Ronke Kehinde/
It was more than merriment at the weekend, when the David David family of Ilesha gathered for an End-of-the-Year party and general meeting, at Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA Ikeja, in Lagos.
Amid the celebration that started with praise and worship, three specialists were there to enlighten family members. One is a wealth management specialist, Mrs. Anike Braimoh, who talked about opportunities for investment.
“Wealthy people plan for three generations while poor people plan for Saturday night,” Mrs. Braimoh told the gathering. She differentiated between financial planning and investment and how to set goals and objectives.
The event was in three stages – the presentations and enlightenment, the family meeting, and the Christmas party proper featuring fun moments for children. Family members across the world also participated through Zoom.
The President of the Union, retired AIG Sholla David, said, “The mission of our forefathers is to bring every family member together in unity and love.”
He added, “There was so much bond. We could go to each other’s houses. I grew up to meet the Union. I remember attending a few times while I was at the university. We are just taking it over and taking it to a higher level. We connect with family members wherever they are, in Nigeria and the diaspora.
“The Union is a long-standing tradition of the family; the membership is large, and it increases every time.”
In her presentation, Mrs. Braimoh mentioned that one of the benefits of financial planning is that it makes your retirement comfortable and secure
“If you put your money in the bank, you are working for the bank, but if you put your money in an investment, your money will work for you with tangible returns in the future,” she said.
She concluded that you don’t have to be wealthy to invest but you must invest to be wealthy.
A financial guru, Mr. Dada Rotimi who works with a micro-finance bank, talked about how to access loans for business and the new CBN policy benefits and implications. He also discussed why CBN is coming out with the policy at this time.
He advised that money you don’t need in day-to-day running should not be in your savings account, there are investment opportunities even within your bank, put it there so that the money can work for you.
According to him, the benefit of a cash limit in CBN policy is to prevent people from hoarding cash.
Rotimi said, “It will also control inflation. There is too much cash around. People put millions in their boots. It will control the insecurity situation in the country, frustrate the payment of ransom, and so on.
“It will improve the capacity of the bank to lend to SMA. If Nigeria must be revived then SMA must have good support from financial institutions, because they are the main employers of labor. Government cannot employ all of us.
“It will increase financial inclusion, those people that do not have bank accounts will be forced to open one. We are going to a digital economy.”
Another expert, Engineer Morakinyo Beckley, talked about alternative power, renewable energy, and solar inverter to combat electricity shortages or blackouts.
She said, “My company is set up to ensure those who want electricity round the clock and can afford it; should be able to pay for it. We came up with different products for different categories of society. We have the premium power which we do for estate and financial malls. There is a portable power station, it is like electricity you can carry around. They are lightweight; they are like power banks but can deliver much more. It can be recharged with solar power, electricity, or generator power.”
Reverend (Mrs) Folake Akinwunmi, one of the family members who took the opening prayers, while praying for the family also prayed for the nation that the peace of God will flow like a river before, during, and after the 2023 elections. She prayed that every form of destruction the enemy of Nigeria is orchestrating will be overthrown.
Mr. Tunde Lasore David, one of the elders of the family said he witnessed love and unity first-hand in the family.
He admonished the family to check up on their cousins from time to time, as he thanked AIG Shola David and his team for the wonderful job they have been doing.
“They want to ensure that the family tree grows, that this family reunion does not die. The future is bright, the love and unity are real and natural,” he added.
In the Spirit of Christmas, there was a David David’s Family Christmas Carol of 3 Lessons. The First Lesson was read by Dr (Mrs) Yemisi Abebe, from Genesis 3: 1 – 24, the Second Lesson was taken from Luke 2: 8 – 18, by Mrs Biola Oluwatayo, while the Third Lesson – John 1: 1 – 15 was read by Dr (Mrs) Nkiru David.
The Carols sang were: “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful.”
Giving a vote of thanks, Mrs. Abiodun Taiwo appreciated the members of the executives for making the day possible and the members for taking out time to attend.
Mrs. Mojisola Akande David gave the closing prayer.
It was time for the Christmas party and there were lots to eat and drink especially for the children and the grandchildren. The children also got lots of gifts from Father Christmas.
The David David Family Executives who have been serving since their election on January 8, 2022, are; retired AIG Sholla David (President), Elder Funso Odeyemi (Head of Family – Male), Mrs. Moji Akande, Treasurer; Mrs. Biodun Taiwo – (Head of Family – Female), Pastor Dayo David (Welfare Officer), Engr. Tunde David (Vice President), Mr. Gbolahan David (Asst. Welfare Officer), Mrs. Toyin Ogunlaiye (Social Secretary), Mrs. Bola Babarinde (Secretary), Mr. Dipo David (Publicity Secretary), Mr. Kunle David (Financial Secretary) and Mr. Tobi David (Asst. Secretary).
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kudos to the Exco