Chinedu Eze
It was a gathering of prominent Nigerians, royal fathers, business leaders, politicians and Lagos socialites when Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, marked its 77th anniversary at the weekend.
The anniversary celebration, held at the Club’s premises was highlighted with the unveiling of Project Falcon by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
Project Falcon is an extensive remodeling and redevelopment of key sections and facilities of the Club.
It covers the Club’s entrance and foyer, Main Bar, Garden Bar and Falcon Bar, as well as the Aerobics/Taekwondo, Scrabble, Other Games and Snooker/Billiards sections.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Ooni said “The president, Seyi Adewunmi, has taken the Club to another level. As a Vice Patron of the Club, I am so proud to be a part of Lagos Country Club.
In his address, the President of Lagos Country Club, Adewunmi, paid tribute to generations of members whose contributions have sustained the Club since its establishment on August 3, 1949.
“At 77, we do not merely turn a page. We stand beneath a tree that our fathers planted in 1949, and we look up, astonished, at how wide the branches of that small tree have grown. To every heart in this gathering, and to every well-wisher joining us in spirit from afar, welcome to a day history will remember,” Adewunmi said.
Among the distinguished guests were the Chief Executive Officer of JB Farms Ltd, Ajibola Bankole Adebutu; the Chairman of Bet9ja, Mr. Adekunle Damilola Soname; and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi.
Representatives of sister clubs, including Apapa Club, Ikoyi Club, Island Club, Ikeja Club and Association of Friends, also graced the occasion.
The occasion was also attended by the Chairman of the Club’s Board of Trustees, Aare Kola Oyefeso, alongside other trustees, including Chief Oliver Ogbonna, Chief Femi Olanipekun and Otunba Babatunde Okunuga.
Past presidents of the Club at the event included Chief Olayinka Ogunmekan, Chief Tajudeen Akande, Wale Osomo and Funmi Bamkole.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 77th Anniversary Planning Committee, Niyi Oyemade, commended members for their contributions to the growth and development of the Club.
“As we mark this important milestone, we are reminded that the true strength of Lagos Country Club lies not only in its facilities or traditions, but in its people—the men and women who continue to give their time, ideas, energy and resources towards the progress of our Club,” Oyemade said.
He described the commissioning of Project Falcon as a reflection of the Club’s commitment to growth and continuity.
“The commissioning of Project Falcon today is a fitting expression of that spirit of progress. It represents our commitment not only to preserving the proud heritage of Lagos Country Club, but also to investing in its future and ensuring that the Club continues to evolve for generations to come,” he said.
Founded on August 3, 1949, Lagos Country Club is one of Nigeria’s foremost sports and family clubs, with a long tradition of promoting recreation, sports, social interaction and community among its members.