The Christ Morning Star of Nigeria (CMSN), Lagos Chapter, recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections, culminating in the re-election of Ebenezer Sobowale as President for a second three-year term. The AGM, a significant event in the organization’s calendar, brought together members from various parishes across the Diocese of Lagos, including Lagos West, Lagos Mainland, and Badagry, demonstrating the widespread reach and influence of the CMSN within the Anglican community. The gathering served as a platform not only for electing new leadership but also for reviewing the organization’s performance, addressing members’ concerns, and reaffirming its commitment to its core values of faith and unity.
The proceedings commenced with a church service, a fitting start for a faith-based organization, led by Rev. Sola Adesanya, representing Ven. Sunday Folorunsho Oginni, the Acting Vicar/Administrator of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Owutu, Ikorodu. This spiritual grounding set the tone for the subsequent business aspects of the meeting. The AGM then moved on to the presentation of reports and accounts, providing members with a transparent overview of the organization’s financial and operational status. This was followed by a crucial question-and-answer session, providing a forum for members to directly engage with the outgoing leadership, particularly President Sobowale, and voice any concerns or seek clarification on matters related to the CMSN’s activities. This interactive segment underscored the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Following the Q&A session and the dissolution of the existing executive body, the stage was set for the elections. Okeowo Oderinde, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, presided over the election process and subsequently announced the results. The re-election of Ebenezer Sobowale as President signifies the members’ confidence in his leadership and vision for the organization. His acceptance speech reflected his gratitude for the renewed mandate and reinforced his commitment to upholding the principles of integrity and unity within the CMSN. He pledged to build upon the foundation laid during his previous term and further solidify the organization’s role as a beacon of faith and unity.
The election also saw the appointment of a new team of officers who will support President Sobowale in steering the CMSN forward. Odofin Adeola was elected as Vice President, Esther Omobolanle Hammed took on the role of General Secretary, and Samuel Kehinde Sanwoolu was elected as Assistant General Secretary. These key leadership positions will be crucial in driving the organization’s agenda and ensuring effective communication and coordination among its members. The election of these individuals reflects the diverse talent pool within the CMSN and the commitment to ensuring effective leadership.
Further appointments included Lucy Omojeme Ajayi as Treasurer, responsible for managing the organization’s finances; Inamiyang Ann as Financial Secretary, assisting with financial record-keeping and reporting; Abisola Olufunmilola Arowolo as Social Secretary, tasked with organizing social events and fostering fellowship among members; Olumide Sodamola as Welfare Officer 1, addressing the well-being of members; and Olatunji Oguntuase as Media/Publicity Secretary, responsible for communicating the organization’s activities and message to the wider community. These positions are vital for the smooth functioning of the CMSN and its ability to engage with its members and the public effectively.
The AGM also saw the election of additional officers to complete the leadership team. A. Ogedengbe was nominated and elected as 2nd Vice Chairman, and Omolara Akhigbe was elected as Welfare Officer 2, providing further support in addressing members’ welfare needs. Sunday Olukolu and Ahmed A. Yakubu were elected as Auditors, ensuring financial accountability and transparency within the organization. The comprehensive nature of the elections ensured that all key positions were filled by competent individuals, reflecting the organization’s commitment to good governance. The AGM concluded with closing prayers by Okeowo Oderinde, marking the successful completion of the election process and ushering in a new chapter for the Christ Morning Star of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, under the continued leadership of Ebenezer Sobowale.
