouraged members to take ownership of the society rather than leaving everything to the executive.”
“We promoted greater participation in meetings and activities and encouraged members to contribute meaningfully to the Church’s growth.”
He added, “We also encouraged members to fulfill their financial obligations, including monthly dues and anniversary contributions, because a society cannot achieve its objectives without responsible financial commitment from its members.”
Among eminent personalities that graced the anniversary were Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA; Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service and a Grand Patron of the Guild among other honoured guests.
