By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In a heartwarming ceremony held on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Ogun State, members of the Scout Association of Nigeria (SAN), Ogun State Chapter, bestowed a prestigious honor upon Comrade Olufemi Ajadi, naming him both a member and a patron of their esteemed organization.
The Scout Association of Nigeria, which has its roots dating back to 1915, holds a significant place in Nigeria’s history, and it became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1961. This global scouting movement is dedicated to nurturing the physical, mental, and spiritual development of young individuals to empower them to take constructive roles in society.
Apostle Tola Adenekan, the former Assistant Chief Commissioner on Diversity and Inclusion, led the proceedings, expressing his congratulations and a warm welcome to Comrade Olufemi Ajadi into the Scout Association of Nigeria’s brotherhood. He highlighted the association’s commitment to gender equality, leading to the transformation from “Boys Scout of Nigeria” to the more inclusive “Scout Association of Nigeria.” Furthermore, he proudly announced that Ajadi had become a member of the prestigious World Organization of Scout Organization, a global youth movement boasting over 500 million members. Adenekan emphasized that this induction placed Ajadi among the ranks of distinguished individuals worldwide, including the likes of King Faad of Saudi Arabia, the late King Abdullah, the King of Sweden, Bill Gates, and Ban Ki-moon.
“So, our vision is to attract the young people and develop their character so that when they become adults, they become good citizens,” he said.
Adenekan passionately shared the association’s vision of character development among young people in Nigeria, especially in the face of pressing challenges like cultism, cybercrime, kidnapping, terrorism, and societal values erosion. He urged Ajadi to support their mission, highlighting the need for philanthropic assistance to restore the association’s headquarters, which had suffered from financial neglect. Adenekan proposed naming one of their halls in Ajadi’s honor, the “Olufemi Oguntoyinbo Hall.”
In response, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi expressed his gratitude for the recognition and pledged his unwavering support to the Scout Association of Nigeria. He described philanthropy as an integral part of his life and assured all present of the significant positive impact he aimed to bring to the organization.
“I want to assure you that my coming on board will be total difference. There will be a special positive impact by the grace of God,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by several notable members of the Scout Association of Nigeria, including Mr. Idowu Esan, the former National Training Commissioner; Prince Bisi Enitan, the Ogun State Training Commissioner; Pastor Raphael, the State Headquarters Commissioner for Rovers; and Comrade Benjamin Oluwemimo, the Assistant Provincial Commissioner for the Egba Province.
Comrade Olufemi Ajadi’s induction as a member and patron marks a new chapter in the history of the Scout Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, promising a bright future for character development among the nation’s youth.