Kunle ADELABU
The celebrations of the 30 years anniversary of Zenith Peers, one of the foremost social clubs in Ikorodu , was not just an occasion to merry and dance, but also an opportunity for the members to showcase the club’s achievements and contributions to the development of their immediate community.
At the grand finale of the celebration held at HOMAT Megalite event hall in Igbogbo, on Friday, August 16, 2019, three outstanding individuals; Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Oluwatoyin Gafaar (Bolowotan), Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission and Alhaji Olawale Amusa, Chief Executive Officer, HOMAT Group of Schools , were honoured with awards for their remarkable contributions in the area of politics, sports and education respectively.
Former Deputy Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Barr Olasunkami Longe, the anniversary guest speaker , spoke on the topic, “Life after Retirement”, a topic which , according to club , was carefully selected to address the challenges those who are employed as salary earners, experience after retirement.
Engr. Luqman Erogbogbo chaired the well-attended event.
The great club was formed in September 10, 1989, by group of friends primarily to strengthening their friendship.
Peer (Otunba) Babajimi Oluimide Tokoya, the President of the club, in his speech , expressed his happiness at being the sitting President during the celebration of the 30 years milestone achievements of the club.
“Though, I was not privileged to be part of the pioneering members but here I am standing before you as the President when this milestone is being celebrated. I feel highly honoured and I am extremely grateful to God for this wonderful opportunity.
He stated that the club , which has had six Presidents since inception , has achieved set objectives and has also contributed its quota to the development of its immediate environment.
“ Over the years , the Club has had six Presidents before my emergence as the 7th President of the Club in Y2015. Their tenures, without any doubt , witnessed great successes and the Club is grateful for their services.
“Having achieved the primary purpose of club’s formation which was to make sure that the group (friends) attain greater heights in their respective educational levels; the Club had since shifted attention to other areas of development.
“Aside the acquisition of a suitable Club house,we have also acquired a parcel of land for the construction of a permanent club house . The land was donated by a former President of the Club, Peer (Barr). S. O. K. Shillings. The intent is to provide recreation facilities for the members to elongate their lives.
“Available records indicated that this Club was one of the partners in progress at the formative age of Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS). Aside from holding executive offices such as Secretary and Assistant Secretary positions in the past, our representative, Peer T. H. Salami-Awolaru , is the current Treasurer of that great body.
“Let me assure you that we shall continue to give utmost support to the programmes of the association . This , we shall sustain because Ikorodu town has been home to some of us since birth and to others in the last 3 to 4 decades”.
The chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Peer Omotunde Zulukhadeen, speaking at the anniversary , stated that :
“ The history of this great club is woven round multicultural success as its membership cut across various ethnic groups, professionals in the industries and nationals of various nations”.
According to the compiled history of the club, it was initially named Regent Club, later De-Peers Club of Lagos before its current name which has made it a legal entity.
Zenith Club is registered under the Company Acts & Allied Matters (CAMA) of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and has , through the collective efforts of its members , gradually increased in membership and has also been transformed from a ‘’house – to – house’’ fellowship to a club with a temporary Club house situated at No 6, Gbasemo Street, Aga, Ikorodu, since October 1, 2000.
Zenith Club has also contributed to the sporting, educational, religious and political developments of Ikorodu Division in no small measures.
Its inaugural meeting was held on September 10, 1989 , at the Ajina’s residence of Lekan Rabiu at 14, Kalejaye street , with the following members in attendnace: Peers Nasir Adebayo Salami, Peer Waliu Olamilekan Rabiu, Peer Barrister Sahid Owobowale Kolawole Owoshile (Shillings) Peer Fatai Sowemimo (deceased) Peer Shamsideen Ogunfowora (a.k.a Babyshoe), Peer Babafemi Ajose Kayode Awolesi, Peer Saliu Ayanleke Salami and Peer Yekinni Olatunji Aregbesola.
The club had the following members as its first executive members: Peer Nasir Adebayo Salami as President, Peer Sahid Owobowale Owoshile (Shillings) as Secretary, Peer Saliu Ayanleke Salami as Treasurer, while Peer (Late) Fatai Sowemino served as the Financial Secretary.
The club witnessed significant growth in its membership with the admission of Peer Adebayo Jaiyeola, Peer Monsuru Taiwo Yekeen, Peer Taiwo Hassan Salami Awolaru, and Peer Tajudeen Olayemi Amuda, Peer Nosir A.Salawudeen, Peer Emmanuel Adegboyega Laniyonu, Peer (Prince) Gbolahan Oke Bello, Peer Babajimi Olumide Tokoya, Peer (Dr.) Gabriel Adedotun Sunday Benson, Peer Omotunde Muyideen Zulukadeen, Peer Olola Olusegun Iluyombo and Peer Mud’ Jamiu Olasunkanmi Afolabi.
A new set of professionals were inducted into the club on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 .They are Peer Olanrewaju Akintobi, Peer Idris Babatunde Salami, Peer Lookman Adekunle Lawal, Peer Oluwaseyi Adelani Adelabu , and Peer Timothy A.G Okeowo.
As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, members of the club visited and donated exercise books to special pupils at the Local Government Primary School, Ipakodo , and also held special anniversary prayers (Muslim and Christian) at its club house on Thursday, August 15, 2019.
As a social club, the pursuit of Zenith Peers Club are the promotion of social interaction and cordial relationship among members; articulation of programmes for members’ empowerment; championing socio – political and economic emancipation and mobilization of resources as well as complementing government’s efforts in the provision of social infrastructures in the society.
