Ijebu Professional Excellence Foundation Holds Annual General Meeting, Elects New Leadership

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Ijebu Professional Excellence Foundation (IPEF) held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 15th May 2025, at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode. The gathering brought together a distinguished assembly of professionals, academics, and community leaders, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to excellence and service.

The meeting was presided over by the outgoing Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Olusegun Mafe, and was attended by prominent figures including Professor Bayo Ninalowo, former Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU); Otunba Dr. Fatai Olukoga, former Special Adviser on Education to the Lagos State Government and retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development; and Engr. Kayode Shote. Captains of industry, heads of professional bodies, members of academia, and representatives of the Ijebu Chambers of Commerce were also in attendance.

In his keynote address, Engr. Mafe chronicled the history of IPEF from its inception in 2009, highlighting its key milestones—most notably, its scholarship initiatives which have supported students pursuing professional careers across various fields.

A highlight of the AGM was the election of a new Executive Committee to steer the affairs of the Foundation. Prince Barrister Jamiu Adio Saka was unanimously elected as Chairman. Other elected members include Otunba Segun Timi (Vice Chairman), Omoniyi Kaka (General Secretary), Dr. Cornelius Onanuga (Assistant General Secretary), Omooba Niyi Adelana (Treasurer), Barr. Adebowale Ojuri (Legal Adviser), Engr. Olusegun Mafe and Otunba Segun Ogunmefun (Ex-Officio Members), and Omooba Tayo Mabeweje (Publicity Secretary/PRO).

In his acceptance remarks, Prince Saka expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, and lauded the stewardship of his predecessor. He pledged to uphold the values of IPEF, assuring that the new leadership would deepen the Foundation’s impact and continue to honour Ijebu professionals who distinguish themselves in their respective fields.

Professor Ninalowo, speaking on behalf of other awardees, reaffirmed their support for the new executive and commended IPEF’s enduring legacy of recognising excellence and empowering the next generation.
Speaking shortly after his election as General Secretary, Omoniyi Kaka said:

“IPEF represents a vision that goes beyond recognition — it is about building a legacy of intellectual capital and community leadership. As General Secretary, I intend to help preserve the spirit of excellence that defines us and ensure that our future engagements reflect the values that built this Foundation.”

The event concluded on a note of renewed purpose, with members reaffirming their collective resolve to advance the Foundation’s mission of promoting professional excellence and fostering development within the Ijebu community.