Kunle Adelabu
-Unveils celebratory programmes
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, commission two buildings at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, Agbala annex, renovated by the Oriwu Club, lkorodu, in commemoration of the club’s 50th anniversary which kicked off yesterday, in grand style.
The Commissioning of the renovated hospital facilities tagged, ‘legacy project’, is part of the activities marking the grand finale of the milestone celebration, will also be graced by other high profile dignitaries.
This was unveiled at a press conference which took place at the Club House along the Ikorodu – Shagamu Road, Ikorodu on Saturday, September 9.
Oriwu Club, which was a journey started in 1973, by late ‘Somi Jaiyesimi, the first President and the only Chairman of Oriwu Club, Ikorodu, and 22 other founding members actually turned 50 in March this year, but the celebration kicked off on Saturday, with special prayer sessions and press briefing.
Among the 23 founding fathers, eight are still alive to witness the seed that they planted 50 years ago grew into greatness, which they are today celebrating with other members.
The President of the club, Otunba Amid Adekunle Oduborisha, COC, FNES, unveiled the programme of activities for the celebration and achievements of the foremost social club, not just in Ikorodu but Lagos and entire country, with its outstanding members who are nationally and internationally recognized.
Otunba Oduborisha, who assured that the club will collaborate more with the state government in other areas of the society in future, also stated that unity and sustenance of the bond created by the founding fathers, is the major achievement of the club.
“Going forward, we shall not leave any stone unturned. We want to do much more by collaborating with Lagos State Government, as partners to cover wider spectrum of the society’, Otunba Oduborisha stated.
“Other activities lined up for our 50th anniversary celebration includes the following: The 50th Anniversary special prayers session which was held today, Saturday 9th September, 2023.
“There would be Woro procession on Tuesday 12th September, 2023, when we shall pay homage to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Adewale Shotobi and the Sekumade of Ipakodo, HRM Oba Aremu Shotonwa at 11:00 a.m.
“The Anniversary Lecture with the Topic: “Knowledge, Power and Skepticism in Nigeria”, would be delivered by Prof. Lai Olurode, on Thursday, 14th September, 2023, at our Main Hall, at 11:00 a.m.
“To commemorate our golden jubilee, we now decide to execute the legacy project by reconstructing two hospital buildings at General Hoapital Ikorodu, Agbala Annex, and these project would be commissioned by Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, on Saturday 16th September, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
“To recognize key roles and outstanding contributions to the club’s remarkable achievements, we shall present awards to some members and individual at the grand finale on Saturday, 16th September, 2023.
“The entire members of Oriwu Club, the pride of Ikorodu, are gratified to celebrate this 50th anniversary milestone as we remain true to our founding fathers’ dream. May Almighty Allah keep us for another 50 years and far, far beyond”, the club President said.
Oduborisha, speaking at the briefing and special prayers that was very well – attended, described the 50 years’ existence of the club and the status that its members have attained as huge achievements while listing other impacts of the club.
“Today’s event is indeed a special one, in that it fosters our memory which is the receptacle of our past. And, the past being referred to here, is the establishment of Oriwu Club, the process of which was set in motion in May 1973 by late ‘Somi Jaiyesimi, the first President and the only Chairman of Oriwu Club Ikorodu”, Otunba Oduborisha said while speaking on the formation and impacts of the club.
“To have lasted 50 years is a huge achievement. We came into being to attain excellence in Ikorodu and in Lagos State at large, wherein an assemblage of professional qualifications is requisite: with disciplined intellect to suit subject to politeness, to imbibe a deep sense of morality, to preserve human dignity and foster a spirit of benevolence.
“I believe that the history of Oriwu Club illustrates the state and progress of Ikorodu. The very extension of the range of the Ikorodu community, in our vision, only increases the need for building up as never before, the social fabric of life, the home and the family, the neighbourhood and the metropolitan city. Oriwu Club members themselves are a set of trumpet creeper flowers. No wonder the world hears us all round”, Otunba Oduborisha emphasized.
The President, speaking further on the sustenance of the club’s tradition and impacts of its members, specially thanked its Grand Patron, Life Patron and other donors of the club.
“At this juncture, I will like to express my profound appreciation once again to our Grand Patron, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the able Governor of Lagos State, and, of course, our Life Patrons, HRM Oba Engr. Adewale Shotobi, HRM Oba Engr. Aremu Shotonwa, and our donors, for their consistent support”, he acknowledged.
“It is crystal clear that we are a group leveraging the network of those lofty dignitaries who are around us, I mean those who open their hearts to help our cause.
“I must thank all past presidents, as well as the Executive Committees who did much of the work, and also the Club House Management Committees, Club House Building Committees, the Welfare Committees and not forgetting the role of our staff members.
“At every step of the way, for half of a century, the distinguished members of our Club have been there. The worth of Oriwu Club, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it. These single individuals are the power and the might of Oriwu Club.
“I am very happy and proud that our membership has grown steadily. One reason is that our Club’s major aims and objectives remain the same – to foster brotherly and friendly relationship and association among members, to engage in charitable activities and to promote the progress, and prosperity of Ikorodu in particular and Lagos State in general.
“However, disagreeing in petty things but agreeing in giant ones is part of what keeps up our oneness. This keeps us ever growing and capable of indefinite expansion. More importantly is our strength, which is embodied in our slogan, “Oriwu …………Ọ̀gá!” as well as, “The Club of Professionals”, he said.
Some of the other club’s achievements listed by the Otunba Oduborisha, includes: donation of 5 tons standing Air Conditioners to Ikorodu General Hospital’s reception; Donation of a brand new vehicle to Onyabo Vigilante Group; Construction of the Main Gate to Shagamu Road Police Station; Distribution of palliatives during Covid-19 pandemic and Donation of thousands of face masks to Lagos State Government through the State Ministry of Health.
Others are: Grant of hundreds of undergraduate scholarships and bursary awards to indigent students from Ikorodu; Annual financial support to IDPIL/G to build up Ikorodu Divisional Security Architecture; Donation to orphanages and Installation of street lights on Oriwu Club Road and Odofin Street to enhance security in our host community.
The newly renovated members bar inside the Oriwu Club House was commissioned during the kick off ceremony for the 50th anniversary celebration.
Meanwhile, Bishop of Diocese of Ikorodu, Rt. Revd. Samson O. Osundina, who led clergies from the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Church, Ita – Elewa, lkorodu, to the event, described the prayer session as thanksgiving by the club for its sustenance and blessings of God, upon its members.
He charged the club to continue the club’s existence by continually injecting younger elements.
“We are here today to thank God for preserving the club in the last 50 years and its members who have made giant achievements, and today are locally, nationally and internationally recognised”, Bishop Osundina said.
“This celebration will usher in a new dawn, new beginning and new lives for members and the club”.
During the muslim prayer session, the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Divisuion, His Eminence, Fadeelat Sheikh (Alhaji) Chief Imam Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi, also commended the club for appreciating the impacts of God in their existence with the prayer session.
“Oriwu Club is recognising the power of God in their lives for preserving them in the last 50 years”.
The Islamic leader, who commended the club for injecting young members into the club, like his Christian counterpart, also charged members to improve on the Club’s membership, to ensure that the club live for other 50 years and beyond.
Also, High Chief Kareem Ore, the Apena of Ikorodu Kingdom, led other Olombas to offer prayers for the club and its members.
Prominent among members of the Club present at the opening of the anniversary celebration were Prince Bode Ogunleye, Prince Tajudeen Adedapo Odofin, Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya, Sir (Chief) Engr. Olukayode Shoderu, Prince Jamiu Adio Saka, Prof. (Chief) Kunle Ade Wahab, Sir (Prince) Abiodun Ogunleye, Prof. (Chief) Adebayo M.A. Ninalowo, Barr. Ola Animashaun, Alhaji Fatai O. Lasisi, Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, Alhaji (Chief) Monzor Kolawole Olowosago, Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, Engr. Olukayode O. Anibaba, Dr Mobolaji Olukoya, Arch Taiwo Kara and Pharm. Sanni.
