kakalistiq.com reports that the Bado Isale Community in Epe Local Government has taken a significant step toward progress with the inauguration of new executives for the Bado Isale Descendants Forum, while also celebrating their youths’ victory as champions of the 2024 Epe Kayokayo Carnival Parade including Quranic competition and Spelling Bee.
High Chief Musiliu Kadri Odedeogboro, the Balogun of Epe Kingdom, in his opening remarks on Sunday October 6th, 2024, emphasized the need for organized leadership within the community. “The responsibilities in our community are overwhelming,” he noted. “A tree cannot make a forest, and this is why I have selected capable hands to support the growth and development of Bado Isale.” He further explained that the newly inaugurated forum would oversee community affairs in coordination with the Balogun of Epe Kingdom.
The event also celebrated the community’s triumph at the Epe Kayokayo Festival, where a team of talented youths won the top prize in the carnival parade. The youth team was presented with cash prizes in recognition of their efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Mrs. Muhammed-Rosulu Adeola (Iya Yooba), a Yoruba language educator at Army Children Junior High School, Epe, expressed her gratitude. “We appreciate the leadership of this community for the honor, and we are committed to continuing our good work whenever called upon,” she said.
During the ceremony, the Balogun swore in the forum’s new executives, led by Associate Professor Nosiru Onibon. The forum includes representatives from each of the eight Bado-Isale compounds: Ashipa, Edu, Eleshin, Maye, Balogun-Agbaje, Sarumi, Akodu, Imam Aliru, and Iyanda. “I congratulate the executives and urge them to address community issues fairly and without favoritism,” the Balogun advised.
The new executives include President Associate Professor Nosiru Onibon, Vice President Mr. Aliu Edu, General Secretary Mr. Kadri Idowu, Treasurer Prince Naheem Balogun-Agbaje, Welfare Secretary Chief Moshood Sarumi, Social Secretary Alhaja Olushola Alade-Raji, PRO Mr. Haroun Ayomikun, Financial Secretary Mr. Iyanda Ibrahim, and Assistant Secretary Mr. Rahmon Akodu.
In his goodwill message, the Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Sheikh Alhaji AbdulRahmon Sadala, praised the new leadership and expressed optimism. “I am confident in the new executives, but they must remember to revitalize our Islamic heritage and involve the youths in their plans for unity,” he said.
The community’s Mogajis also echoed the call for unity. Pa Tajudeen Adisa Edu, Pa Haroun Muheen, Pa Mojeed Balogun Agbaje, and others stressed the importance of peace and advised that sons and daughters abroad should reconnect with their roots. They also recommended forming an elders’ council and drafting a constitution for the forum.
In response, President Associate Professor Nosiru Onibon acknowledged the advice. “Your contributions are instructive and will guide us as we begin this journey. Please don’t leave us alone—pray for us and guide us if we stray,” he urged.
Alhaja Olushola Alade-Raji, in her closing remarks, praised the formation of the forum and emphasized its potential to elevate the community. She called for continued support from the elders to help the new leadership navigate its responsibilities.
The event marked a new chapter for the Bado Isale Community, as both its leaders and youths look toward a bright future filled with collaboration and unity.
