Johnson Bows Out Gracefully as Otesile Ascends as 9th President of JCI Ibadan Elite

News/Opinion

Johnson Bows Out Gracefully as Otesile Ascends as 9th President of JCI Ibadan Elite

Reported by Ibadan Media

The 2025 President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite, Ilerioluwa Johnson Babatunde, has successfully handed over the leadership of the organisation to Ibukunoluwa Otesile, who will serve as the 9th President in 2026.

The Convention and Investiture Ceremony was held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Monarch Hall, Le Ville Event Place, Eleyele, Ibadan, with the theme: “Catalysts of Excellence: Forging a Legacy of Leadership.”

While delivering his welcome address, Johnson Babatunde noted that leadership is not about crowns but about commitment; not about position but about purpose. According to him, leadership is about empowering others to dream more, do more, and become more.

He stated: “The past year has been one of intentional growth and collaboration. Together, we have strengthened partnerships, empowered entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Elite Business Masterclass, championed community development projects, and fostered leadership excellence among our members. Each of these efforts echoes our shared belief that young people are the leaders of tomorrow and the change agents of today.”

He further stressed that being a catalyst of excellence means doing things differently, pushing boundaries, inspiring others, and creating waves of transformation that extend beyond one’s time in office.

“Our journey as an organisation has been filled with stories of vision and resilience. Each milestone reflects the JCI Creed we live by—that service to humanity is indeed the best work of life,” he concluded.

Delivering the theme lecture, Dr Bakare Abdulrazaq Oladele, PhD, FCIP, FICA, defined leadership as the ability to guide, inspire, and motivate others toward a common, pre-agreed goal. He emphasised that leadership involves making tough decisions and taking responsibility for outcomes.

According to him, “A leader must be at the forefront, setting the pace and direction. You are on the right course if you can get people to work together as a team with the ultimate result of achieving something awesome.”

In her acceptance speech, the 2026 President, Ibukunoluwa Otesile, expressed her commitment to leading with fairness, respect, courage, vision, integrity, humility, excellence, resilience, and empathy. She acknowledged that leadership is a collective effort.

“I cannot do it alone because the strength of this chapter is not in one person; it is in us — in our synergy and shared vision. To our Past Presidents and Senators, thank you for making your shoulders available for us to stand on,” she said.

Quoting the 2026 JCI World President, Alejandra Castillo, she added: “The best moment is not when you come in or when you get elected; it is when you finish with a job well done”; I dare to add, from the people you have served. My sincere hope is that at the end of 2026, you will be able to say to me, ‘Ibukunoluwa Otesile, well done!’” She concluded.

Guests were entertained by AB Rubber Dance Academy and Xplicit Dance Crew, whose energetic performances thrilled the audience.

Dignitaries in attendance included, Dr. Kayode Fasola, Board Member, United Bank for Africa (UBA) – Chairman of the Occasion; Rev Mrs Sade Babatunde (Mother of the New President); Dr. Adesoji Tayo, Executive Director, Grace & Mercy Household Improvements Initiative, and President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Special Guest; Mogaji Rotimi Alli, President, Ibadan Social Group; DCC AO Malomo, Deputy Corps Commander & Head of Motor Vehicle Administration, FRSC Oyo Sector Command; DCC Rita Omowa, Deputy Corps Commander & Head of Training, FRSC Oyo Sector Command; ACG Segun Adegoke (Rtd.), Assistant Comptroller-General of Immigration & Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Migration and Homeland Security and Mr. Michael Ogunsina, Publicity Secretary, PDP Oyo State

Also present were the 2025 Executive Vice President of JCI Nigeria Southwest and the 2026 JCI Nigeria National President, JCIN Amb. Akinbode Abitogun; Interim Executive Secretary, JCI Nigeria, JCI Senator Sanni Babatunde; 2015 JCI Nigeria National President, JCI Senator Seun Osinkalu; and various past and present presidents of JCI local organisations across Nigeria.

The event was with immense glamour and excitement as it was brought to a close with special recognitions and awards of excellence to the board members, organisation, individuals and sponsors for their support. Michael Adebisi and Funmilola Adeagbo-Olayonwa were pronounced the most outstanding board members for the male and female categories, respectively.