Reinventing Our Home across the Seas: A Renaissance of Lagosians Of Canada

Eko Hot Blog reports that It was a moment of reunion and reminiscence as Lagosians from different parts of the world converged at the Western Hotel, Toronto, for the 3rd quarterly meeting of Eko Club International, the premier organisation for Lagosians in the diaspora.

The president of Lagosians Canada, Honourable Yinka Thanni

The outfits, statures and social statuses represented were as varied as the number of heads present, but the mutual inclination of every congregant was the love for the homeland, Lagos, the cradle of life. It was indeed a moment of reunion and reminiscence.

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This quarterly general meeting was hosted by the Lagosians of Canada, a group of dedicated sons and daughters of Lagos who are domiciled in Canada and are determined to perpetuate the tradition which has spanned over 3 decades. It is then safe to say the Lagosians of Canada, one of the new additions to the Eko Club International family, is a reincarnation of the 30 years’ tradition.

Mr Saheed Olushi, President, Eko Club International

The three-day signature gathering was entwined with an array of activities and tasks carried out by congregants. Call it a mini-convention; you are right on the money, as it had all the indices of a convention.

Mrs Onimole Ogbara, One of the Patroness Inducted

Click Here To View Pictures From The Fundraising and Dinner

The visit to Niagara Falls kicked off the event. It was a breathtaking tourism experience, a nature’s creation and a magnificent waterfall that has remained a mystery yet to be unraveled for over 12000 years. Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. This magnificent waterfall is nature’s creation and not manufactured.

The three waterfalls are on the Niagara River with proximity to Toronto on the Canadian border and the western part of New York State in the USA. Over the years, it has remained the final destination choice for tourism and a significant revenue earner for both countries. This tour no doubt was an affirmation and exemplification of Lagosians’ contribution to the socio-economic development of the Diaspora community.

The congenial vibe of the black-and-white affair on Friday night was fashioned to heighten and consolidate the aura of brotherhood within ECI, and that goal was achieved. The welcome party justified the pre-event hype; the hospitality was top-notch and outstanding. The DJ was no doubt on top of her game as she kept members footloose and fancy-free into the wee hours.

Ms. Rashidat Olatunji

Click Here To View Pictures From The Black and White Party

One of the highlights of the three-day local event was the cash and food donation made by Eko Club International and the youth forum of the organization for the underprivileged. This has become a trademark of ECI and an uncommon spirit of altruism that has defined the organization since its inception.

The ECI quarterly meeting was also a huge success as issues germane to the growth of the organization and our beloved state were discussed, including the signature project of ECI, the annual medical mission.

The president of the organization, Chief Saheed Olushi, in an interview with the Eko Hot Blog, ascribed the success of Eko Club International to the resourcefulness of the membership, laser focus, and purpose-driven leadership style of past leaders.

“This organization is blessed with members that are passionate and committed to the ideals of the organization.

“Our goal is to bequeath an enduring legacy to the younger generation, which is why we have partnered with ECI youth to do what we have always done best – giving back to the society,” he concluded.

The president of Lagosians Canada, Honourable Yinka Thanni, also asserted that this journey of rebirth and rebuilding has not been an easy journey but a journey with a bundle of twists and turns.

Click Here To View Pictures From The Black and White Party

“The members’ commitment has sustained us so far and will sustain us into the foreseeable future.

“The support of my members in Canada has been outstanding and instrumental to our collective success.”

“I remain grateful to the members of the Lagosians of Canada and the ECI family members for the support,” he said.

The immediate past president of ECI, Honorable Lanre Ojo, admonished the leadership and the membership of the Lagosians of Canada to stay focused and stay committed to the vision of Eko Club International. “This is a recipe for growth,” he concluded.

The immediate past president of ECI, Honorable Lanre Ojo

The banquet fundraising dinner on Saturday night with the music of Wele International was a perfect finale to a well-conceived and well-executed launching of the Lagosians of Canada.

For members of ECI, Lagos has come to acquire a plethora of interpretations beyond just a settlement in South-West Nigeria to become a way of life, a centre of commerce, a fashion statement and a worthy cause. These diverse interpretations of Lagos, Lagosians boldly demonstrated in custom-fitted apparels, traditional dishes and generous donations that featured in the event.

Otunba T.J Abass

The newly appointed patron and patroness to the club during the induction process were charged with the responsibility of keeping the tradition of ECI alive, a tradition of selflessness and uncommon altruism.

Mrs. Abiola Nosiru, speaking to Eko Hot Blog, also attributed the success of ECI to good successive plans with members who truly understand and are committed to the vision and the mission of the organization.

Mrs Abiola Nosiru

Click Here To View Pictures From The ECI Meeting

This will ensure continuity, and anything short of that can set the club back for several years.

“I was there when it all started because it started in my house. I was a part of the dream, and I am glad that 25 years later, I am still standing with the rest of the members. All I can promise is my unrelenting determination to keep hope alive”, she said, and this was echoed by Mr. Hakeem Nosiru, Alhaja Bashirat Olatunji, and Mrs Onimole Ogbara, all inducted as the patron and patroness of the esteemed organisation.

It was indeed a perfect crescendo to a three-day fun and meaningful discussion on the progress of our beloved state.

The food was scrumptious and the hospitality was top-notch. The Lagosians are back in Canada, and this time, for a long haul.

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While the organizers are deserving of laudation for scheming such a successful event, the attendees too are worthy of some credit for halting other activities that mattered to them in order to grace the event.

Collectively, we have demonstrated unwavering patriotism. Congratulations to the president and members of Lagosians Canada for hosting one of the most successful, if not the most successful quarterly meeting in the history of ECI.

Click Here To View Pictures From The Fundraising and Dinner

Click Here To View Pictures From The Black and White Party

Click Here To View Pictures From The ECI Meeting

Click to watch our video of the week

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