EDITOR’S PICK
The historical peregrinations of Eko Club USA, Inc Houston, bedecked with its series of monumental successes (and shortcomings), if parlayed into a dramatic script, would easily compete for the highest honours in the performance industry and qualified for an Emmy Award. The characters featured in the imaginary movie would be inducted into the Hollywood/Nollywood wall of fame.
A brainchild of visionary immigrants who thought it wise to create a community of Lagosians in Houston to furnish the bond and the commonalities that bind us together, the group can be best described as a child of circumstance.
The events culminating in the successful take-off of the premier organisation of Lagosians must be accorded its historical perspective and be clinically presented, devoid of any sentiment, for posterity.
If history is a record of past events, successes, challenges and accomplishments, the following presentation of the journey embarked upon by Eko Club Houston since its inception will no doubt provide an accurate assessment of the significant achievements and the challenges of this organisation since its formation on November 15, 1997.
In the interest of passing it on to the next generation, the attempt to document these antecedents of our storied club must not only be imperative but intentional.
Eko Club Houston, without gainsaying, boasts of a rich history. The narrative started with great minds from the oil-rich state and the 3rd largest city in the Continental USA, with the largest concentration of Nigerians whose immeasurable contributions to the booming economy cannot be ignored. Houston remained an enviable record in the public domain.
It was on Saturday, August 30th,1997, at the famous Shoe Ecstasy, one of several shoe retail stores owned by Otunba T J Abass at the West Wood Mall in Houston, Texas, that the seed of Eko Club USA, Inc, Houston was planted.
The duo of Yesir Ganiyu and Jubril Adelagun of the famous Faramobi of Lagos were at the store. Of course, their mission that day was to add to their collections of exotic shoes in preparation for a big event slated for later in the day.
Providence or fate had its way in the course of their interaction as discussion on the formation of Eko Club Houston took centre stage by the trio of Otunba T J Abass, Late Yesir Ganiyu and Late Jubril Adelagun
Lagos on Our Minds
The affinity that these Lagosians in the diaspora had for their homeland triggered the discussion of issues germane to the development of our beloved state.
Without any hesitation and further delay, a decision was reached for its formation. A call was placed immediately to Attorney O. J. Lawal to commence the paperwork for its registration which would ensure its legal standing in Texas.
Otunba T.J Abass, One of the Founding Members of Eko Club, Houston
The seed planted that day sprouted, and it’s now yielding so many fruits in its 25 years of existence.
The organization held its first inaugural meeting on November 15, 1997, at the Miguel Ballroom of the Southwest Hilton Hotel in Houston, Texas.
There had been several pockets of meetings at the late Jubril Adelagun before the inaugural meeting.
The mandate of running the organisation was vested in an election on the following interim officers:
1. Mr. Jubril Adelagun – President
2. Alhaji Mojeed Martins – Treasurer
3. Mr. T.J Abass – Secretary
4. Mr. Jimmie Vaughan – P.R.O
5. Ms Shade Onigbanjo – Coordinator
6. Mr. Yesir Ganiyu – Financial Secretary.
At the first meeting, the necessary structures were instituted, specific tasks were assigned, and committees – including the constitution committee – were put in place.
The lofty goals and objectives of the organization have been the guiding light in the organisation’s 25 years of existence.
Goals of the Organization
Some of the goals of the organisation identified at the inaugural meeting and enshrined in the 1st constitution are as follows:
To make a positive impact in the lives of the underprivileged in our society;
To promote communal friendship, love and cultural awareness among our members;
To become a dependable partner with our government by making our professional and intellectual repertoire available for the development of our state.
Founding Members
The inaugural party was held on December 23 1997, at the Mariam Restaurant owned by Alhaja Mariam, now one of the Matrons of Eko Club Houston.
The 1st anniversary and the Official Opening of the Ultra Modern Club House on December 5, 1998
In less than a year of its inception, the organisation acquired an 8000 sq ft space for communal use, the venue for its 1st anniversary.
The organization, after the inaugural event, hit the ground running with tremendous strides due to the unwavering commitment of the leadership and the members, who plunged in their material and intellectual resources to ensure the success of the club.
The strength of Eko Club Houston lies in the membership, which was drawn to reflect the strength of Lagos as a melting pot and, most significantly, the shared commonalities of the expected roles of Lagosians in the Diaspora in the overall development of Lagos State.
Leadership and followership are interwoven, and a leader is as good as his followers. This has translated to meaningful growth for the organization. It has provided direction and development.
Presidents of the Organization from Inception to Date
The organization has been a quintessential stability; hence it has only produced 8 presidents since its inception.
Mr. Jubril Adelagun was appointed the pioneer chairman of the organisation in November 1997 and later became the president from 1997 to 1998.
Otunba Sam Dipeolu (2003 – 2007)
Attorney Larry Johnson (2007 – 2009)
Honorable Lanre Ojo (2009 – 2011)
Dr. Remi Oki (2011– 2015)
Mr. Diran Willougby (2015 – 2017)
Rauf Ogunbiyi (2017 – 2021)
Bashir Agoro (2021– Present)
The first primary task embarked upon by the organization was to facilitate the harmonization of the existing Eko Clubs under the aegis of Eko Club International; that is, USA, Canada and Europe.
The then governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also adumbrated the need for Lagosians to unite under a common coterie to harness their collective resources to take our great state to higher heights.
The trio of Otunba Sam Dipeolu, Otunba TJ Abass and Mr. Yesir Ganiyu (of blessed memory) travelled to Canada to commence discussions with their Canadian counterparts (represented by Late Alhaji Agiri and Mrs Abiola Nosiru).
The meeting was a productive one, and it set the stage for the formation of Eko Club International, USA, CANADA & EUROPE, an organisation that has since made tremendous contributions to the development of Lagos State as well as the host communities of the fragmented units that make up the umbrella body
Eko Club International Convention
Another primary task of Eko Club Houston was the hosting of the 1st Eko Club International Convention in July of 2000.
The 9-day epochal event, held at the Adams Marks Hotel, hosted a very powerful delegation of traditional rulers, captains of industries, and cabinet members of the Lagos State Government led by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tunubu.
One of the convention’s highlights was the visit of Asiwaju to the then Mayor of Hoston, Mr. Lee Brown. This meeting birthed a bilateral agreement between the City of Houston and Lagos State.
Enron Deal
It was during that convention that the MoU for the Enron project, one of the largest independent power projects aimed at breaking the monopoly of the PHCN and guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply to Lagosians, was consummated.
Unfortunately, what was initially conceived to impact the lives of millions of people positively was thwarted by selfish interest by certain unscrupulous elements.
However, despite this painful disappointment, Eko Club Houston continued its altruistic crusade and its quest to change lives through its various initiatives.
Projects
Some of the projects embarked upon by the organization are as follows:
Acquisition of 2 Acres of Land at the corner of Kirkwood and Beechnut, now valued at $650,000.00, earmarked as the future home of Eko Plaza.
The Eko Club Plaza dream is yet to materialise, but the unrelenting pursuit of the dream makes its attainment in the foreseeable future a cakewalk.
A tastefully furnished property which is now the permanent address of the organisation on 8619 Leawood Drive in Houston, Texas
The provision of $100,000.00 life insurance for all members of Eko Club Houston exemplifies the organisation’s genuine concern for its members.
The financial and moral support given to members in times of need elevates Eko Club Houston above any other organization.
Economic Empowerment and Unlimited Opportunities
The organization typifies the dual forces of a stable and virile organization, as it economically empowers its members. The leadership of this organization has always made strides for the availability of unlimited opportunities for its members. Some are highlighted below:
Provision of Housing Opportunities for Members in Nigeria;
Land opportunities For Members in Choice Areas in Nigeria;
Promotion of Investments Club within the Organization
Renovation and Supply of Hospital Equipment to Massey Street Children’s Hospital
One of the 1st Organizations to Adopt the Massey Project as a Pet Project
Partnership with Youths:
It is the organisation’s goal to endow our children with an enduring legacy.
Education Initiatives:
Various educational programs have been implemented to ensure that our youths become productive members and exemplary leaders.
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless
Health Awareness Seminar.
Integral Part of the Eko Club International Medical Mission
Challenges
For Eko Club USA Inc Houston, the journey has not been smooth, but the one constant to which we have been able to set our watch has been our dedication to weather every storm in service of humanity.
As succinctly espoused by Attorney O. J. Lawal and President Emeritus, the longevity and the stability of the organization can be attributed to the grace of God and the commitment and dedication of the members.
Surviving 6 American presidents, 6 Nigeria presidents, Iraq and Iran War is an affirmation of a strong foundation laid by the organization’s founding fathers,” he said.
Otunba Sam Dipeolu, speaking on the club’s longevity, said, “the camaraderie within the organization has been the key to its success.”
Dr. Remi Oki, who led the club for four years, described that stint as a privilege, one which brought him in close quarters with some of the most dedicated people he has encountered in his life’s sojourn.
For Attorney Larry Johnson, “Eko Club Houston is a culture. It is fraternity; it is a way of life. The comrade is real.”
Lanre Ojo, a former president of Eko Club International, described celebrating 25 years of existence as a fulfilment of the dreams of the founding fathers of the club.
Meanwhile, Diran Willoughby has analogised the organisation as a breeding ground where leaders are groomed.
For Ralph Ogunbiyi, the symbiotic relationship between the leadership and the followership of the group, like any successful organisation has been indispensable to the club’s successes over the years.
Bashir Agoro, the current president of Eko Club USA, Inc, could not feel better fortune than at the helm on the portentous occasion of the chapter’s 25th anniversary.
He said, “Being the sitting president at such a watershed moment in the anal of the organization is a privilege and an opportunity to showcase the organization’s strength.”
The chairman of the planning committee for the 25th anniversary, Deji Allen Okunnu, said arrangements are in top gear to make the event a memorable one.
The chairman of the planning committee for the 25th anniversary, Deji Allen Okunnu
The 2-day event starts on Friday, May 14th, with the Akara Night, Guest Lecture, Scholarship, Raffle Draw and Fundraising.
The guest lectures will feature family members and children who were part of the Eko Club Youth at its inception but today are successful and accomplished professionals.
These were the youths who entertained Governor Tinubu in 2000; today, they are successful medical doctors.
The program for Saturday, May 15th, includes the Roasting of the immediate President Emeritus, Hon Ralph Ogunbiyi, an organisation’s tradition.
Other programs include the documentary of the past projects and the journey so far, to mention a few.
It is an auspicious occasion that must be accorded its deserving flair and flamboyance,” he concluded.
This is the story of Eko Club Houston over the years and the reason for its success and contribution to the two countries and two cities that are central to their existence. It was a fairy tale of two cities, Lagos State (IBILE), Nigeria, and Houston, Texas, USA.
Eko Club Houston, in its 25 years of existence has recorded numerous strides, arguably beyond the vision and imagination of its founding fathers. However, these strides did not come without their fair share of stripes.
The membership, with a laser focus attitude, concentrated more on the objectives rather than the obstacles.
The similarities are far greater than the differences; the disagreements between the members are far more minor than what binds us together.
What does the future portend for this organization?
What will the next 25 years look like? What will be the climate?
The last 25 years have been quite an experience. It is self-evident some of us that were part of the inception might not have the luxury of spending the next 25 years on earth.
It is therefore incumbent on the young generation of leaders that are currently running the organization today to keep the tradition alive.
The founding fathers have provided much direction and stability. The organization has survived and overcome the initial uncertain stage of trial and error and has gained invaluable experience; it has also achieved much of its set-out goals; all that needs to be done is constant improvement, refinement and progress.
The same level of doggedness, tenacity and grit, perhaps, even more, will indubitably be required as we look to open a new chapter of this thrilling script.
FURTHER READING
Congratulations to the leadership and members of Eko Club USA, Inc, Houston, as it celebrates 25 years of existence.
Otunba T.J Abass is the publisher of Eko Hot Blog
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