Ikeja Club @ 60: Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Unity, Community Development

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

President of Ikeja Club, Aare Musediq Adeleke, on Tuesday reaffirmed the club’s commitment to promoting national unity, community development and responsible citizenship as it officially commenced activities marking its 60th anniversary.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Adeleke described the diamond jubilee as a milestone in the history of one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous urban clubs, saying the celebration would provide an opportunity to reflect on its rich heritage and renew its commitment to service.

He recalled that the club was founded in 1966 by visionary Nigerians to promote friendship, integrity, fellowship and community development, noting that it has grown into one of the country’s most respected social and recreational institutions.

“Today is a significant moment in the history of our great club. Sixty years ago, a group of visionary gentlemen came together with a noble idea to establish a club that would promote friendship, integrity, service, fellowship and community development,” Adeleke said.

He added that the anniversary was not merely a social celebration but an opportunity to honour the club’s founding fathers and recommit to the ideals that have sustained it over the years.

According to him, activities lined up for the celebration include a public lecture on “Urban Club and City Development,” free health outreach, charity visits, sporting competitions, fitness walk, old school night, elders’ evening, induction of new members, investiture of patrons and vice patrons, and a thanksgiving service.

“We believe institutions such as Ikeja Club have a role to play in shaping civic values, supporting social development and contributing positively to the growth of our city,” he said.

Responding to questions after the address, club officials said Ikeja Club has continued to complement government efforts in promoting national unity by bringing together Nigerians of different ethnic, religious and professional backgrounds without discrimination.

They noted that the club currently employs about 30 Nigerians, has contributed significantly to sports development—particularly table tennis—and has produced several players who have represented the country at national and international levels.

The officials also highlighted the club’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, disclosing that this year’s anniversary would feature free cervical, breast and prostate cancer screening as well as eye examinations for members of the public in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

According to them, more than 400 residents benefited from the medical outreach organised by the club last year, while nine of the 12 new members to be inducted during the anniversary celebrations are youths, reflecting the club’s commitment to grooming a new generation of leaders.

The management further disclosed that the club would honour its founding fathers, deceased past presidents and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to its growth over the last six decades.

The officials assured members and invited guests of adequate security throughout the anniversary celebrations, saying relevant security and emergency agencies had been mobilised to ensure hitch-free events.

Adeleke expressed appreciation to the media for partnering with the club over the years and urged journalists to continue projecting its ideals and contributions to society.

“As President, I assure you that Ikeja Club will continue to uphold the values of excellence, responsible citizenship and service to humanity,” he said.