The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ijebu-Imusin, Ogun State, has marked its 99th anniversary with plans to honour about 100 deceased members who contributed to the growth of the organisation and the development of their community.
The anniversary celebration comes as the Ijebu-Imusin chapter prepares for its centenary, marking 100 years of its existence in 2027.
According to the chairman of the centenary planning committee, Mr. Sola Onafalujo, the association has prepared a memorial memoir containing the biographies of members who have passed away and will be recognised for their contributions.
The deceased members were scheduled to receive posthumous awards during a special event tagged “Night of Titans,” held on September 18 at the church premises in Ijebu-Imusin.
The celebration also included recognition for about six living members who are above 90 years old. The oldest member of the YMCA at the church, 96-year-old Pa Oluwole Onakoya, was among those celebrated.
The Ijebu-Imusin YMCA is one of the oldest chapters of the association in Nigeria. The YMCA itself was founded in London on June 6, 1844, by George Williams, initially as a Christian organisation focused on Bible study and prayer among young men. It later expanded internationally and became involved in wider humanitarian and community development activities.
The first YMCA branch in Nigeria was established in Kano in 1925, while the St. Mary’s Anglican Church chapter in Ijebu-Imusin was established in 1927.
Onafalujo said the 99th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s long history and its contributions to society.
He said preparations for the centenary were already underway, with the theme “Centenary Renewed” and Isaiah 40:31 chosen as the anchor scripture.
He also disclosed that the association is working towards raising ₦1 billion to establish a skills acquisition centre for young people.
Over the years, the YMCA chapter has been involved in several community-oriented programmes, including scholarships for students and support for vulnerable adults seeking to establish businesses.
The organisation also provided assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its president, Dr. Bankole Osisanya, said the chapter distributed more than 250 food packs to elderly people in villages across Ijebu and later supported local businesses and helped some students pay their school fees.
The chapter has also taken steps to create a sustainable source of funding for its welfare activities. According to the organisers, the YMCA acquired land for the construction of blocks of flats that would generate income to support its social intervention programmes and assist indigent members of the community.
Among the notable former members of the association was the late General Babatunde Ogundeko, a former Director of the Nigerian Army Education Corps and pioneer Commandant of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
As the YMCA Ijebu-Imusin looks towards its centenary year, the 99th anniversary has provided an opportunity for members to honour the contributions of past generations while celebrating those who continue to serve the organisation.
The planned centenary is expected to focus on renewing the association’s commitment to Christian service, youth development, welfare and community development.
