A Decade of Service: Onipanu Inner Wheel Club Installs New Leader, Embarks on Landmark Anniversary Year

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It was a day of glitz, glamour, celebration, and service on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as the Inner Wheel Club (IWC) of Onipanu, District 911, Lagos, inducted IWM Temitope Alaka as its 10th Club President for the 2026-2027 Inner Wheel year.

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The colourful event, held at The Rotary Centre, Ladoke Akintola Road, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, also featured the swearing-in of the club’s new executive committee, the induction of four new members from Nigeria and the Diaspora, the launch of a N20 million fundraising campaign, and the official flag-off of the club’s 10th Anniversary celebrations.

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The International Inner Wheel theme for the year, “Grow and Flourish,” formed the focus of the ceremony and the club’s vision for the new Inner Wheel year.

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A Decade of Friendship and Service

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Chairman of the Induction and Fundraiser, IWM Mrs Yetunde Ogunbayo, expertly coordinated proceedings as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring a seamless and memorable occasion.

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Speaking during the celebration, IWM Mrs Kemi Evbota, Immediate Past District 911 Editor, Past President of IWC Onipanu, and Chair of the Club’s 10th Anniversary Committee, expressed gratitude for the club’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian service and support for disadvantaged members of society. She emphasized that the anniversary year would feature a series of fundraising activities aimed at expanding the club’s impact and strengthening its legacy of service and friendship.

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Official Handover Ceremony

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One of the major highlights of the event was the formal handover of the insignia of office by the Immediate Past President, IWM Olajumoke Ayodele, to the newly inducted President, IWM Temitope Alaka.

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The ceremony symbolized the continuation of the Inner Wheel objectives:

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To promote true friendship

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To encourage the ideals of personal service

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To foster international understanding

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A detailed profile of the new President was presented by IWM Aishah Fapohunda, the club’s “Welfare Extraordinaire,” an unconstitutional role uniquely created by IWC Onipanu to promote the physical, mental, psychological, social, and financial well-being of its members.

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The profile highlighted Temitope Alaka’s distinguished career as a Nurse, Midwife, Counsellor, Mentor, Health Advocate, and Women’s Champion for Inclusion, Equity and Diversity.

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Elegance and Unity

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Members and guests dazzled in the club’s anniversary colours of Blue and Silver with a distinctive Sago Jacob Gele, specially adopted as the club’s celebratory headpiece throughout the anniversary year.

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The 43rd District Chairman, IWM Kikelomo Olasoji, congratulated the new President and her executive team, commending the club’s commitment to friendship, sisterhood, and humanitarian service. She encouraged members to embrace the International Inner Wheel theme.

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Guest Speaker, IWM Omolaraeni Adedugbe, inspired attendees with a presentation on the importance of personal growth and resilience. She encouraged members to pursue excellence despite life’s challenges and gifted copies of a book to attendees to support their personal development journey.

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Empowerment Before Induction

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In keeping with the theme “Grow and Flourish,” the club had already commenced its humanitarian activities ahead of the formal induction.

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During District Chairman Kikelomo Olasoji’s first official visit to clubs on July 5, 2026, IWC Onipanu empowered two women by donating:

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An industrial popcorn machine valued at N255,000

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A food and pepper grinding machine valued at N245,000

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The initiative was designed to support economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.

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President’s Vision

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In her acceptance speech, President Temitope Alaka reaffirmed her commitment to expanding the club’s humanitarian footprint through:

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Women’s empowerment initiatives

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Knowledge and skills acquisition programmes

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Community, family, and hospital outreach projects

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Educational sponsorships for underprivileged students

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Strategic partnerships with charities, NGOs, and service organizations

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She expressed particular joy in witnessing beneficiaries of the club’s outreach programmes become inspired to join Inner Wheel themselves, describing it as a testament to the organization’s transformational impact.

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“I am grateful to all nine past presidents and their executives for leaving the ladder behind for me to climb and go even farther,” she said.

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Distinguished Guests and Celebrations

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The event attracted numerous dignitaries and supporters, including:

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International Board Director 2026-2027, IWM Karin Uwaje

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District Chairman 911, IWM Kikelomo Olasoji

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Her Excellency Alhaja Sikirat Jakande

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Guest Speaker IWM Omolaraeni Adedugbe.

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Mother of the Day IWM Grace Oluremi Omotosho ( THE FIRST NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE/ PRESIDENT OF ALL INNER WHEEL CLUBS IN NIGERIA AND WEST AFRICA: ALSO MUM OF THE 10th CLUB PRESIDENT).

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Father of the Day : Pastor Ituah Ighodalo -Senior Pastor Trinity House and Accountant SIAO, Mr Sola Omotosho,

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Pastor Segun Omotosho ( siblings of the President and Pastor Mrs Chigozie Omotosho

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Members of the Alaka family and numerous Inner Wheel leaders, Rotarians, past district chairmen, community leaders, and well-wishers.

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The occasion was made even more special as it coincided with both the birthday of President Temitope Alaka and the 85th birthday celebration of her mother-in-law, Mrs Rachel Olasumbo Alaka. Her Father in law Pa Benjamin Alaka ( Most Senior, Special Apostle of C & S Church Ayo ni was greatly impressed at the special occasion and ceremony to honour his wife and daughter in law.

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Successful Fundraiser and Anniversary Launch

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The fundraising segment was coordinated by IWM Tinu Sowunmi, IWM Omoyeni Mopelola, and IWM Olajumoke Ayodele, who outlined the new President’s proposed projects and acknowledged the generosity of donors and supporters.

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The event concluded with music, birthday celebrations, Inner Wheel songs, fellowship, and thanksgiving, marking the beginning of what promises to be a memorable 10th anniversary year for the Inner Wheel Club of Onipanu.

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