The Editorial Community Development Service (CDS), Osun State, held its much-anticipated handing-over ceremony today at the Township Stadium, Omowest, Osogbo. The event, which combined multiple activities, featured a debriefing by the Outgoing Batch A executives, an oath-taking ceremony, prayers, an awards session, and games.
The official handing-over session saw each outgoing Batch A executive deliver a brief speech, outlining their key roles and responsibilities, achievements, executed projects, challenges faced, and recommendations for the incoming executives. They emphasized the importance of teamwork and urged their successors to work closely with the Editor-in-Chief to advance the board’s goals and objectives.During the oath-taking session, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief and the Editor-in-Chief were officially sworn in. The outgoing Deputy Editor, Mubarak Adebayo—ably represented by the outgoing Provost, Peter Praise—administered the oath to the new Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Similarly, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Gabriel Diemesor, officiated the oath-taking for his successor.
Following the oath-taking, a prayer session was led by the Editor-in-Chief, Adebayo Sunday Adewoyin and the Schedule Officer and Editorial Coordinator, Mrs. Catherine Otemuyiwa. Mrs Otemuyiwa invited the new executives to stand before the board members, who then exchanged handshakes and greetings in a symbolic show of unity. The Provost led this segment, ensuring every executive was formally welcomed. Concluding the session, Mrs. Otemuyiwa offered prayers for the outgoing executives, the incoming leadership, and the board as a whole.In her address, Mrs. Otemuyiwa expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing executives for their dedication and impactful contributions, which significantly advanced the Editorial CDS and the NYSC Public Relations Unit. She encouraged the new executives to take their roles seriously, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the board’s objectives. She also reassured board members of an open-door policy, urging them to share ideas and programs that could further enhance the CDS.Mrs Otemuyiwa further underscored the significance of regular attendance at CDS meetings, stressing that the Editorial CDS plays a crucial role in representing NYSC Osun State by covering important events and reporting on NYSC activities such as camp programs and other engagements.The Editor’s awards session was another highlight of the ceremony, with over 50 board members, including the Editorial Coordinator and Schedule Officer, Mrs Catherine Otemuyiwa, receiving awards for their outstanding performance, consistency, and excellence in CDS activities. Special recognition was given to members who participated in key programs such as Pad a Thousand Girl Child, Battle of Views, the Editorial Summit, as well as those who consistently contributed to radio and television shows. Additional awards were presented to the article and photo album coordinators of the magazine committee, Entrepreneur and Promotion Day winner and other deserving individuals.Delivering his farewell speech, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Gabriel Diemesor, urged board members to remain committed to their duties and to work collectively with the new executives to uphold the Editorial CDS’s legacy. He expressed appreciation for the support he received from the outgoing executives in executing projects and acknowledged the board’s growing presence on social media, television, and radio platforms. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Schedule Officer for her guidance and trust in his leadership.His speech was followed by remarks from the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief, Adebayo Sunday Adewoyin. Mr Adebayo expressed gratitude to Mrs. Otemuyiwa on his new appointment and for the opportunity to serve. He commended the outgoing executives for their dedication and successful projects. Pledging to uphold the board’s objectives, he assured members of his commitment to ensuring growth and progress during his tenure. He called for cooperation between the board and the new leadership, encouraging members to contribute innovative ideas to propel the CDS forward.The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Welfare Director, Peters Oluwatobiloba, who appreciated both the outgoing and incoming executives, as well as board members, for their patience and participation throughout the event.
The program officially ended with the NYSC anthem, led by the Provost, Mr Adelu Uthman.