In a historic ceremony filled with pride and anticipation, Dr. Adesola Falaiye was invested as the second female president and the 17th president of the Ikeja Business Club. The event, which took place in the heart of Ikeja, celebrated not only Dr. Falaiye’s ascendancy but also the rich legacy of the club that has been a beacon of business networking and development since its inception in 1991.
During the investiture, a heartfelt letter from Mrs. Olusola Popoola, the first female president of the club, was read aloud. Mrs. Popoola’s letter praised Dr. Falaiye’s remarkable achievements and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the club to new heights. The letter resonated deeply with the attendees, highlighting the significance of female leadership within the business community.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Falaiye addressed the trustees, past presidents, council members, guest speakers, invited guests, and the press with a vision of unity and growth. She acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors, emphasizing the club’s commitment to fostering intellectual, social, and business development opportunities.”I stand before you today as the 17th Honorary President of this esteemed organization, a position that carries a rich legacy of service and achievement,”
Dr. Falaiye began. “I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers and successive presidents and be part of a lineage that has left an indelible mark in the corporate space and organizations such as BCI. “Dr. Falaiye reiterated the club’s vision and outlined her goals for her tenure. She emphasized the importance of increasing the club’s membership, particularly encouraging more women to join and participate actively.
“Our business club is not just a place for networking but a community that shares a common vision to make a difference,” she said. “Membership in the Business Club Ikeja is open to companies in the Ikeja business district and neighboring environments, and we invite you to experience the practical benefits of this platform.”She also highlighted the various programs that the club offers, such as quarterly business luncheons, monthly members’ evenings, bi-monthly happy hours, and the annual mini trade fair and dinner dance.
These events are designed to foster interaction, networking, and collaboration among members, providing ample opportunities for personal and corporate growth.
Dr. Falaiye’s speech also touched on the club’s facilities, including the BCI Fitness/Wellness Center, hall rentals, conference rooms, office spaces, and the gazebo for outdoor events. She emphasized the club’s commitment to promoting members’ health and well-being, recognizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle in today’s fast-paced business world.
In an interview following the ceremony, Dr. Falaiye expressed her enthusiasm for her new role and her plans to drive membership, particularly among women. “We should not be afraid to step into the forums that are traditionally seen as male-dominated. What matters is competence. Once you have competence, come along, let’s do it together,” she stated. She also highlighted the club’s focus on providing a relaxed and conducive environment for business discussions and networking.
The Ikeja Business Club, established in 1991, continues to be a premium business network for professionals in the Ikeja business district and beyond. With Dr. Adesola Falaiye at the helm, the club is poised to reach new milestones, driven by a shared vision of excellence and growth.
Dr. Falaiye concluded her speech with a call to action, inviting all members to participate actively and volunteer in the club’s activities. “Together, we shall make a difference and grow as a strong and prosperous business community,” she affirmed, setting a tone of optimism and collaboration for her tenure.
