Honour to whom honour is due.
“Render therefore to all their dues: a tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” (Romans 13 vs 7)
The above bible quote instructs that we always give all due honour, respect, tribute and reverence, especially to those in Higher Authority and our Leaders in all spheres of human endeavour.
In this scenario, the Bible passage resonated with High Chief Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola ficp, The Arobayo of Epe Land, Lagos, Nigeria and President of Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN) who doubles as the President of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Africa, who is being given his due respect accordingly. He was celebrated and honoured by his people in his home state of Lagos, Nigeria on the occasion of a Grand Reception, Dinner & Awards organised by the Lagos State Cooperative Federation (LASCOFED) Ltd. on the 12th day of May 2022 at the LASCOFED Multipurpose Hall, Ogba-Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The evening was a night of royalty, glitz and glams as VIP Guests, Cooperative Leaders & Elders, Families and Friends of the celebrant arrived at the beautifully adorned venue of the event.
The event started after the grand entry of the Celebrant with his amiable wife into the venue where many were already waiting for his arrival the hall was full of elated cooperators, and the celebrant entering too, so full of joy and happiness, smiling, greeted all, recognising everyone and move to the special seat of honour prepared for him
The Master of Ceremony of the day, in the person of MC Aboki Jesu, commenced powerfully the programme with some light funny jokes cracking guests’ ribs at intervals throughout the event.
To start, someone was called to give us the opening prayers after which some recognitions of VIPs and Guests were made.
The Welcome Address was made by the President of LASCOFED. Barr. Shobule the host organiser, who rendered a thought-provoking address and speak greatly about the leadership qualities of the celebrant and why he deserved to be honoured and celebrated being a proud son of the soil and a Great Leader of Leaders.
Next was the Brief Profile citation of the celebrant that was projected for all to view on the screen. After the profile citation, Goodwill Messages were delivered by various representatives of the following institutions and organisations;
1. Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MCIC)
2. LASCOFED Staff,
3. Odua Coop. Conglomerate/CFN Regional Council
4. LASCOFED Elders Council
5. CFN
6. LASCOFED Board/PIC
7. Celebrant Family & Friends
Each speaker touched on the leadership virtue and character of the celebrant and all praised him in high esteem for his good works and philanthropical deeds.
In recognition of all the celebrant achievements and milestones attained within the Cooperative Movement in the last decade and a half starting from being the President of Primary Societies (Epe NUT CMS Ltd. & Alaro Standing Order CMS Ltd.) to President of a Secondary Union (Epe Multipurpose Cooperative Union Ltd.) to be President of Tertiary/Apex organisations in the State and Country (LASCOFED & CFN) and now President of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Africa and by extension Vice President at the ICA Global. He was the first Nigerian to attain such a feat and was honoured with an award as a rare “SUPERSTAR OF THE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT” and many other tangible gifts were given to honour and celebrate High Chief Ayeola that night.
The celebrant in his acceptance speech was so elated by the grand reception organised in his honour and prayed for all that has supported his dream and vision in life, especially his late brother and also specially thank everyone seated at the venue who came to rejoice with him and appreciated all cooperators, the MCIC, LASCOFED Board/PIC/Elders and CFN Board in attendance.
The Vote of thanks was delivered by the Chairman, Planning Committee of the event after which VIPs, Guests and Cooperators, in general, were treated well to a satisfying delicious meals as many eat, drink and went home with packaged takeaways, gifts, and souvenirs from the Host – LASCOFED and families of the celebrant.
It was indeed a night of honour and celebrations for a well-deserved Cooperator of repute and Great Leader of Leaders. A true Trailblazer and Pacesetter of his time.
