A Lagos-based elite social organization, the FS Club, has unveiled former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as its patrons in recognition of their outstanding leadership and inspiring service to humanity.
At the club’s 45th anniversary celebration, induction of new members, and investiture of patrons ceremony, the duo were described as exemplary leaders whose contributions have made a remarkable impact on society, especially among the less privileged.
President of the FS Club, Otunba Laolu Osanyin, while welcoming the new patrons, commended their professional achievements and public service records, noting that they embody values worthy of emulation.
“We are convinced that having you in our corner as strategic partners can only yield positive rewards. We are eager to learn from your wise counsel and look forward to leveraging your goodwill in taking FS Club to greater heights,” Osanyin said.
He also announced the induction of 14 new members, who successfully completed the club’s rigorous admission process. According to him, the inductees emerged from hundreds of applicants and are expected to uphold the club’s social and philanthropic ideals.
“FS Club, in its 45 years of existence, has become globally renowned as a philanthropic organization. We have instituted various projects and activities aimed at creating a more liveable society and advancing the common good,” Osanyin stated.
He highlighted the club’s initiatives, including scholarships for indigent students of the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, medical outreach programs, and financial support for wounded Nigerian Army veterans in partnership with the Army Medical Corps.
Other projects include school remodeling, food and clothing donations to orphanages, homes for the physically challenged, and old people’s homes.
Addressing Nigeria’s current economic realities, Osanyin urged privileged citizens and public office holders to show empathy and compassion toward the vulnerable.
Delivering the keynote address, former FS Club president and ex-senator, Gbenga Ashafa, traced the club’s origin to April 9, 1980, under the leadership of its protem president, Akin Kekere-Ekun.
Ashafa noted that the founding members — including Dimeji Damola, Yomi Ojemuyiwa, Bola Olatunde, Yele Ogundipe, Wale Babalola, Lateef Oki, and Frank Inyang — laid the foundation for what has become one of Nigeria’s most enduring social clubs.
He described the FS Club as “a cradle of achievers,” adding that many of its members have risen to the pinnacle of their professions while promoting the club’s core values of excellence, morality, and self-help.
“A future where we not only support each other but extend our impact into the wider society—through mentorship, community services, and a commitment to nation building.
“Let us rededicate ourselves to personal growth, to lifting each other up, and to preserve the honour and integrity that has carried us this far,” Ashafa said.
According to him, the club had spent tortune to assist indigents in the area of education, health and other philanthropic gestures.
Also, the Chairman, Board of Registered Trustees of the Club, Otunba Adekunle Ogunsanya, said that the club was base on long time friendship some dating to primary, secondary and university days.
Ogunsanya, who was represented by another member of the board and former president, Dr Wale Ogunbadejo, said the club was base on strong foundation of love, trust, confidence and friendship.
“This club is based, honestly, on friendship, on love, sincerity, and dependence–completely dependent on each other. We have each other’s back. We will continue to impact lives and communities,” he said.
The Chairman of the Induction and Membership Committee, Mr Temitope Ashiwaju, said the membership of the club was by referral from someone of good repute, to know applicant’s personality, before rigorous screening and interviews.
Ashiwaju, who noted that out of over 100 applicants only 14 scale through, urging successful applicants to keep the flag flying very high and preventing anything that could bring the club’s name into disrepute.
Speaking, Arch. David Majekodunmi, the Chairman of the Fs Club 45th Anniversary Planning Committee, said that the club, since he joined the club in 2000, had touched no fewer than 500,000 lives through various initiatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new inductees are: Messrs Patrick Okonji, Henry Anah, Olufemi Odubanjo, Olalekan Idowu, Joseph Anikwe, Olumide Koku and Oladeji Fayemi.
Others are: Adewunmi Abiodun, Olumayowa Babatunde, Luqman Dosunmu, Babatunde Ajala, Demola Ajayi, Kehinde Oreagba, and Kayode Aluko.
It was reported that Mr Odunlami, who represented Fashola, was presented the award and decorated on behalf of the former governor as Patron.
Also, Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, was presented an award and decorated as Patron.
Responding briefly, Gbajabiamila, who appreciated the club for the honour done to him, described the club as a forum of men of character, wisdom and humour.
“For deeming it worthy to invite me to sit with you, rub mind with you, and to talk with you, I want to say thank you for your invitation, honour and for the privilege.
“I am happy to be part of this club. I am happy to be associated with you,” he said.
