How Association of Friends has impacted South-West —Owolabi

President of the popular Association of Friends, Oluropo Owolabi, in this interview by Segun Kasali, gives an insight into the formation of the popular social club, noting that, formed in the South West, it remains an association that opens its doors to all.

As president, can you take us through the history of this social group, and what makes it different from others in the South-West?

The Association of Friends is a very prominent social club in the South-West, though it’s meant for every Nigerian. The club was formed about 41 years ago.  We did our 40th anniversary recently. It was formed by eight young gentlemen who were childhood friends and who wanted to come up with a social group that would concretise the relationship and ensure that those memories are kept, long after they must have gone. The objective is for social gathering. It was formed to enhance friendship, to enable members help one another, to unwind after office hours, interact, exchange visions and make their contributions to the society. I think what makes us different is the fact that, though formed by a few friends, it is a social club that gives opportunities to all, I mean every Nigerian. It is a group where any member, irrespective of his religious beliefs or ethnic background, can aspire to any office.

Where are the founding fathers now?

Some of them are in their late 70s and 80s, and are still very much around, while two are late.

What would you say are the guiding principles of the association?

To be disciplined, loyal and honest.  For us all, these mean a lot. They can’t be quantified in naira and kobo. When you are honest, you know what it is. When you are dutiful, hardworking and your attitude is unquestionable and you obey the law, what else do you want in life?

How have the activities of the club impacted the South West?

I think we’ve been able to impact the various communities where we operate greatly. For example, recently we engaged in health service. We went out to give out things to the needy. We went out to help the poor. We did surgical operations on some of the people that were around. There are a lot of other things that we do.

Two and half years down the line, as the president of this social club, how has it been?

It’s been quite an experience. For instance, I was lucky that it was during my tenure that we celebrated our 40th anniversary, and this was done for one week with all social activities, going to the needy, going to the poor, giving alms and going around the country to make our own little contributions as a social club.

What are the benefits of being a member of the club?

I think it is glaring for everyone to see. We are very few, but very pronounced. Every member sees themselves as privileged to be a member of this noble association. You know it’s a social club with a very rich heritage, and there is nowhere, especially in the South West that you’ll mention ‘Up Asso’ and you’ll not be recognised.  It is a social club with a name that rings a bell. Besides, we still ensure we don’t compromise on our strict admission policy. For instance, you have to be recommended by two members of the association before you can be given a membership of the club.

People have this belief that your club is for the Yoruba ethnic group alone. How open is ‘Up Asso’ to people from other ethnic groups in Nigeria?

It is for everybody. We have not seen anybody from other parts of the country, outside the South-West, that came to us and we turned down. Once you conform to the laid down rules, and you are able to meet all the admission criteria, you are qualified, and will be admitted. We have people from the East with us and we have never said no to them. It now depends on who approaches us and meets our criteria. Yes, it was set up by a group of Yoruba friends, we cannot deny that, but then, we did not give a yardstick that it should be only for Yoruba people. It is a social club in the South West that has membership across the globe.

Does the association seem to have a dress code?

Yes. White

Why?

That was what our founding fathers picked.