By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted Ocotober 21st, 2024
The annual Presidential Night and Induction of new members of the renowned Association of Friends social club (Up Asso), is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Lagos. Dr. Kesington Adebukola Adebutu, the club’s Patron and a prominent businessman, will lead an impressive list of dignitaries attending the event.
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Otunba (Senator) Gbenga Daniel, the former Governor of Ogun State and current serving Senator, will chair the occasion, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Osun State counterpart, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke, are also expected to grace the event.
Other notable attendees include prominent royal fathers, captains of industry, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Hon. Tayo Ayinde.
A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the club’s N200 million development fund, along with the formal induction of 12 new members.
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Chief Sunday Adeniyi, also known as “King Sunny Ade,” will be performing to entertain the guests. This information was revealed during a press conference by the club’s Social and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Aliu Mohammed Olurotimi.
Reflecting on the club’s origins, Mr. Mohammed recalled that the Association of Friends, popularly known as “Up Asso,” was founded in 1978 by a group of young men who sought to transform their strong social bonds into a lasting institution.
The founding members, many of whom are now in their late 70s and early 80s, included notable individuals such as Late Alhaji Sule Onabiyi, Otunba (Arc) Festus Adeleke Adesina, Engr. Akinlawon Akanni Abiola, Late Oba Fatai Irawọ-Ogunsi, Late Prince Ayinde Adesiyan, Evangelist Kola Sanyaolu, and Mr. Sunday Adigun. Their vision was to create a sustainable social club that would endure beyond their time.
In his contribution, the Club’s General Secretary, Mr. Tayo Banjo, highlighted that, “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”.
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Mr. Aliu Mohammed, the Social and Publicity Secretary of the Association of Friends, emphasized the significance of the upcoming Presidential Night on Sunday, October 27, stating that the event is particularly important as 12 temporary members will be formally inducted as full members of the prestigious club. He highlighted the club’s efforts to ensure a successful and well-attended event.
“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.” Explained Banjo.
“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, 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.”
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“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” added Banjo.
Members of the association fondly greet and respond to each other with ‘UP ASSO!’, as expression of camaraderie.