Ikoyi Club 1938 kicked off its week-long celebration for its 88th anniversary on Monday. The opening event took place at the Rotunda of the club in Lagos. They revealed the official logo for this milestone with the theme, "Legacy in Motion".
Many celebrities and media personalities attended. Some of the well-known faces included Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Sola Sobowale, Kunle Afolayan, Kate Henshaw, Elizabeth Benson, Ekpeyong Bassey, and Muyiwa Ademola.
Key officials also attended. This included Chairman Akinwunmi Akintola, Vice Chairman and Anniversary Committee Chair Bolaji Martins, Golf Captain Afolabi Balogun, and General Manager and CEO Dr Babajide Orungbeja, among others.
Akintola, a member for over 60 years, said the celebration is about the future and the past. "For 88 years, generations of members have built, nurtured and preserved this club. They have given us traditions, friendship, values and an institution of which we can all be proud. But a legacy is not something that belongs only to the past. It is something we inherit, protect and continue to develop for those who come after us," he stated.
He described the logo as "a visual representation of our theme, our heritage and our continuing journey". The chairman also acknowledged the media and creative industries for their efforts in showcasing Nigeria internationally.
"Through your talent, creativity and hard work, you have helped put Nigeria on the global stage. You have shown that there is much about Nigeria that the world can celebrate. That is a legacy worth recognising, and a legacy that is very much in motion," Akintola added.
He mentioned that the program would highlight the diversity and togetherness that make the club unique. This includes events like Ladies’ Night and activities celebrating the staff's contributions.
"As we move forward, we will continue to preserve the traditions that define the club while embracing new ideas, technologies and initiatives that will keep it lively and relevant for future generations," he explained.
Akintola expressed gratitude to the general committee, management, staff, and members for making the anniversary possible before officially starting the celebrations.
"88 years behind us, a living legacy before us, and a future we continue to build together," he concluded.
Martins shared his excitement about hosting so many entertainment figures. "It is the honour of a lifetime for me to have this room packed with people who have elevated the entertainment industry in Nigeria. If you are checking the contribution of entertainment to our gross domestic product, it is a great honour to us. On behalf of my chairman, our trustees, our office bearers, general committee members and the entire club membership, we are so blessed. We are honoured to have such assets and treasures, people who have brought laughter to us. Thank you so much," he said.
The club boasts eight sporting sections, including golf, lawn tennis, swimming, squash, badminton, and table tennis.
The anniversary week runs from September 28 to October 4. On Monday evening, a colloquium titled, "The Ikoyi Club Story" was presented by Uncle Bamtefa at the Rotunda.
Tuesday's events include a staff engagement session, Banking and Finance Day, plus an art exhibition and auction. Wednesday is set for an Elders’ Party and Digital Night.
Thursday will feature a book reading, a children’s party, a junior members’ party, and Ladies’ Night focused on table tennis. Friday will include a Real Estate Expo and a Millennial Vibes night. Saturday's events are a health walk, Global Cultural Day, Foods of the World, and a Diversity Night showcasing Caribbean, Indian, and European cultures.
The celebrations will wrap up on Sunday, October 4, with the Anniversary Gala on the Main Lawn. Veteran musician Ebenezer Obey is also set to perform at one of the events.
Entertainers will receive awards to honor their contributions to the media and entertainment industry.
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