Dr. Omoaefe Ejere has emerged President of Thirty Six Pals Development Initiatives, an Abuja-based social club comprising a group of friends.

Ejere was elected alongside other executive members in an election held a few days ago and formally assumed office on September 15, 2026, at a swearing-in ceremony where he received his Certificate and took the Oath of Office.

A hospitality practitioner, Ejere is the Chief Operating Officer of Cubana and Managing Director of Harvard Restaurant.

In his acceptance speech, the new president expressed gratitude to Almighty God and members of the association for entrusting him with the mandate, saying his emergence was a call to service rather than an opportunity to wield power.

According to him, “I am not here to rule Thirty Six Pals; I am here to serve Thirty Six Pals.” He added that the office of president should be regarded as a position of responsibility, not privilege.

Ejere said his administration would be anchored on four principles: service, empowerment, ownership and community development, while unveiling a two-year vision aimed at creating greater value for members.

He said membership of Thirty Six Pals must go beyond attending meetings and paying dues to creating opportunities, providing support, strengthening friendship and fostering a sense of belonging.

Among the programmes outlined by the new administration is the Thirty Six Pals 100 Teachers Vision Support Project, which will provide eye screening and prescription glasses. He also announced plans for the Thirty Six Pals Community Traffic and Safety Volunteers Project.

Other initiatives include the Thirty Six Pals 1,000 Trees for the Future Project, school-fee assistance for deserving pupils and proposed feeding interventions for homeless families and displaced persons.

Ejere also unveiled a “Membership Own One Land” initiative, designed to enable members acquire land in the Federal Capital Territory while spreading payment over an agreed period.

He called for unity among members, stressing that disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into division. He urged members to put the interests of Thirty Six Pals first, respect one another and embrace correction in the spirit of love and friendship.

The new president also pledged to run an administration based on transparency, accountability, proper documentation, financial responsibility and regular reporting. He said every contribution made by members would be treated with respect and accountability.

Addressing his executive team, Ejere described the administration as a collective effort, promising to listen, consult widely and encourage constructive criticism.

He commended the immediate past President, Pal Amb Victor Okon, for his service, sacrifice and commitment to the association, assuring past leaders and outgoing executive members that they would continue to contribute their experience and counsel.

To drive the implementation of his agenda, Ejere constituted several committees, including Strategy and Implementation; Project and Media Services; Contact and Mobilisation; Protocol and Entertainment; Reconciliation and Members’ Affairs; Legal and Secretariat Affairs; and Diaspora Affairs.

He also named Pal Daniel Oniko, Pal Victor Okon and all serving executive members as Elder Statesmen and Advisers, with responsibility for providing strategic and advisory guidance to the association.

Ejere urged members to move beyond discussions to concrete action, stressing the need to transform friendship into fellowship and empowerment into measurable development and impact.

He thanked members who voted for him and extended an open hand to those who supported other candidates, declaring: “There are no camps. There are no winners and losers. There is only Thirty Six Pals.”

He called on members to believe in the new administration and in their collective capacity to achieve its goals, assuring them that their voices would be heard and their ideas given due consideration.