This year's annual retreat of the Signs And Wonders Club International has come and gone but it left members and non-members alike, with lasting memories. It was a retreat like never before, and it has set a new mark for the club and similar ones in Nigeria.
Named Osun 2023, the club which is based in Asaba, had fashioned the program for members and their spouses to work, play and tour historical sites. What came as the icing on the cake was the special recognition by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, that became a major part of the program. Though they have received commendations in the past for their social and community development efforts, the honour of a 2-day reception by the foremost King in Yorubaland, stands out.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
It is not often that many of the social clubs in Nigeria live up to their creed in promoting community development. So, when the Signs and Wonders Club International walks its talk in alleviating the suffering of people in our communities, it naturally attracts attention from far and near. For 2 days last week, November 7 and 8, 2023, the Oba hosted 3 events in Ile-Ife to honour the outstanding organisation.
First was the dinner in the club's honour at the palace last Wednesday, followed by the conferment of traditional titles on three of its outstanding members by the Ooni on Thursday. Lastly, the Royal Father capped the 2-day event with a well-attended banquet at the Ojaja Arena same evening.
Dr. Josephine Anene-Akuakwa, Club President
The Oba was elated that the title recipients are embodiments of the club's vision of uplifting their communities. One of them, Dr. (Mrs) Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, is the Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba. A public-spirited woman, she has headed several social development initiatives in the state. Besides being the President of Signs and Wonders Club, the one-time Vice Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria is Chairperson, Governing Council, Faith Academy, Asaba. She was honored with the title, Yeye Asoju Alatunse of Ife.
The Chief Executive Officer of Chalonic Global Ventures Limited, Chief Nick Eze was installed as the Asoju Agbeluga of Ife while Chief Frank Nwugo was installed the Otun Oba Asoju Atunluse of Ife.
Chief (Dr) Frank Nwugo
Eze who is from Nsude in Udi LGA of Enugu is a renowned businessman and philanthropist who has devoted time and huge amounts of resources for development efforts in his community. He has empowered several youths, women and the less privileged. He has also engaged in several educational and community development projects.
Chief Frank Nwugo, from Delta State, is a man of many parts. A well-educated man with a string of academic degrees, he has attained lofty heights in his various professional callings, in public service, and in politics. He has a rich public service record as the State's former Director-General, Revenue Monitoring Tracking & Audit. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and a licensed Chartered Tax Practitioner, he is also an active member Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the West African Bar Association. Of note is that in spite of his professional callings, he has remained a strong pillar of support for several communities in his area of Delta State.
Chief Nick Nnabuike Eze
The fourth of the title recipients is Mutiu Adepoju. Popularly called 'The Headmaster', Mutiu Adepoju's story is one of inspiration, a testament to the heights one can reach through talent, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to one's craft. In recognition of his attainments, he was honoured with the title of Asoju Amuludun. He stands as a shining example of Nigerian footballing excellence, an icon whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
The traditional chieftaincy awards were the Ooni’s initiative to recognize men and women who have, by dint of hard work, attained top heights in their professions or careers. Also, in a world where the spirit of community often takes the backseat to individual pursuit, the community development award initiated by the Ooni has become a beacon of hope.
Deacon (Engr.) Olanrewaju Adeleke'
The club, led by its energetic President, Dr. Josephine Anene-Okwuaka, also visited historical sites like the Museum in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State and the Erin Ijesha Waterfalls in Osun State. There were also three public lectures delivered by renowned academicians, among them the Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, at the Ileogbo Golf City.
While the lectures provided a forum for academic discourse, the interactive nature afforded the participants the opportunity to interrogate various aspects of the issues discussed. They ranged from politics to the economy and from law to culture. While only a few tee'd off with the likes of former governor Oyinlola at the expansive golf course in Ileogbo, the football competition, moderated by legendary Mutiu Adepoju brought the packed 4-day program to a resounding end. But not after a garden party of assorted delicacies and drinks of varioius brands at the Lanreleke Sports Academy.
The day was so energy-sapping that members were too tired to attend the all-night party earlier promoted at the luxurious Laim Hotel, Oshogbo where members were quartered.
The ‘homecoming’ for the members of Signs and Wonders would not have happened without the facilitation by Engr. Olanrewaju Adeleke, a great son of Osun State and Nigeria. The civil engineer and Chief Executive Officer of PECULIAR Group of companies is a strong believer in community development who is also passionate about human capital development. He is the founder of Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo, a full educational institution that provides scholarships to students and helps to discover and nurture talents in football.
As the 2023 retreat drew to a close with a Thanksgiving church service, Sunday, at the Living Faith Church, Oshogbo, members could recall the earlier admonitions of the Ife monarch. The Ojaja II Merit Award is not just a ceremony, it is a recognition of service. It is a legacy of hope and a call to action for similar associations across the country.
It has started with those who are making remarkable strides in their various communities across Nigeria, of which the members of Signs and Wonders Club International are shining examples. It is expected that it will inspire others to lofty attainments.
PICTURES OF THE EVENT:
Chief Nick Eze, Mutiu Adepoju, Dr. Josephine Anene-Okuakwa and Dr. Frank Nwugo at the installation ceremony
Chief Nick Eze being crowned
Ooni and the new chiefs at the Banquet dinner
The celebrants take to the dancing floor at the banquet dinner
Nsude community chiefs present a painting to the Ooni in appreciation
The Ooni and Olori at the banquet
Ooni with the Anene-Okeakwa family
The Ooni with Chief and Mrs Mutiu Adepoju
Ooni with Chief Frank Nwugo and family
Ooni with Chief Nick Eze and wife
Members at the Ikogosi Warm Springs
At the Erin Ijesha Waterfalls
The men's football teams