Lagos, Nigeria – May 14, 2025 – The City Profs Educational Foundation (CPEF) held an Extraordinary Session of its Governing Board at The Marriott International Hotel, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the foundation’s history.
His Excellency, Barr.(Dr.) Taiwo O. Afolabi, MON, CON, CPEF Outgoing Grand Patron, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Djibouti in Nigeria and Chairman/CEO of SIFAX Group, performed the Grand Investiture on Barr. Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman, Folawiyo Group of Companies, represented by Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Chairman, DSE Foundation, as the new Incoming CPEF Grand Patron.
Chief Tunde Fanimokun, in his Keynote Address said Vocational skills acquisition initiative is a powerful pathway to self-actualization, offering individuals a means to develop marketable skills, achieve financial independence, and ultimately realize their full potential by gaining practical expertise and a sense of purpose, individuals can work towards higher levels of personal fulfillment and societal contribution.
Chief Fanimokun said he came in contact with the City Profs in 2021 when a Vocational Skills was commissioned at Yaba LCDA in honour of his Mentor, H.E, late Brig. Gen. Dr. Mobolaji Johnson (Rtd), CFR, Pioneer Governor of Lagos State. He implore the Organization to spread their tentacles to other states and communities. “I will confer with Tunde Folawiyo to give his support and also give mine to ensure we improve on the great work done by the outgoing Grand Patron”
During his tenure, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, MON, CON demonstrated unwavering commitment to the foundation’s mission, spearheading numerous initiatives that positively impacted communities. Notable achievements include:
– COVID-19 Palliative Support: Providing essential support to affected communities in Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo states.
– Community Development Projects: Supporting the establishment of e-libraries and vocational skills acquisition centers, including eight projects across various communities.
In his transition speech. Dr. Afolabi extended his heartfelt gratitude and extolled the virtue of the Governing Board, including late Prof. Grace Awani Alele-Williams, OFR, and current Chairman, Mrs. E.F.I Kukoyi, as well as the Board of Patrons, comprising esteemed members such as Engr. Kunle Ogunbayo FA ENG. and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN
Dr. Afolabi also welcomed Barrister Tunde Folawiyo as the new Grand Patron, expressing confidence in his leadership and vision to propel the foundation to greater heights. He offered sincere prayers for the continued growth and success of the foundation under Barrister Folawiyo’s guidance.
Dr. Afolabi reflected on the history of the foundation, honoring the contributions of past Grand Patrons, including Late Engr. Anthony Olufunso Williams and Late H.E, Brig. Gen. Mobolaji Johnson (Rtd), CFR. He expressed confidence that Barr. Tunde Folawiyo will build on this legacy.
As Dr. Afolabi concluded his tenure, he expressed confidence in the foundation’s future, looking forward to seeing the impact of Barr. Tunde Folawiyo’s leadership and the continued growth of the organization.
The ceremony had in attendance eminent guests ably led by the Chairman of the occasion- immediate past Vice President, H.E, Prof. ‘Yemi Oluleke Osinbajo, GCON, SAN, represented by his Senior Aide – Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN, FCA and The Chief Guest of Honour & Deputy Governor of Lagos State, H.E, Dr. Quadri Obafemi Hamzat ably represented by the Former Head of Service, Lagos State – Hon. Adesegun Olusola Ogunlewe.
Stakeholders from Ogun State, where the CPEF had made great marks were ably led by the Royal Fathers of the Day from Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Imusin communities. HRM Oba A. A. Adenugba (The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye) and HRM Oba S. A. Onafowokan, JP (The Oloko of Ijebu-Imusin
In his Royal Address, the CPEF Royal Ambassador, HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Badrudeen Omogbolahan Akanbi Timson (The Jagunmolu III) thanked the amiable Outgoing Grand Patron – H.E, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi. He further counselled the group to remain steadfast in consolidating the achievement made so far under the gallantry leadership of Dr. Afolabi. He prayed that the new leadership under H.E, Barr. Tunde Folawiyo shall surpass the achievement while taking the Organization to greater heights.
Leading the Academia to the auspicious event was the Chairman of YABATECH Governing Council, Prof. Isaoluwa Afolabi; the Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, the Deputy Rector, Dr Engr. Badmus Ismaila. The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola was represented by Prof. Oladipo while the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State State University (LASU), Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello was represented by Prof. Alaka, amongst others.
The CPEF Board Chairman, Mrs. Essie Florence Kukoyi, in her Presidential address charged the In-coming Grand Patron while thanking the Outgoing Grand Patron for his vision and matchless generosity towards the advancement of the CPEF goals. She described Dr. Taiwo Afolabi as an enigmatic role model and a man with a heart of gold, always willing to give for good and betterment of our society, a lover of the poor, less privileged and the disadvantaged. She further prays that God continues to bless, strengthen and protect him. She praised the work of the Foundation and welcomed the Incoming leader; and casting no doubt that he will take the organisation to a greater new level, and extending and promoting the CPEF Initiatives (e-library and vocational skills acquisition centres) beyond the South West States of Nigeria.
Other Governing Board members present include, Mrs. O. O. T. Benson (Pioneer Chairman, Lagos SUBEB), Mrs. G. K. Daodu (Former Chairman, Lagos SUBEB), Dr. Olusola Adekoya (Chairman, Shodex Gardens); the CPEF’s Scribe and Coordinator, Bright Echendu and Oluwole David; Community leaders, friends and well-wishers.