By Tony Udemba
It was a remarkable day for members of the Alpha Cycle Club of Nigeria as they celebrated the club’s 35th anniversary, with the investiture of Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, GMD/CEO of Nestoil Group and founder of the Obijackson Foundation, as Patron.
The occasion, held in Lagos, was heralded by a beautifully rendered club anthem performed by members to the excitement of guests and family members, who applauded them.
In his welcome address, the President of the group, Chief Leonard Okafor, thanked God for upholding the organisation for the past 35 years, while also appreciating members for their resilience and unwavering efforts in building the club into its present enviable status.
According to him, “Today’s occasion is both unique and special in the sense that we have every reason to rejoice and celebrate ourselves. These past years, we have worked very hard to the present height we have attained today.
“To celebrate today, we have lined up wonderful programmes to delight everyone here. Firstly, we are going to use this wonderful event to appoint new patrons, honour some of our members who have distinguished themselves in the activities of the club, as well as induct new members into our fold.”
On the membership of the group, the leader of the club said, “Our membership basically comprises people, mostly businessmen and professionals of like minds, who are supportive of one another, who socialise together, and above all, who have the zeal and passion to reach out and extend helping hands to the needy, the handicapped, the sick, the poor, and the vulnerable people in our society. These and more are some of the things we do in order to improve the lot of humanity.”
Going down memory lane, Okafor stated that as a responsible socio-cultural and charity organisation, the group had over the years successfully carried out various humanitarian activities, including the distribution of foodstuffs, educational assistance, medical outreaches, and related programmes to various communities and organisations. Speaking further, he noted that, given the support and commitment of members, the organisation has recorded tremendous achievements in the past years, including building two clubhouses/halls: one in Lagos and another in Awka.
Speaking after his investiture as a patron of the club, Dr Azudialu-Obiejesi commended the leadership and members of the group for their focus and doggedness in building a successful organisation over the years.
He enjoined them to continue striving to take the organisation to greater heights. He assured them of his willingness and readiness to always identify with and support all the activities of the group.
In his remarks at the event, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto, Anambra State, commended the leadership of the organisation for its wonderful programmes and achievements, while encouraging them to remain focused.
Other notable personalities who spoke at the occasion were unanimous in lauding the organisation’s good works and assured them of their support.
Also honoured as a patron (posthumously) was the late Senator Annie Okonkwo, a former member of the Senate from Anambra State, for his meritorious service to the organisation during his lifetime.
The highlight of the occasion was the investiture of new patrons, the bestowing of special awards on deserving members, the induction of new members, among others.
The event, which witnessed a large turnout, attracted the crème de la crème of society, including Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Chief Leo Okafor, Chief Clifford, Chief Sam Uba, Chief Ben Amuta, Chief Emma Aniakor, Chief Benjamin Okoye, Chief Chuks Igwe, and Chief Tony Okonkwo.
Also in attendance were Hon Richards Nwankwo, Chief Afam Obiora, Chief Romanus Orji, Chief Benjamin Adegbo, Hon Dozier Eriobu, Prince Obum, and others.
Notable royal fathers who graced the occasion included Igwe Paul Orji, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, and Igwe Emeka Ekezie.
The event was spiced up with a mix of oldies and popular musical tones from the DJ, as members and their guests took to the floor.
Additionally, a popular Igbo cultural troupe was on hand to add colour to the occasion.