By Chukwuma Umeorah
A social club, Association of Friends, in celebration of its 45th anniversary, has announced a week-long programme of events that will commence with a community-driven health intervention and a business summit delivered by Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, alongside renowned banker and financial expert, Abayomi Majekodunmi.
President of the association, Kole Olatunji, revealed that the highlight of the celebration would be its Presidential Gala Night and induction of new members which will take place on Sunday, November 26 in Lagos.
Olatunji said the association was renowned for its tradition, honour, and community development, positively impacting the lives of its members and the host community through business networking, provision of social facilities and valuable partnerships.
“I, therefore, appeal to our members at various levels of government to partner us in the execution of projects aimed at touching the lives of the people around us,” he said.
The health intervention programme will provide free eye tests for residents at Maryland and Onigbongbo neighbourhood on November 21. The following day, the Business Summit entitled: “OMOLUABI: Tenets, Concept, Ethos, Practices, and Culture,” will take place. Other activities include launching a N100 million special association development fund for the renovation of the club house, an inter-religious prayer session and hosting of members and friends to a special suya night in honour of the founding fathers and elders of the club.”
The history of the Association of Friends, which came into being 45 years ago, is rooted in the visionary aspirations of a group of eight young men, some of whom have now passed on or are in their late 70s and early 80s. The founding fathers of the association include the late Suleiman Onabiyi, Festus Adeleke Adesina, Akinlawon Abiola, Fatai Irawo-Ogunsi, Ayinde Adesiyan, Kola Sanyaolu, Sunday Adigun, and Kunle Adesanya.
The celebration packaged to honour the legacy of the club’s founding visionaries, introduce new inductees and elevate its commitment to societal progress and affinity would be attended by eminent dignitaries, including royal fathers and captains of industries. Fuji King, Adewale Ayuba, will be on the band stand.