Business Club Ikeja Marks 30 Years Of Resilience, Collaboration, Renewed Vision

The Business Club Ikeja (BCI) has marked 30 years of existence, celebrating three decades of resilience, collaboration and sustained relevance within Nigeria’s challenging business environment.

The milestone was commemorated with a New Year Get-Together held at the BCI Club House on Hakeem Balogun Street, Alausa, Ikeja.

The event brought together business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders who reflected on the club’s journey and reaffirmed its commitment to collective growth and policy-relevant engagement.

Founded in 1991 and formally registered in 1996, Business Club Ikeja has evolved from informal meetings held in members’ offices into a structured institution with a permanent clubhouse and a growing footprint in Lagos’ business ecosystem.

The anniversary celebration also doubled as the club’s 2026 New Year Get-Together, underscoring continuity and renewal.

In her welcome address, President of Business Club Ikeja, Dr. Adesola Falaiye, described the occasion as a moment for reflection and gratitude rather than lengthy speeches.

She noted that the convergence of a new year with a 30-year milestone symbolised endurance and opportunity.

According to her, the anniversary theme, “New Year, New Heights,” represents both the club’s resilience and its determination to aim higher despite economic uncertainty and shifting market conditions.

She emphasised that BCI’s strength lies not in titles or structures alone, but in the people, partnerships and shared values that have sustained it over the years.

Falaiye urged members to recommit to advancing the club’s relevance in advocacy, mentorship and impact, stressing the need to build a dynamic institution that will remain meaningful to future generations.

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, she described BCI’s 30-year journey as a testament to perseverance, excellence and the power of community.

She noted that the fellowship within the club has helped members navigate shared challenges and business uncertainties, often providing encouragement during difficult periods.

On the economic outlook, Falaiye expressed optimism that improved stability, particularly in foreign exchange predictability, would enable businesses to plan more effectively and pursue growth with renewed confidence.

From the Board of Trustees, Dr. Bamidele Makanjuola reflected on the club’s ability to survive challenging periods, including the COVID-19 era.

He said renewed efforts are underway to restore BCI to its original vision as a leading business club comparable to elite institutions such as the Metropolitan Club.

Makanjuola called on companies within Ikeja, Ilupeju and Papa Ajao business districts to re-engage with the club, expressing confidence that the current leadership is steering BCI toward renewed growth and relevance.

Co-Chairman of the Planning Committee, Funmi Olonilua Okougbo, described the club’s 30-year survival as remarkable within Nigeria’s complex business climate.

She highlighted the value of BCI membership, including opportunities for social interaction, business development, mentorship and network expansion.

She acknowledged past communication gaps with some former members but noted that deliberate steps are being taken to reconnect and rebuild those relationships.

Honorary Secretary of the club, Lekan Alabi, said the anniversary underscored the importance of structure, leadership and continuity.

Having joined BCI in 2017, he described the club as a collaborative platform that brings businesses together to strengthen the commercial environment.

While acknowledging challenges in sustaining active membership due to job changes and relocation, Alabi expressed confidence in the club’s capacity to overcome such hurdles.

Vice President of Business Club Ikeja, Ismail Akintunde, said the club’s longevity reflects resilience in a demanding business climate.

He reaffirmed that the founding objective of creating synergy among member organisations remains intact, adding that the current administration is focused on expanding membership and strengthening capacity-building initiatives.

He cited regular training programmes, monthly lecture series and members’ evenings as key benefits available to both existing and prospective members.

Among award recipients, Group Managing Director of Reals Pharmaceutical Limited, Pharm. Ade Popoola, described BCI as a platform that enables peer-level engagement among CEOs and business leaders.

He noted that shared challenges such as foreign exchange volatility and customs issues are more effectively addressed through collective action.

Popoola received a Consistency Award in recognition of his sustained contribution and commitment to the club.

One of the speakers at the event, Ambassador Kola Aderibigbe, Managing Director and CEO of KSP Shipping and Logistics Limited and Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, challenged members to see the 30th anniversary as a starting point rather than a resting point.

Drawing from the 138-year history of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he urged BCI to embrace proactivity, capacity development, persistence and personal leadership.

He emphasised that preparation, positioning and collaboration are essential to unlocking future opportunities.

The celebration also featured recognition of past presidents, including Late Ambassador (Dr.) Christopher Kolade (CON), Late Chief Fred Okunola, Chief Samuel Bolarinde and Tajudeen Akande, among others, in acknowledgement of their contributions to building the club’s foundation.

The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the 30th anniversary cake by the President alongside trustees, past leaders and members.

The moment captured a sense of pride, reflection and renewed commitment to the future.

As Business Club Ikeja enters a new year and a new chapter, members expressed optimism about a stronger, more inclusive and forward-looking institution, united by the understanding that the journey continues and the climb is far from over.