Federal Lawmaker and Member of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, has commended Island Club and its members for upholding the objectives of their founding fathers which is to promote good fellowship and harmony which cuts across all barriers.
Eshinlokun said this during the club’s annual event called Ileya Dance which was held on Friday July 21, 2023 at the Peacock Hall, located within the clubs complex in Onikan, Lagos.
The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was the Special Guest of Honour at the event which was attended by a large pool of top celebrities and socialites many of whom are captains of industries and respectable Nigerians. During the speech, Senator Eshinlokun acknowledged, at a point, presence of the club leaders and eminent personalities present. He went down memory lane to talk about how the club was formed and what it stands for.
The Senator, showered encomium on Island Club as he spoke with nostalgia about the formation stage of the club which was formed in 1943: He further stated that Island Club pioneered inter-racial harmony between Africans and the European living in Lagos long before Martin Luther King Jr. Fought for the emancipation of the black in 1967.
“Lagos has been the melting point of every good thing in Nigeria; the best social clubs, the best political organisations and so on. I can say without any fear of doubt that it was from Lagos that the independence of Nigeria was fought with the likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Tafawa Balewa and Chief Obafemi Awolowo all of blessed memories. These individuals and many more lived in Lagos and I guess the Island was one of the places they unwined after a hectic day’s work.
“Membership of the club, drawn from everywhere. The club was structured to stand the test of time, that is why it has continued to be relevant in the social sector even when so many have come and gone.
So, kudos to Island Club. And I pray that you continue to be a melting point of social activities where everybody can come irrespective of tribe, religion, race or sex to unwind after the day’s hard work.
“I must join others to congratulate the chairman for organising the Ileya Dance Party. I also want to congratulate him for the forthcoming 80th Anniversary. I hope that we will be able to celebrate with you. I look forward to when the Island Club will be 100 or 120. If I’m around you may call me. So, I greet my dear brothers, my fathers, uncles and everybody here present. Have a wonderful day. Thank you very much for inviting me”.
Speaking earlier, the Club’s President, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, while delivering the chairman’s welcome address he spoke about the significance of this year’s annual Ileya Dance to the club as it coincides with the club’s 80th anniversary.
He also took time to speak about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said is a member of the club with membership Number 7004. On behalf of the club, he prayed that the new administration will usher in a period of peaceful co-existence for Nigerians, massive infrastructural improvement, economic growth and development and improved standard of living for the entire citizenry.
On the club’s 80th anniversary he said: “I want to assure you that we have put together a formidable team that is already working diligently to put together a memorable celebration befitting the status of our great club.
Meanwhile, Prince Oluwa intimated the gathering about the club’s on-going car park project which his administration is determined to complete in good time.
The event was a top-class celebration where the hosts and their guests had great fun. On the music stand, supplying high quality entertainment was the popular and classy Alh. Ashimiyu Adebori. He sang for hours. Prince Oluwa, Senator Eshinlokun and other dignitaries on the high table opened the dance floor. They all had a great moment before leaving the stage for members and other guests to have a feel of the music on the dance floor.
