IYIN-EKITI, EKITI STATE — Stakeholders in the event and entertainment industry in Iyin-Ekiti have taken a significant step towards organising and strengthening the sector with the election of a pioneer executive committee for the Association of Iyin Ekiti Event Vendors.
At the keenly contested election held in Iyin-Ekiti, Mr. Akinluyi Oluwaseyi, popularly known as Mc Omo Akin, emerged as the pioneer President of the association.
His emergence marks the beginning of what members described as a new chapter in the efforts to unite professionals and businesses operating within the event industry and create a common platform for their growth and development.
Other members elected to serve alongside him include Fasola Yinka (Fashgrill), Vice President; Ojo Olanrewaju Samuel (Mc Sam), Secretary; Ibitoye Pelumi, Assistant Secretary; and Oguntuyi Lara, Treasurer.
The executive committee also has Abiodun Omobulejo as Financial Secretary; Obadimeji Oluwaseun Heritage as Assistant Financial Secretary; Twins Caterer and Seyi Oloyede as Welfare Officers; and DJ Borheel and La’ Puzzie as Public Relations Officers.
Others are Hon. Ajangbala, DJ Pathiranking, Oj Wonder and Tope Adeniyi, who will serve on the Task Force, while Chief Alade Adeoba and Adebayo Omolara were elected as Auditors.
Solomon Ayanfe emerged as Chief Whip, Afobaje as Adviser, and respected business mogul, Hon. Falusi as Director of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
In his acceptance remarks, the newly elected pioneer President expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him, saying the mandate was not a personal achievement but a responsibility to build an association that would serve the collective interests of its members.
Akinluyi said his administration would prioritise unity, professionalism, mutual support, capacity building and the creation of business opportunities for members across the event industry.
He said the association would provide a platform through which practitioners could network, collaborate on projects, promote their businesses, share opportunities and collectively address challenges confronting the sector.
The new President also stressed the importance of establishing a strong foundation for the association as its pioneer administration, noting that the decisions and structures put in place at the early stage would determine the strength and sustainability of the organisation in the years ahead.
He pledged to work closely with members of his executive and the wider membership, while also promising to consult elders and experienced stakeholders whenever their guidance and wisdom were required.
Akinluyi further appealed to members who did not secure positions, as well as those who did not seek elective offices, to remain fully committed to the association.
He emphasised that holding an office was not a measure of a member’s importance, stressing that every member had a valuable role to play in building the organisation.
“This association belongs to all of us. A person does not have to occupy an executive position before his or her contribution can be recognised. Every member is important, and we must give everyone a sense of belonging,” he said.
He urged members to put whatever differences may have arisen during the election behind them and join hands with the new leadership to build a united and progressive body.
The association is expected to bring together practitioners across various aspects of the event industry, including entertainment, disc jockeying, music, event hosting, catering, photography, videography, decoration, event planning, rentals, sound production and other related services.
Members believe that a united body would not only strengthen individual businesses but also raise professional standards and enhance the reputation of Iyin-Ekiti as a destination for quality event services.
The newly constituted leadership is expected to commence the process of developing policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the association, promoting members’ businesses and establishing a sustainable structure for future administrations.
The election has consequently been described by members as an important milestone in the development of the event industry in Iyin-Ekiti, with the new administration expected to translate the association’s vision of unity, professionalism and collective prosperity into practical achievements.
