By Owoleye Oluwakayode
The Owner Management Programme (OMP21) of the Lagos Business School has appointed Engr. Festus Akinpelu as its 3rd President with the inauguration which took place on Friday, 15 October 2021. The event marked the beginning of a new era for alumni OMP of the Lagos Business School, OMP21.
During the official swearing-in which took place at Lekki Lagos, Barrister Folarin administered the oath of office to President Engr. Festus Akinpelu, Vice President elect, Mr Abayomi Olagundoye and Secretary elect, Mr Gbolahan Adenuga respectfully.
The outgoing secretary, Mr Jide expressed his gratitude towards the members of the group for their support during their tenure.
He also failed not to mention the projects and programmes executed during their tenure, and admonished the new excos to be up and doing in their activities.
One of the highlight of that ceremony was the dissolution of the formal exco which was moved by Hon. Rotomi Abiru and other two members.
Representative of Alumni OMP, Lagos Business School, Mrs Solape Osisanya commended class of OMP21 set for their steadfastness and doggedness.
She showered encomiums on the outgoing excos and urged the incoming executives to continue to remain true to its legacy as a group that exists to champion the cause of greater heights and to ensured that the objectives and sense of purpose will be upheld by them at all times.
During his inaugural speech, President elect, Engr. Festus Akinpelu expressed his delight to be elected as the 3rd president of OMP21.
He further appreciated his fellow business leaders of OMP21 for their confidence in his ability to lead them which they have expressly proclaimed through election as the 3rd president of the set. Therefore, he considered his election as a call to duty.
Akinpelu stated that the day is a remarkable one for OMP21 to come together with the aim to championing their belief as Alumni OMP, Lagos Business School and that they were fully aware there was a need for them to come together to save their group now.
He said, “The economic space is shrinking and businesses are facing greater threats; and the business sector is not insulated from developments in the global economic space.
“It, therefore, behooves on us to respond quickly to the changing dynamics of the market space so that they do not go extinct in the face of the global pressures on our businesses. Indeed there is no better time than now to strengthen the group inter personal relations.”
He stated that the leadership is all about shared vision and responsibility and he wants to assure OMP21 set that during his tenure, he intends to build on the achievements of their predecessors in office because they are aware of the fact that the assignment is daunting, therefore, he called on all his colleagues to join him to reflect on their past, critically assess the present and look forward to the future with greater hope and enthusiasm.
He harped on the acknowledgement and commendment of the immediate past president under the leadership of Mrs. Bukola.
“Every leader is born for his own time and it is my opinion that our association at this time will benefit a lot from the openness to dialogue with each other at all time.
“This is in line with the theme of my tenure and therefore I will not hesitate to encourage our members to participate actively as they have done since the inauguration of the Committee.”
Akinpelu further acknowledged the contributions of the very first President, Mr Tosin Omayajowo and his exco members “whose far-sightedness and courage have ensured that we stand here today.”
“The strong foundation they have laid has given them the privilege to build on their successes.”
He stated that, “The OMP21 has and will continue to remain true to its legacy as an group that exists to champion the cause of greater heights and we will ensure that the objectives and sense of purpose will be upheld by us at all times.”
Another high point of the event was the presentation of certificates to newly executives by Barrister Folarin. The newly elected executives were President elect, Engr. Festus Akinpelu, Vice President elect, Mr Abayomi Olagundoye and Secretary elect, Mr Gbolahan Adenuga. Guests were later entertained.