All roads will, on Sunday, November 14, lead to Maryland, Lagos where Association of Friends will hold its Presidential Night and induct new members. The venue of the event is the Association’s Hall located at the Maryland axis of the metropolitan where 12 new members would also be inducted.
A statement read by the General Secretary of the prestigious association, Adetayo Banjo at a press conference disclosed that, the prominent business mogul, , Dr Kesington Adebukola Adebutu, will lead an array of dignitaries from across the country and beyond to the annual event, revealing that Dr Adebutu, the Patron of the club, would be joined by other prominent guests expected at the usually colourful event.
According to the statement, dignitaries expected are, prominent businessman, Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi who will be the Chairman of the event, while Royal Fathers among whom are the Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Elegushi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abduwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal are also expected to be party of the ceremony.
Also expected at the event, the statement added, are the former deputy Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Otunba Femi Pedro, The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Tayo Ayinde, Chairman of Daar Communications Limited, Dr Raymond Dokpesi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu.
According to Banjo, top on the programme of the event is the formal inauguration of the new President of the club, Dr Adetokunbo Adedeji and members of his executive, while The King of world beats, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (a.k.a, King Sunny Ade (AKA), will be on the band stand to entertain guests
“The Presidential night is an annual event hosted by the Association of Friends. This edition of it is important to us in the Club because the new President and members of his executive will formally take the oath of office on that day while 12 new members shall be admitted to the club on that day. It is usually a well-attended event and plans are in top gear to ensure a successful event come Sunday, November 14,” the General Secretary stated.
He disclosed that the Club, popularly known as “Up Asso” came out of the vision of some young men with eight of them deciding in 1978 to concretise their fledging relationship and dominance of social space into a sustainable institution that will outlive them but with their legacy remaining intact for the sake of humanity.
Akintayo gave the names of the young men who are now in their late 70s and early 80s as Alhaji Sule Onabiyi, Otunba (Arc) Festus Adeleke Adesina, Engr Akinlawon Akanni Abiola, Late Oba Fatai Irawo-Ogunsi, the late Prince Ayinde Adesiyan, Evangelist Kola Sanyaolu and Mr. Sunday Adigun.
“As the name implies, Association of Friends was formed by some jolly childhood friends and to be a member, you have to be recommended by two friends amongst other qualities before being admitted as a temporary member of the Club. That condition is maintained as an integral part of our admission policy. We have our membership from across all sectors including Ex-Governors, Royal Fathers, distinguished legislators (Serving and Past), Captains of Industries, retired Security Top Chiefs, Honorary Commissioners, Directors and Senior Management of Corporate giants, high ranking Politicians and Captains of industry and Entrepreneurs.” Banjo explained
“Ours is an equal opportunity club, where any member can aspire to any position once he can demonstrate capacity and competence. Like any formal organisation like ours, the key to our continued leadership is discipline; we adhere to our constitution as it provides the tools for both the Management and discipline within our fledging Club. It is worthy of note that every development that we have embarked upon from inception to date has been fully financed through the generosity of our members who contribute generously to finance our projects,” he concluded.
