FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

ALHAJI ZAINUDEEN IDOWU POPOOLA AROMIRE-ESHILOKUN

My Fellow Lagosians,

On behalf of the newly elected officers and the last administration, I would like to thank all of you that were present during the just concluded sixth (6th) Eko Club International Convention held in Chicago Illinois from October 8^th to 11^th, 2009. 

The biggest thanks go to the Governor of Lagos State – His Excellency Raji Babatunde Fashola, who made it possible for the Royal Fathers, Commissioners, Special Advisors, and heads of many areas in the Lagos State Service to grace the occasion. A great appreciation goes to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and members of the house for their support.  

Special thanks go to the members of Lagosians of Chicago, for their generous contributions to the success of this occasion. What we saw in Chicago is a true testimony of a leader. Mr. Sanyaolu you did well. You were able to mobilize your members to make all of us comfortable throughout our days in your beautiful and clean city.

We also want to appreciate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all former members of the LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT and all special guests for gracing our event.  The town hall meeting and both economic sessions were well attended, educative, informative, and engaging.  

Special thanks to all candidates who campaigned/conteste d for all vacant positions. We all know that only one candidate can win and for those that were not successful at this time please don’t be discouraged. We need all of you to guide and support the newly elected officers and to be a constant reminder to us if and when we are not satisfying the needs of this great organization.

Great appreciation goes to all members of the electoral committee for conducting such a free, fair, and transparent election.  It is a fact that Nigerian Organizations present took home a few positive lessons on how to conduct a fun and exciting election.  To all members at-large, we say a big Thank you for coming.

To the newly elected officers, during the swearing in ceremony in front of thousands of well-wishers, your new President asked the question ARE YOU READY?  YOU ALL ANSWERED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. 

My fellow executives, winning an election is just the beginning of a journey. All members that gave us the opportunity to serve are now counting the days and looking at what we are going to do. Let us work very hard to continue to enhance what the last administration accomplished and to create new and fresh ideas so that the members that gave us the power and confidence to serve will not be discourage or disappointed.

My Fellow Lagosians please join me in raising at least $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) in the next sixth months. I only need 1000 (one thousand) friends of Lagos to make a commitment of donating $100.00 (one hundred dollars) so that we all can fulfill our promise to make Lagos a better place for all the citizens of Lagos . All individuals who contribute to this cause will be acknowledged for the purpose of accountability and transparency.  We all remember the biblical saying that states: LITTLE DROPS OF WATER AND LITTLE DROPS OF SAND, MAKES A MIGHTY OCEAN AND A PLEASANT LAND.

To all Lagosians, Mrs. Gladys Atawo, the Immediate Past President of Eko Club Canada is the first to make her contributions of $100.00. Mrs. Atawo, may the Lord continue to bless you and guide you in all your undertakings.  To the rest of us, join me in making this dream and vision a reality.

Now, I will like to introduce to you the newly elected officers of Eko Club International that were given the mantle to steer the ship of Eko Club International for the next two years.

President                       - Alhaji Zainudeen Idowu Popoola Aromire-Eshilokun – New York Chapter

Vice-President                - Bissy Gaji – Dallas Chapter

General Secretary          - Colin Atobajeun – Dallas Chapter

Asst. Secretary              - Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye – Atlanta Chapter

Treasurer                      - Kolawole Daniel – Washington/Maryland Chapter

Financial Secretary         - Shamsideen Oluwatoyin Olanrewaju – New York Chapter

Auditor                          - Larry Ojo – Houston Chapter

Social Secretary             - Shakirat Adebola Kosoko – California Chapter

Chief Whip                     - AbdulRahman Bashiru – California Chapter

Chief Liaison Officer        - Yinka Oluwole – Aina – Canada Chapter

Public Relation officer     - Toyin Ola – Atlanta Chapter

Thank you.

Your Servant

Aromire ESQ