Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has called on social clubs in the country to collaborate with government at all levels to achieve desired greatness, reach new heights, and strive for excellence in all aspects.
The Deputy Governor gave this charge at the Induction Ceremony for new members as part of activities marking the 50th Anniversary of the Eko Club, held on Sunday at the Eko Club, Arcade Hall, Surulere, Lagos.
Dr. Hamzat stated that as the government strives to maximize overall welfare and serve the common good, social clubs can help to change and bridge the gap by catering to the unique needs and aspirations of diverse groups, thereby ensuring that even the message of the government gets to the society.
While emphasizing that social clubs have been responsible for national development across the world fostering consensus building and promoting shared values, Hamzat added that they play crucial roles in propelling the nation towards its desired goals and aspirations.
He said, “Let us work together to achieve greatness, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do. By playing a collaborative role, such as networking, skill development, philanthropy, cultural preservation, youth development, socio-economic growth, and civic engagement, social clubs can make a positive impact on national development, contributing to a more cohesive, skilled, and engaged society”.
Speaking further, the Deputy Governor noted that the state government recognizes the significance of Eko Club and many others in promoting social cohesion and community development. He added that “By providing a platform for people from varied backgrounds to come together, they have helped facilitate meaningful dialogue, understanding, and collective action, ultimately enriching the society and driving positive change.”
He felicitated the President and members of the Club for the milestone achievement, stating that Eko Club has over the years been a catalyst for positive change, a platform for social and cultural exchange and a hub for community development initiatives.
While congratulating the new inductees, Dr. Hamzat admonished them to embrace the existing values, collaborate with their seniors, and contribute their unique talents to the shared mission and reposition the club for the best as their induction must mark a rewarding journey. He further expressed optimism that the new inductees would inspire the club higher based on the legacies that they met on ground.
Earlier in his Welcome address, the President of Eko Club, Mr. Razaak Olugbenga Amodu stated that the club is the only Socio-cultural club in Africa where one can find the concentration of a particular indigenous group of people.
The President added that the club shares brotherhood, friendship, strength and all other good things. The club hosts more than 10 members of the Lagos State Civil Service and House of Assembly members”.
While commending the Deputy Governor for being a trustworthy, committed and dependable partner to the Governor, he described Dr. Hamzat as a genius, and an administrator par excellence
He disclosed that the club annually inducted 15 members but due to the milestone being celebrated, a total of 40 new members are to be inducted. He noted that all the inductees have met the criteria which include being more than 30 years of age, good character and trustworthy.
The highlight of the event was the induction of the Deputy Governor as a member of the club with membership no. 1493.
