Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA marks 20 years as Ayodeji Odumosu becomes its 20th president, promising stronger service and digital opportunities for children

The Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA on Saturday marked its 20th anniversary at OGRA Hall in Ogudu, Lagos, with the investiture of Rtn. Ayodeji Odumosu as its 20th president for the 2026-27 Rotary year, bringing together senior Rotary leaders, members, friends and dignitaries to celebrate two decades of humanitarian service and the beginning of a new chapter.

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The anniversary ceremony combined reflection with renewed ambition as the club formally transferred its leadership to Odumosu, who subsequently inaugurated a new board to support his administration.

Among the senior Rotary officials present were District Governor Rtn. Layi Abidoye, District Governor-Elect Rtn. Uyi Sowebi, District Governor-Nominee Rtn. Ehi Braimah, Immediate Past District Governor Rtn. Lanre Adedoyin and Past District Governor Omotunde Lawson.

The gathering also included Past District Governor Dr Olajide Akeredolu, Assistant Governor Omotunde Olaleye, Dr A. Umaru and other members of the Rotary family.

The club was chartered 20 years ago by Rtn. Onikepo Oshodi, establishing a foundation that has since supported its growth as a community-focused Rotary organisation.

The anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise that history while looking towards the club’s next phase under Odumosu.

The ceremony was chaired by Hon. Saliu Adeniyi Rasaq, Executive Director of Lagride Nigeria Limited, while Oba Dr Makinde Ademola Stephen Kayode, Onigemo I and Owa of Igbajo, served as Royal Father of the Day. Nnamdi Chukwu, Chief Executive Officer of Nuch Allied Ltd, was the chief launcher.

District Governor Layi Abidoye expressed confidence that the new president would build on the club’s achievements and deliver an impactful tenure.

“This is a great club and their new president, Odumosu, is a good and impactful Rotarian. He has done a lot of things and I know that with his official inauguration today, he is going to perform greater exploits for the club in this Rotary year,” Abidoye said.

The new board includes Rtn. Adetunji Adeniyi as President-Elect, Rtn. Sharon Onyeneke as Secretary and Rtn. Olusegun Aseniyi as Treasurer.

Other board members are Rtn. Franca Nwosa, WeCare Chair; Rtn. Lucy Bruno, Sergeant-at-Arms; Rtn. Sunday Adedokun, Service Projects Chair; Rtn. Aliyu Umaru, Rotary Foundation Chair; Rtn. Wasiu Paramole, Membership Chair; Rtn. Mary Okoh, Club Administration Chair; Rtn. Oluwagbemileke Afolabi, Immediate Past President; Rtn. Joy Uzoho, Youth Service Chair; and Rtn. Michael Okiki Gbenro, Public Image Chair.

Past District Governor Dr Akeredolu will serve as board adviser.

For Rtn. Emmanuel Smith, Chairman of the Investiture and 20th Anniversary Planning Committee, Odumosu’s emergence reflects a period of renewed energy within the club.

Smith described the new president as focused, disciplined and determined, adding that Odumosu had demonstrated a strong commitment to helping others.

According to Smith, Odumosu had made a noticeable difference within four months, helping to revitalise the club and encouraging a healthier level of competition and participation among members.

Immediate Past President Rtn. Oluwagbemileke Afolabi similarly expressed confidence in the new administration, rating Odumosu “10 over 10” and describing him as both a strong leader and a dependable supporter.

For Odumosu, however, the presidency is less about personal recognition than the responsibility of serving others.

The new president said he felt humbled by the confidence placed in him, noting that his preparation for the position had stretched across two years, from President-Nominee to President-Elect.

One of the defining initiatives of his administration will focus on technology and children’s access to computers and digital opportunities.

Odumosu recalled that he did not use a computer until 1993, an experience that later influenced his decision to study Computer Science.

The memory now informs his desire to help children gain access to technology earlier in life.

He described the initiative as an opportunity to “pay back to the next generation”, particularly for children who might otherwise grow up without meaningful exposure to computers.

The project reflects Odumosu’s professional background in technology and his broader interest in using digital access to create practical opportunities for young people.

Born on March 3, 1978, Odumosu has more than 25 years of professional experience covering software development, quality assurance, systems integration, IT operations, digital transformation, governance, risk and compliance, and project management.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Abuja and a Master’s degree from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

Odumosu currently serves as Head of Information Technology and Chief Technology Officer at Optiva Capital Partners Limited.

His previous professional roles have included positions at Access Bank, First Bank, Cars45, Digital Jewels Africa, SystemSpecs, Coronation Registrars and Global Info Swift.

His connection with Rotary predates his current membership.

Odumosu joined the Interact Club of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School in 1990 before becoming a Rotarian in August 2022.

Since joining the Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA, he has served as Membership Chair, Club Assembly Coordinator and President-Nominee, while also participating in the Investiture Committee and serving as Vice-President and President-Elect.

His Rotary experience has reinforced his belief that service can extend far beyond an individual’s immediate surroundings.

Odumosu pointed to Rotary’s global campaign against polio as an example of how local participation can contribute to a wider humanitarian cause, allowing individuals to improve lives in communities they may never personally visit.

As he begins his presidency, Odumosu has also set his sights on strengthening the club’s standing within the district through improved service, deeper membership engagement and greater recognition of members’ contributions.

“With the next glorious 20 years ahead of us, I know there is a lot to do, but I am ready to put the club on a better pedestal,” he said.

The anniversary therefore carried a significance beyond the ceremonial handover of leadership. It offered the Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA an opportunity to honour the people who helped build the organisation while setting a clear direction for its future.

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With Odumosu at the helm, the club’s next chapter is expected to place particular emphasis on practical community service, technology, youth development and stronger participation, continuing the humanitarian tradition that has defined its first 20 years.