American-based Ikaram Organization Donates N2million For Renovation Of Community Town Hall

••• Elects New Officers

Ikaram Progressive Union (USA), branch has elected new officers in compliance with the association constitution and bylaws.

In its well attended virtual meeting by Zoom on Sunday, July 30, 2023, the National President of the Organization, Chief (Dr) Odomode Adeyemi Opemipo LaCrown, was available to swear in the new officers.

The National President of Ikaram Progressive Union, worldwide, Chief Odomode Adeyemi Opemipo LaCrown while charging the new officers to be worthy ambassadors of the town, further admonished them to strive and make sure Ikaram in diaspora work together to help those in the continental Africa in whatever measure possible.

The new officers include David Oladimeji (Chairman), Olusegun Olusuyi (Vice Chairman), Olaniyi Fred Sanni (Treasurer), Olayinka Daniel Ikolo (Secretary), Yeyeluwa Lola Ajayi (Financial Secretary) and Omoba Fatai Adesina (Welfare).

Giving his remarks, the outgoing Chairman, Chief Ebenezer Sanni-Osomo while describing the election of New Officers as another milestone achievement, said since the birth of the local, but international organization – IPU USA branch in 2016, a lot has been achieved.

“In 2016 to be precise, a group of concerned indigenes of Ikaram came together to start a branch of IPU, named IPU USA BRANCH.
Within some months of our establishment, our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty Oba Andrew Olamoyi Momodu, the Osona1, The Akala of Ikaram visited America. Kabiyesi was invited to the meeting that month, and we were able to receive his Royal Blessing for the newly formed branch via the teleconference”

“Due to the extensiveness of where we sojourn, it becomes imperatively difficult, if not impossible, to conjugate in a place monthly for our meeting. Hence, the teleconference call meeting was put in place. Initially, around 30 to 40 men and women showed interest. But as time went by, our tale turned to the parable of the Sower in the Bible. Those who are versed in the Bible will understand me better. At the time of this short epistle, we only had between fourteen and sixteen members who are actively committed and dedicated as members of IPU USA Branch”

“After the pandemic, we had thought we would not be able to meet following our first face2face meeting in Chicago in 2019, and we tagged it Ikaram Summit. However, with the anticipation and visionary ability of our able Secretary, Chief Adeyemi Opemipo LaCrown, Cloud Zoom conference meeting was introduced and adopted. IPU USA started having its meeting via Zoom. At the Chicago Summit, several of us were able to meet each other for the first time. We were also happy that the glorious occasion was graced by the presence of our Royal Father, Oba A. O. Momodu, Osona1 [Navy Commodore Rtd.[ The Akala of Ikaram, and our Olori, Prof. Gloria Awa Momodu. This occasion, face to face meeting, will continue to remain fresh in the minds of members who witnessed the summit”.

“Since the establishment of our branch, we have been able to respond to calls and the needs of our community at home, which included and, not limited to the following; Provision of funds for the fencing of our Health Center in Ikaram either individually or collectively as a branch of IPU, Supply of much needed PPE materials during Covid-19 pandemics.

“Palliatives in terms of food in the town to answer for food shortage as a result of the pandemic, Assistance in the renovation of the Town Hall, both by individual members and the branch as a body, Our recent donation of N2.5 million naira for the installation of windows for the town hall was a big undertaken project by IPU USA Branch”

“Our under prop to the IPU National could never be over emphasized, as undoubtedly, IPU USA Branch’s name will remain indelible in the history of this Town Hall”, he added just as he used the occasion to thank Kabiyesi and his Olori.

In his charge to the newly sworn in officers, Chief Sanni-Osomo urged them to continue to raise the flag high stressing that much still needs to be rendered in the development and progress of Ikaram land.

While particularly congratulating them and wishing them a very successful, pleasant, enjoyable, and amicable tenure, he prayed God’s blessing and wisdom to excel for the new team.

On some challenges faced along the line, Chief Sanni-Osomo expressed deep regrets about the devastating death of a very prominent pioneer member of the Branch, late Pastor David Oloruntoba just as he acknowledged the supports enjoyed from members of his cabinet.

“Comrade, I thank you with much enthusiasm for the trust and confidence reposed in me to paddle the canoe for years and serve as the Chairman. My special thanks to my honorable secretary, Dr. Chief Odomode Opemipo Adeyemi Oloruntoba JP, my Assistant Secretary,Mr. Olayinka Ikolo, my Financial Secretary, Omoba Fatai Adesina, and my Treasurer, Mr. Fred Niyi Sanni. I really appreciate you all for your relentless approach and services to keep our branch moving forward. I tilt my cap for your remorseless sacrifices and efforts”.

“Anina, I want you to know that I’m only stepping down as your chairman for our branch, but I promise to be part and parcel of you. I love IPU USA so much like a baby, and I have planted IPU in general in my heart. Therefore, if allowed to grow, the harvest will surely be ours”.

Also using the opportunity to identify some issues that needs redressing, Chief Sanni-Osomo charged fellow comrades to be punctual for meetings and to meet their financial obligation to the Ikaram community.