Celebrating Eko Club International By Otunba TJ Abass

Eko Club International once again will be holding its quarterly meeting in Dallas Texas.Expectedly, lagosians from different parts of the world will converge in Dallas Texas to discuss issues that are germane to the progress of our beloved State

Eko Club International USA, Canada And Europe, an organisation for Lagosians in Diaspora has remained consistent in projecting and promoting the interest of its members along positive ideals.

On account of its accomplishments, the club has become a parameter with which to measure all other organisations in Diaspora in terms of commitment towards the advancement of humanity.

These have been possible because the organisation has been blessed with strong and dedicated leadership since its inception in 1999.

That establishment was at the behest of leader of All PRogresives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The pioneering efforts of Alhaji Sesi Dawodu and Attorney OJ Lawal, the consolidation efforts during the  tenure of Otunba T.J Abass, Alhaji Zainudeen Popoola, Alhaji Bisi Gaji and Mr Lanre Ojo as Presidents of the organization at different times, has accounted for the  stability that the organisation has enjoyed.

It has been the reason for the unflinching allegiance of its members thus adding to the stability and the success of the organisation.

One can still remember that voice and the word of advice in one of our gathering. Eyin guys (You guys). There is a need to have a strong platform for Lagosians in Diaspora, a platform that will address the needs of Lagosians in Diaspora”.

We heeded the advice and hit the ground running and the rest they say is history. Love him or hate him, you cannot question Asiwajus commitment to Lagos State, his human infallibility notwithstanding.

Asiwaju remains the only Governor in Lagos State that has reached out to Lagosians in Diaspora in terms of employment opportunities (45 members of Eko Club International are currently in tbe Lagos State Civil service.).

Business and housing opportunities were also made available to our members. He also made available tremendous opportunities to some of our members who were interested in politics.

The Organisation has embarked on various humanitarian projects.

One of the club’s signature projects is the deployment of numerous health care personnel who are Lagosians along with their American and British counterparts to Lagos to provide support to the healthcare sector.

The annual medical mission in collaboration with Lagos State has been one of the highlights of the outstanding voyages of this great Organisation.

The recent Eagle Award, Philanthropic Club of the Year – bagged by the organisation in recognition of the contribution to the health care delivery in Lagos State is a testimonial the commitment of the Organisation towards ensuring Lagos State becomes the final stop in efficient and effective health care delivery services.

Dr.Nurudeen Olowopopo clinic in Isolo, across from the palace of Isolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, built primarily from the contributions of members of the organisation, in memory of one its members, Dr Nurudeen Olowopopo, is another land mark achievement of the Organisation.

Recall that Dr Nurudeen Olowopopo who passed on in 2013, was one of the founding members of Eko Club International and one of the architects of Eko Club International; the Clinic was built in his memory.

Some of the other projects embarked upon by the organisations are  scholarship programme, Renovation of Secondary schools in Lagos, feeding of the homeless, adoption of highway by the individual chapters in their respective states etc with their focus on building a model international school in Lagos. This was adopted at the last convention of the organisation in San Antonio this year.

Members of the Eko Club International will once again at the weekend of December, 12th to 13th,converge in Dallas for their Quarterly meeting.

It presents another opportunity for Lagosians in Dispora to travel far and near not only to celebrate the tremendous success since its inception but to also discuss issues that are germane to the progress of our beloved state.

It presents another opportunity to promote the local economy like we have consistently done in the last  20 years of our existence.

It is another opportunity to discuss on how to move our state forward through partnering with the government and reviving the old glory of Lagos State, an urban, cosmopolitan city on the verge of emerging as a true Mega city.

Let it be part of the discussion, that Lagos State is the most developed  Yoruba State and the last hope for Yoruba Nation..

Also Read:

https://ekohotblog.com/2019/12/14/senate-canvasses-for-accessible-quality-healthcare-for-poor-nigerians/

 

Let it be part of the discussion how we can harness our resources to achieve that goal.

Let it be part of our discussion the grand design to take over Lagos State. There will come a time when the numbers of Non Yorubas will double the number of Yorubas in Lagos State even among the indigenous divisions of Lagos State.

How can we continuously engage our leaders in their effort to urbanise the city and not the present situation where the city is being ruralised with the constant influx of people and the consequent stretch on the State’s infrastructure.

The organisation needs to maintain a very strong presence in Lagos  like we have always done in the past.

Infusing or injecting a dosage of politics in our policies will go a long way.

We can adopt a voters sensitisation and education programmes as our of project.

The issue of voter apathy must be addressed. Consistently We can do that by doing the followings:

Engaging the policy holders in ensuring a better way to achieve that feat.

Engaging our Traditional rulers who are presently part of the organisation and their involvement in their capacity as either the Patron and Grand Patron and friends of the organisation can be helpful.

Sensitization in the area of voters registration will be crucial and area that Eko Club international can make significant impact.

It is our State.Get Involved!

Good luck in your deliberations.