Omolaja’s emergence was announced on Monday during a ceremony attended by members of the association, elders and stakeholders, including the National Vice President of the Association , Alhaji Ambaliu Akano, popularly known as Istijaba.
Akano described the occasion as a “fantastic” one, noting that the selection of Omolaja was based on his character, loyalty, obedience to the law and ability to provide purposeful leadership.
He said, “Today is fantastic. As you can see the happiness, we are here today to elect our newly youth Chairman, which is Alhaji Sulaimon Omolaja.”
Explaining the process that produced Omolaja, Akano said the position was not subjected to the conventional electoral process, as the Board of Trustees and elders were responsible for selecting what they considered the best candidate.
According to him, “We don’t go for election for the chairmanship.Our election starts from Vice President down. But that Chairman of the Youth butchers Association, the Board of Trustees and the elders choose the best candidate.”
Akano described Omolaja as a “very devoted, cool-minded” and listening leader, expressing confidence that he would contribute positively to the development of the association.
He urged the new chairman not to allow his position to change his attitude towards senior members, advising him to learn from the past while introducing new ideas that would move the association forward.
“My advice for him is to learn from the past. Not to let the position carry him away to disrespect elders, but to bring a new dimension into the association. We want to see him in another angle “he said.
Speaking after his emergence, Omolaja expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him, promising to build on the achievements of previous leaders and improve the fortunes of the association.
He said, “I am very happy. Because when someone is in a particular line of work and receives this kind of recognition, it shows that he knows what he is doing. By God’s grace, I will not ruin the profession, and it will not get ruined because of me either.”
The new chairman pledged to elevate the association, saying, “Where I met this butcher/slaughterhouse association’s work, by God’s grace, I will elevate it higher than how it currently is.”
Omolaja, however, appealed to the Ogun State Government to rehabilitate the the association road leading to the Lafenwa area, stressing that the poor condition of the road is affecting commercial activities in the area.
He noted that the location accommodates a large number of people daily because of the presence of a sawmill and livestock and meat markets.
“We want a tarred road leading up to this point. Look at this place, it’s a place where crowds enter every single day. We have a sawmill here, and we have the livestock/meat market. So people are very numerous along this road, but the road condition falls short,” he said.
He appealed to the state government to come to the aid of butchers and other businesses operating in the area, noting that the deplorable road was discouraging patronage and hampering commerce.
Omolaja also called for unity among members of the association, stressing that the butchers’ association would continue to cooperate with the government in power for the benefit of its members.
He also declared his political support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to support the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as well as other APC candidates contesting various elective positions.
The State Chairman of the Butchers Association, Alhaji Lamidi Oni, also congratulated Omolaja on his emergence, urging him to justify the confidence reposed in him and work for the progress and welfare of members.
The outgoing chairman, while handing over leadership to Omolaja, prayed for the success of the new administration, asking God to grant him wisdom, good health and the ability to lead the association successfully.
He also prayed that Omolaja would enjoy the support and cooperation of members, elders and other stakeholders, while urging the new chairman to lead with humility and continue to protect the interests of the association.
