Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-Sanwo – Olu, Abiru, Benson, others to get special awards
The Ikorodu Crystal Club has announced that a school will be adopted and provided with necessary learning infrastructures that will make learning effective. This, according to the club, is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the society.
The revelation was made by the club’s President, Alhaji Olawale Tairu Mohammed Amusa, who also said that the club house at Adaraloye, Ikorodu, will also be expanded and equipped.
Alhaji Amusa disclosed these during the press conference in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the club on Monday, January 30, 2023, held at the Ikorodu Crystal Club House.
Also at the session with journalists were Alhaji Morufu Dawodu – Olowoshago, Chairman, 50th anniversary planning committee, Prince Rotimi I. Solaja – Alagago, Alhaji T.S. Animashaun and Mr Wasiu Addio Adekoya, Social Secretary.
“The club is blessed with visionary leaders that are giving the young ones the opportunity of joining the club. With this, the succession plan is superb and you can hardly see that in other clubs within the society and by the special grace of God, with the experience of the older members coupled with the support of the younger ones, the club is waxing stronger on a yearly basis”, he said.
“Hence, the plan to extend this hall and adoption of a school as a means of contributing to the development of the society. Such school will be provided with items that are required to make learning effective”.
As part of the club’s efforts in recognizing founding fathers of the club and others who have been contributing to the development of Ikorodu and the club, Crystal Club President also announced that:
“While we look forward to the future with hope and aspirations, we need to acknowledge those who served before me as Presidents of this club, they deserve to be immortalized. I hope our simple show of respect and honor will please each of them”, he said.
“Awards will be given to all past Presidents for their contributions to the club and as founders of the prestigious club.
“We also have special awards for some of our leaders within the system – the Governor of Lagos State will be awarded for his laudable projects. We have discovered that many projects are ongoing. Also, Hon. Jimi Benson, who is known as the Julius Berger of Ikorodu Division, will also be receiving an award and also Senator Tokunbo Abiru. These and two other friends of the club, one is the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Honourable Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamigboye, and Mr. Tobi Lawal, will be honoured for their support to the club”, he added.
Alhaji Amusa also said that as part of the activities marking the anniversary of the club, many students have been invited for performances, in addition with plans to distribute free JAMB forms to indigent students.
“We have invited about 200 students from both private and public schools and they will be having cultural performances and seminar”, he said.
“We have equally obtained JAMB forms that will be given to indigent students on Wednesday. Special consideration has also been given to children on Adaraloye Street and its environment, so that they can feel our impacts”.
The club Presidents also highlight the contributions of the club,which was formed in 1971, to the social and economic developments of Ikorodu, stating that:
“The objectives of the club in its fifty (50) years of existence has not changed. The main objective of establishing the club was to have well – disciplined individuals with good characters. The club aimed at providing good welfare packages and to render social services to the community without being involved in political activities. The club’s noble aims remain as a beacon for others to follow”, he said.
“As we look back through the half century, we found out that the Club has achieved tremendously within the division which makes the people proud of the club. The club has faithfully and satisfactorily worked towards the ideals set up by its founders.
“Members of the Club are promoting the values of the society and contributing positively to the development of the State and the country in general through her highly valued members that are serving in various capacities as captains of industries, senior civil servants, professionals, philanthropists and others. It is indeed a source of pride that our members have made their influence felt not only in the Division, State and country, but outside the country.
“The Club’s seed which was planted in 1971, has swiftly metamorphosed into a giant Baobab tree able to accommodate and provide succour to fifty (50) members and by extension, to all and sundry.
“The club has a well – equipped edifice which comprises of events hall, conference room, VIP Lounge, restaurant and bar with offices. Efforts are in top gear for extension of the hall”, he said.
He said that majority of Ikorodu indigenes that have been employed into the government service were facilitated through Dr (Otunba) Saheed Ibikunle, Permanent Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) and Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, former Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission.
Alhaji Moroof Dawodu – Olowosago, the Chairman, 50th anniversary, also added that many indigenes and residents of Ikorodu were also provided with employment by the President of the club, Alhaji Tairu Amusa whom he said employed them to work in his schools, and himself through his brother who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing.
The programmes commemorating the anniversary started last Friday with Jumat prayer at the Ikorodu Central Mosque. On the same day, there was Elder’s Night, a social gathering in honour of the founding fathers of the club.
On Saturday, January 28, club members led by its President, Alhaji Amusa, visited some elders in Ikorodu who were presented with gift items.
Homage to royal fathers is slated for Tuesday, January 31 (today) while there will be school cultural dance, seminar and distribution of JAMB forms to indigent students on Wednesday, February 1 (tomorrow), while the club will be visiting the rehabilitation centre on Thursday, February 2.
The grand finale of the celebration is slated for the Club House on Saturday, February 4, 2023, to be followed by the anniversary thanksgiving on Sunday, February 5.
