Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on social clubs in the country to collaborate with the government at all levels to achieve desired greatness, reach new heights, and strive for excellence in all aspects of national development.
Dr Hamzat gave this charge at the induction ceremony for new members as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Eko Club, held at the club’s arcade hall, Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday.
The deputy governor stated that as the government strives to maximise overall welfare and serve the common good, social clubs can help to change and bridge the gap by catering to the unique needs and aspirations of diverse groups, thereby ensuring that even the messages of the government get to society.
According to him, social clubs have been responsible for national development across the world, fostering consensus building and promoting shared values, adding that they played crucial roles in propelling the nation towards its desired goals and aspirations.
“Let us work together to achieve greatness, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do. By playing a collaborative role, such as networking, skill development, philanthropy, cultural preservation, youth development, socio-economic growth, and civic engagement, social clubs can make a positive impact on national development, contributing to a more cohesive, skilled, and engaged society,” he said.
Hamzat, while noting that the state government recognises the significance of Eko Club and many others in promoting social cohesion and community development, added that they had helped facilitate meaningful dialogue, understanding, and collective action, ultimately enriching society and driving positive change by providing a platform for people from varied backgrounds to come together.
“By providing a platform for people from varied backgrounds to come together, they have helped facilitate meaningful dialogue, understanding, and collective action, ultimately enriching society and driving positive change,” the deputy governor said.
The deputy governor felicitated the president and members of the club for what he described as the milestone achievement of the association, stating that Eko Club had over the years been a catalyst for positive change, a platform for social and cultural exchange, and a hub for community development initiatives.
Hamzat also congratulated the new inductees, admonishing them to embrace the existing values, collaborate with their seniors, and contribute their unique talents to the shared mission and reposition the club for the best.
This was just as he noted that their induction must mark a rewarding journey, expressing optimism that the new inductees would inspire the club higher based on the legacies that they met on the ground.
President of Eko Club, Mr. Razaak Olugbenga Amodu, earlier in his welcome address, stated that the club was the only socio-cultural club in Africa where one can find the concentration of a particular indigenous group of people.
Amodu said that the club shared brotherhood, friendship, strength, and all other good things, adding that it “hosts more than 10 members of the Lagos State Civil Service and House of Assembly members.”
He commended the deputy governor for being a trustworthy, committed, and dependable partner to the governor, describing him as a genius and an administrator par excellence.
Speaking further, Amodu disclosed that the club annually inducted 15 members, but due to the milestone being celebrated, a total of 40 new members were inducted, noting that all the inductees had met the criteria, which include being more than 30 years of age, trustworthy, and of good character.
The highlight of the event was the induction of Deputy Governor Hazmat as a member of the club with membership no. 1493.
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