….Launch Club’s N100million Youth Development Multipurpose Hall.
By: Oluwatosin Adesola
It was a gathering of the crème de la crème in society on Saturday 23rd April, 2022 when Club Elan, Akure rolled out drums to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in the Ondo State Capital.
Aside from the glitz and glamour that was the hallmark of the Anniversary, the event was also used to perform the Investiture of some Eminent Nigerians as Patrons of the Club as well the launching of 100million naira Development Fund for the construction of Club Elan Youth Development Multipurpose Hall.
Club Elan Alagbaka Akure is a top flight apolitical and socio-philanthropic club with local and International acclaims as developed best practices in the conduct of its activities.
Personalities from all stratas of the society including the Deji of Akure Kingdom and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade; Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented by his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the immediate past pro-chancellor and chairman, governing Council of the University of Lagos, DR. WALE BABALAKIN, SAN, as well as the Executive Director, Engineering and technical services, Niger Delta Power Holding Company limited, Engr Ife Oyedele.
Dr Babalakin, represented by a legal practitioner, Barrister Kehinde Daodu, was the Chief Launcher at the event.
The President of the Club, Elano (Chief) Toyin Akinyemi in his speech appreciated the new members for the dogged efforts invested in making the anniversary huge success, urging friends and members of the Club to sustain their support towards actualising the construction of the Club Elan Youth Development Multipurpose Hall.
The President said, “We are indeed pleased to welcome many of you who have been synonymous with the club’s growth, development and achievements over the last 25years as well as those of you who are new to the club.
“Today is simply about celebrating the existence of our Club; from the teething ages to the acknowledgement of sacrifices of volunteers and founding members, and the commitment of all members who have in one way or another helped to build this Club over the last 25 years.
“From my perspective, having been a member of the Club for approximately fifteen (15) years, I can say without any doubt in my mind that the sacrifices made by many founding members of the club and those that joined them at the early stage cannot be overemphasized.
“As a club, we must always appreciate those members, as they were the individuals who had the vision, the faith and the know how to get our club going. And I think that their foresight paved the way for us as a Club because the stressed strong ethics and due processes which they genuinely emphasized in the day to day running of the club helped the countless volunteers that have followed their path This consequently created what is now considered to be one of the strongest clubs in southwest Nigeria.
“Our membership is gender-sensitive and that is why the club is a family club. Our wives are involved in some of the activities of the club club and our members come from various nationals, ethnicities and different professional disciplines.
“We are also re-engineering to making the club more attractive to young minds and correct the notion that it is meant for old people or retirees,” Chief Akinyemi said.
Addressing the gathering, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade expressed delight that Club Elan had contributed greatly to human and social development of Akure in the last 25years.
The Deji of Akure encouraged Executive and members of the club not to relent in boosting the economy of the capital city through various social activities.
Dr Babalakin, represented by a legal practitioner, Kehinde Daodu, and the Chief Launcher at the event, congratulated Club Elan on its various achievements.
A fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ife Oyedele who described Club Elan as one of the greatest social clubs in the country, stressed the need for the Club leadership to attract both local and global investors to Ondo State.
The State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa who represented Governor Akeredolu expressed happiness that a great Club like Club Elan was growing in helping the state to develop socially and economically.
Aiyedatiwa assured members of the club and other guests at the event that, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led government had identified adequate security as a necessary condition for thriving social activities.
The Deputy Governor further stressed that, the present administration was poised to secure the State for the good of all to enjoy their lives.
He felicitated the Club members on the journey so far, and wishes them more glorious years ahead.
The First member, Elano Sola Akintimehin, who allowed his Recreation Centre in Akure to start Club Elan fellowship, expressed happiness that he witnessed the Club becoming giant in the State and the Country.
Speaking on behalf of members in an interview, the Director General, Club Support Services and Secretary, Organizing Committee, Elano (Prince) Adeyinka Adedire appreciated those who joined the Club to organize a memorable anniversary.
Some of the Co-launchers and decorated as new Patrons of the Club included Dr Wale Babalakin; the Aare musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola; Engineer Ife Oyedele and an Oil magnate, Engineer Alaba Owoyemi (Group Executive Director, Century Group and captain in the oil and Gas industry).
Other dignitaries at the event included the State Head of Service, Pastor Adeniran Adeyemo; the Ondo State Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Otunba Dele Ologun; a former Secretary to Ondo State Government, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde; a legal luminary, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe; the Chairman, Ondo State Advertising Agency ( SIGNAGE ), Akinwande Akinrodoye, as well as former PDP National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Olorogun Eddy Olafeso.
