Eko Club USA Houston History
ECH History
If history is a record of past events, successes, challenges and accomplishments, the following presentation of the journey embarked upon by Eko Club Houston since its inception will no doubt provide an accurate of the major accomplishments and the challenges of this Organization since its formation in November 15, 1997.
Eko Club Houston’s formation is a brainchild of some Lagosians in Houston who had the vision in 1997 to establish a forum for all sons and daughters of Lagos to discuss issues germane to the development of our beloved State.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
1. Mr. Jubril Adelagun (May his soul rest in peace)
2. Mr. T.J Abass
3. Mr. Mojeed Martins
4. Mr. Segun Vaughan
5. Miss Shade Onigbanjo
6. Mr. Yesir Ganiyu (May his soul rest in peace)
7. Mr. Kareem Mujeeb
8. Mr. Thomson Waheed
10. Ms. Lawrence Christy
11. Ms. Ogunmokun Adefunke
12. Ms. Ogunmokun Sumbo
13. Mr. Frank Gomez
14 Mr. Layeni Musibau
15. Mr. Emiola Rasheed
16. Ms. Animashaun Fola
17. Attorney Olu Otubushin
18. Attorney O.J Lawal
19. Mr. Mukaila Osagie (May his soul rest in peace)
20 Mr. Moshood Olaribigbe
21. Mr. Adeniyi Adetunji
22. Mr. O.Akerele
23. Ms. Mulikat Smith
24. Mr. Robert Irabor
25. Ms. Tessy Uwaifo
26.Dr. Olumide Agbesanwa
27. Mr. Diran Willoughby
GOALS OF THE ORGANISATION
The goals of the Organization are as follows
1. To make a positive impact in the lives of our members.
2. To make a positive impact in the lives of the under privileged in our society
3. To promote communal friendship, love cultural awareness among our members.
4. To become a dependable partner with our Government by making our professional and intellectual connections available for the developments of our State.
FIRST INAUGURAL MEETING
The Organization held its first Inaugural meeting on November 15, 1997 at the Miguel Ball room of the Southwest Hilton Hotel in Houston Texas.
The following officers were elected and charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Organization.
1. Mr Jubril Adelagun –President
2. Alhaji Mojeed Martins-Treasurer
3. Mr T.J Abass-Secretary
4. Mr Jimmie Vaughan –P.R.O
5. Ms Shade Onigbanjo-Coordinator
6. Mr Yesir Ganiyu –Financial Secretary.
The first Inaugural party was held in December 23 1997 at the Mariam Restaurant.
FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY
The Organization held its 1st year anniversary anniversary and the official opening of the Ultra Modern Club House on December 5, 1998.
STABILITY
Since its inception, the organization has made significant strides. The Organization has been an epitome of stability with only six presidents since its inception.
Mr. Jubril Adelagun was appointed protem Chairman of the organization in November 1997 and later was elected the President from 1997 to 1998.
2. Attorney O.J Lawal took over the mantle of leadership from 1999- 2003.
3. Otunba Sam Dipeolu –President 2003-2007.
4. Attorney Larry Johnson -2007 –Present 2009
5.Honorable Lanre Ojo 2009- 2011
6. Dr Remi Oki -2011- Present
MAJOR ACCOMPLISMENTS OF THE ORGANISATION
The major accomplishments of the Organization are as follows
1 Eko Hall – 8000 sq ft space which for many years served the Nigerian Community in Houston and hosted several important personalities including Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
2 .Acquisition of 2 acres of land at the corner of Kirkwood and beechnut now valued at 650,000.00 which is the future home of Eko Plaza. This is another feat unheard of in
WELFARE OF MEMBERS
3 The Organization placed a high premium on the welfare of our members, which is in line with the goals, and objectives of the Organization.
a. The provision of $100,000.00 Life insurance for all members of Eko Club Houston exemplifies the genuine concern the Organization has for its members.
B The financial and moral support given to members in times of need elevate Eko Club Houston above any other Organization.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
There is no doubt that an economically empowered member equates a stable and virile Organization. Eko Club Houston typifies that statement. The leadership of this organization has always worked so hard to provide unlimited opportunities for our members.
- HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR MEMBERS IN NIGERIA.
- LAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR MEMBERS IN NIGERIA
- PROMOTION OF INVETMENTS CLUB WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION.
EKO CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Eko Club Houston led the efforts in the formation of Eko Club International, which is an umbrella organization of lagosians in America, Canada and Europe.
EKO CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Eko Club Houston hosted the first Eko Club International convention in July 2000. The 5-day epoch-making event witnessed the presence of the Executive Governor of Lagos State and his cabinet, the Mayor of Houston and other city officials.
PROJECTS OF THE ORGANSATION
Some of the projects embarked upon since the inception of Eko Club Houston are as follows.
1. Renovation and Supply of Hospital equipments to Massey Street Children Hospital. The Organization has spent approximately $150,000.00 towards making lives more meaningful to the under privileged ones in our society.
2. Partnership with youth’s .It is the goal of the Organization to bequeath our children with an enduring legacy. Various educational programs were put in place aimed at ensuring our youths become become productive members and exemplary leaders in the society.
3. Scholarship programs for the youths
4. Annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless
5. Health awareness seminar.
CHALLENGES
Eko Club Houston no doubt has made a mark but not without some challenges but with the dedication and commitment of our members and most importantly the support of the community, we have been able to come this far.
Eko Club Houston is a culture. It is fraternity it a way of life. The comradia is real .The disagreements between us are far less than what binds us together. We would not have been able to make it without you all and for us to move forward, we need your consistent outpour of support and your prayer. The best of Eko Club Houston is yet to come.
