Dayo Thomas, a former Director of Press and Communications to Senator Gbemi Saraki at the National Assembly has been elected as the National Publicity Secretary to Okun Development Association, the apex body of the Yoruba people in Kogi State.
Dayo, an alumnus of both University of Jos and China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing, had also worked as Assistant Editor, THISDAY Newspapers and Chief Correspondent, Punch Newspapers.
The new Publicity Secretary and Amb. Akenson Rotimi, who was elected President alongside other newly elected national executives of ODA will lead the organization for the next three years.
Other elected officials include Chief Solomon Olawumi as Vice President South, Adoga Jibril as Vice President North, Barr. Femi Oloruntoba as Secretary General, Wale Ikuseru as National Auditor, Olorunfemi Anjorin as Financial Secretary, Emmanuel Ayorinde Moses as National Social Secretary, Felix Folorunsho as Deputy Social Secretary, Kolawole David Friday as Deputy Secretary General, and Emmanuel Oladele Alabi as PRO II.
The election took place during the Annual General Meeting held at Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, and witnessed by delegates from Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East and West, Mopamuro, Oworo in Lokoja Local Governments, as well as traditional rulers.
The Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Ayodele Irukera, commended the outgoing ODA officials for their selfless service to the Okun people and praised the peaceful conduct of the election. Outgoing President, Barr. Femi Mokikan, highlighted the achievements of his administration, including increasing awareness of Okun and Kogi people and the establishment of branches within and outside the country.
He also mentioned the commencement of the construction of Okun Unity House in Kabba as a landmark achievement.
Speaking after the election, the new ODA Publicity Secretary, Dayo Thomas expressed gratitude to the Okun people for their confidence and assured them that the new leadership would not disappoint.
Other community leaders and associations, including Chief Emmanuel Otitoju, Chief Ebun Joel, and Mallam Ahmed Ade-Fatai, congratulated the new leadership and prayed for their success in effecting positive change in Okun land.
