‘Up Asso’ 45 Years Anniversary Celebration: Promises to Showcase Development Strides, Friendship, Membership, Says Otunba Olatunji

The upcoming 45th anniversary celebration of the Association of Friends, also known as ‘Up Asso,’ promises to be a significant event, according to the Association’s President, Otunba Kole Olatunji. The celebration, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, will feature various activities highlighting the development strides, friendship, membership, and overall achievements of the Association over the past 45 years.

During a press conference on November 7, at the Club’s House, Maryland, Lagos, the President emphasized that the anniversary is a testament to the determination, visionary leadership, and uncommon friendship among like-minded individuals who came together to nurture an idea that has evolved into a remarkable testimony to human camaraderie.

The press conference had in attendance some of the founding members, past presidents, BOT members, elders, executive committee members and distinguished members of the Club. Among them were the Pioneer President and now, member BOT, Asiwaju Festus Adeleke Adesina; Pioneer Vice President and member BOT, Asiwaju (Engineer) Akinlawon Akanni Abiola who’s fondly called ‘Gentleman’ and past President and member BOT, Otunba Akin Osiyemi.

Others are past President and member BOT, Otunba Idowu Adenuga; past president, Alhaji (Prince) Isiaka Adedeji and the immediate past President, Dr. Adetokunbo Adedeji.

The Club’s President, in his speech went down memory lane to give a background to the inchoate moments of the Association’s impactful history which has culminated to its enviable standing today, in the social circles of Lagos State in particular and Nigeria, in general.

According to him the Association was the brainchild of eight convivial friends who in 1978 thought to raise the ante of the friendship to formal level by forming a Club to find its voice in the emerging social scene of Lagos and have their own coordinated and potent voice in the scheme of things while maintaining their core objective of friendship and social fellowship.

He further disclosed that the eight pioneer pathfinders of the Association included, late Alhaji (Prince) Suleiman Onabiyi the Okanlomo of Egbaland, who until his demise on October 22, 2023, was the Life Chairman of the Club.

Other founding members are Asiwaju (Architect) Festus Adeleke Adesina, who was the pioneer President and remained president for record 18 years, nurturing the Club to its prime place as at today among leading social clubs in Nigeria. Also, Asiwaju (Engineer) Akinlawon Akanni Abiola, also known as ‘Gentleman’ acted as the Club’s pioneer Vice President for 14 years.

Oba Fatai Irawo-Ogunsi later became the second President of the Club. Late Prince Ayinde Adesiyan was also in the pioneer class. Others are Mr. Sunday Adigun, Evangelist Kola Sanyaolu who did the initial evangelism of the club’s ideals and values to pitch likeminds and late Otunba Kunle Adesanya who was the General Secretary at the inception of the club and for many years, afterwards.

According to the current President, Otunba Olatunji, the sacrifices of the founding fathers and the challenges that they weathered to nurture their dream for the Association is a testament to visionary minds who looked into the future and were convinced that friendship is a beautiful thing that must be kept going among friends, in the context of shared contentment to fellowship and relax, no matter the pressures of the society.

The highlights of the 45th Anniversary are the Presidential Night and Induction of new members of the Association. Other key events in the anniversary celebration include:

Day 1 – Tuesday, November 21, 2023
COMMUNITY HEALTH INTERVENTION: Specialized medical outreach offering free eye tests for residents in the immediate locality of the Club House (Maryland and Onigbongbo neighborhoods). The Eye Foundation will conduct the eye tests at the Club’s premises in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.

Day 2 – Wednesday, November 22, 2023
BUSINESS SUMMIT: Two papers with themes aligned with the Association’s aims and objectives.

First Paper: “OMOLUABI: Tenets, Concepts, Ethos, Practices, and Culture” by Chief Abayomi Majekodunmi, a renowned banker and financial expert.

Second Paper: “What Citizens Need To Know About The Centre Of Excellence” by Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Lagos State Commissioner for Information. The lectures will be held at the Alhaji Sule Onabiyi Hall in the Club’s House, Maryland, starting from 11.00 am.

Day 3 – Friday, November 24, 2023
INTER-RELIGIOUS PRAYER SESSION: A session dedicated to faith, followed by a special ‘Suya Night’ to honor the founding fathers and elders of the club at the Alhaji Sule Onabiyi Hall in the Association’s premises.

Day 4 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
HIGHPOINT OF THE ANNIVERSARY:
45th Anniversary Gala Night.
Presidential Night.
Induction of New Members
Launching of a special Association Development Fund.
During this day’s events, starting from 2.00 pm in the Alhaji Sule Onabiyi Hall, the pioneer members of the Club will be recognized and honored. The Chief Launcher of the Asso Development Fund will be United States-based businessman and active member of the Club, Mr. Hammed Akintunde Balogun.

The President expressed excitement about the anniversary, stating that it will showcase transformative policies and programs that have opened up opportunities for enhanced membership interest, placing the Association on the path of sustainable growth and development.

The celebration aims to foster collaboration among members and partnering bodies for the continued growth and development of the Association.