INVESTMENT OPPOTUNITIES IN LAGOS STATE

MISSION STATEMENT

ECI’s mission is to advance, promote and project the cultural, social, political
and economic lives of Lagosians anywhere in the world.

What is ECI?

ECI is a community based organization of Lagosians in the Diaspora, established
to foster cooperation and collaboration, unity, brotherhood and sisterhood
amongst its members, to empower its members politically, socially and economically
and to contribute positively to the advancement and prosperity of Lagos State.

ECI’s Purpose

Eko Club International shall exist for the following purposes. To

• Foster cooperation, unity and understanding amongst Lagosians.
• Grow economically, socially and politically.
• Promote and encourage service, leadership, and good citizenship.
• Contribute positively to the advancement and prosperity of Lagos State
  .
• Promote good community relations, family and cultural values.
• Advance and promote the social, economic, educational, cultural, civic
  and the general welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
• Assist and provide moral and financial support to members during sickness,
  death or social activities.

Core Activities and Programs

• Bi-Annual Convention
• Quarterly Meetings
• Community Based Programs in Lagos and USA
• Membership Benefit and Support Programs
• Fundraising
• Investment  

Chapters and Affiliates

• ATLANTA BOSTON
• CALIFORNIA CANADA
• CHICAGO CONNECTICUT
• DALLAS GERMANY
• HOUSTON LONDON
• MARYLAND MIAMI
• MINNESOTA NEW JERSEY
• NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA
• PHILADEPHIA RHODE ISLAND
• TAMPA VIRGINIA 

Sample Projects

(Funded through members’ investment)

• EKO PLAZA – HOUSTON , TEXAS (Funded by EKO CLUB HOUSTON )
• EKO HOUSE – MARYLAND (To be Funded by EKO CLUB INTERNATIONAL)
• COMPUTERIZATION OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY ( Funded by EKO CLUB INTERNATIONAL)
• HOSPITAL EQUIPMENTS DONATED TO MASSEY HOSPITAL LAGOS ISLAND (Donated by EKO CLUB HOUSTON )
• REMODELING OF CLASSROOMS AND PROVISION OF DESKS AND CHAIRS TO TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS (Funded by EKO CLUB NEW YORK
  )
• SCHOOL UNIFORMS DONATED TO SCHOOLS IN LAGOS (Donated by EKO CLUB DALLAS )
• MATTRESSES, PILLOWS AND PILLOW CASES DONATED TO RANDLE GENERAL HOSPITAL , SURULERE, LAGOS (Donated by EKO CLUB ATLANTA)
• SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS IN HOUSTON AND CHICAGO (Funded by EKO CLUB HOUSTON AND LAGOSIANS OF CHICAGO )
• ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR THE HOMELESS (Funded by EKO CLUB HOUSTON )
• ANNUAL DONATION OF CLOTHING, SHOES AND OTHER APPARELS TO HOSEA FEED THE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS ORGANIZATION (Funded
  by EKO CLUB ATLANTA )
• EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND FOR THE SHOBOWALE CONJOINED TWINS FROM LAGOS, NIGERIA (Funded by EKO CLUB MARYLAND)

History of Eko Club International

The genesis of Eko Club International can be attributed to the vision of a
group of Lagosians from Eko Club Houston and Canada.The trio of Sam Dipeolu,
T.J Abass and Mr. Yesir Ganiyu represented Eko Club Houston at a meeting with
members of Eko Club Canada . The meeting was held at Mrs. Abiola Nosiru’s residence
on February 15 th 2000 .

In attendance at the meeting were

Goal of the meeting

The goal of this meting was to highlight the significance of having an umbrella
Organization for all Eko Clubs. A forum for collectively harnessing our limitless
resources Establishment of an umbrella organization will positively impact
our community.

An Organization that will be a dependable partner in bringing about development
in our society. An organization that will work towards the development and
economic well being our beloved State and foster unity among its members.

At that meeting a resolution was reached to officially register E.C.I in U.S.A.

Prior to the formation of Eko Club International, there were only 4 chapters
of either Eko Club or an organization of Lagos State origins in the United
States of America :

First International Convention

Eko Club Houston organized the 1 st international convention in March 29 th
to April 3 rd 2000 .

The theme of the convention was “Enhancing Community Development in Lagos
State ”.

The theme of the convention is of course consistent with the goals and objectives
of Eko Club International. The significance of the convention among other things
was

• To showcase our beloved state to the western investors as a viable
  and stable state to invest in
• Initiate actions on specific projects in Lagos State
• Establishment of lasting and fruitful relationship with the Houston
  business communities.
• The convention, which lasted for 7 days, attracted the Governor of Lagos State,
  Speaker of Lagos State house of Assembly, Honorable members of Lagos State
  House of Assembly and other top government functionaries in Lagos State .

Whilst in Houston , the Governor met with the Houston Business Community at
the economic session. The economic session was intended to promote growth and
development through a business relationship between Lagos State and Houston
.

On April 3 rd, 2000 , Eko Club International comprising the following chapters
was officially inaugurated:

The following were responsible for running the organization until an election
was held:

• Otunba Sam Dipeolu, Chairman
• Prince Adelani Adeniji Adele, 1 st Interim President
• Mr Wahab Owokoniran, Vice president
• Otunba T.J. Abass, General Secretary

The aftermath of the convention was the adoption of Massey Street Children
Hospital as a pet project. Over $80,000 worth of hospital equipment has been
donated to Massey Hospital . Since the adoption, it has been an annual event
with the most recent presentation made in November 2003.

October 17 th 2000

Eko Club International was officially registered as a Non-profit Organization
with the State of Texas .

JUNE,2001

Second Annual Eko Club International Convention

The second annual International convention was organized and held in Canada
. In June 2001

The following chapters were represented at the convention:

An election was held in Canada that ushered in the administration of the dynamic
leadership of Alhaji Olusesi Dawodu.

3 rd Annual International Convention

The 3 rd annual international convention was held and organized by Eko Club
Atlanta.

The convention also attracted the Governor of Lagos State and other top government
officials. The economic session which is intended to fortify the already sister
city relationship between the city of Atlanta and Lagos also showcased the
investment opportunities in Lagos , to the Atlanta Business Community

Pet Project

The pet project of the convention is the computerization of L.A.S.U

Election

Another election was held on August 15 th at the Eko Club International meeting
that ushered in the administration of Attorney O.j Lawal.

Projects

In consistent with the noble goals and objectives of Eko Club International,
which is to make positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged in our
society, the following are the projects of Eko Club International:

• The provision of Massey Children Hospital with medical supplies
  and equipments
• The supply of school uniforms to Lagos State Schools
• The process to furnish L.A.S.U with computer equipments
• To provide Lagos State schools with furniture such as, tables,
  chairs, etc. and educational materials
• To provide scholarship for Lagos State indigenes in the United
  States
• An annual thanksgiving feast to feed the homeless.

Since its inception, Eko Club International has metamorphosed into a recognizable
force across the globe. It has over 20 active /non active Chapters across the
globe.

Otunba T.J Abass

President, ECI