Brief History of Eko Club Atlanta

The formation of Eko Club Atlanta came when some Lagosians of the same mind met in April 2000 to discuss issues of concerns at McDonald Restaurant on Piedmont Rd. In attendance on that day were Ibrahim Olokodana, Gbolahan Onikoyi, Yomi Laguda, Tony Agbabiaka, Kolawole Kazeem, Abiodun Zaka, Femi King, Kunle Masha and others. The meeting was briefed, positive, and constructive and then concluded with the appointment of interim executive officers as follows:
Kunle Masha                President
Kolawole Kazeem        Vice President
Femi King                    General Secretary
Ibrahim Olokodana       Asst. Gen. Secretary
Tony Agbabiaka           Hon. Treasurer
Yomi Laguda                Public Relations Officer

Subsequent meetings were held at Martos Club and Restaurant owned by a Lagosian, Samson Martins with new members in attendance. The following interim appointments were also made:
Deji Thanni                   Chief Whip
Abiodun Zaka              Chairman Constitution/By-laws Committee
Gbolahan Onikoyi         Social Secretary

The major tasks of the then interim executive was to recruit new members, put a bye-laws in place and pursue registration of the club as well as establishing a non-profit status.

In 2002 the first election was held and a set of new executives were elected/appointed as follows:
Kunle Masha                President
Ibrahim Olokodana       Vice President
Deji Thanni                   Chief Whip
Gbolahan Onikoyi         Gen Secretary
Tony Agbabiaka           Hon Treasurer
Toyin Ola                     Social Secretary
Yomi Laguda                Public Relations Officer
Lanre Oladega Asst. Secretary

ECA Modest Accomplishments so far!

1. Collaboration with other chapters to form ECI
• Formation of ECI: In July 2001 in Canada, Eko Club Atlanta in conjunction with Houston, New York, Canada, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Florida Chapters formed an umbrella body called Eko Club International (ECI)

• Host of 2003 Eko Club International Convention: Eko Club Atlanta became the first chapter to host and organized the first convention of ECI in August 14-17, 2003

2. Inauguration/Fundraising Event
• In November 10, 2001, an inaugural ceremony event took place to publicly introduce ECA to the public while also raising funds with proceeds to benefit hospital in Lagos

3. Collaboration with Other non-profit organizations to raise funds/items for the needy
• The Lagos Disaster Relief Fund: A joint effort with the Consulate General’s office and other non-profit organizations in Atlanta that raised funds for the Lagos disaster.
• The Gift of Books Project: A joint venture with the African’s Child Fund (ACF). ACF sponsored the gift of 10,000 books for Lagos Schools.

4. The Lagos State University (LASU) Computer project
• The Atlanta 2003 convention committee initiative to use proceeds from the fundraising night of the convention to furnish LASU with computers.

5. Membership
• In the last couple of years the membership strength grew up modestly. As of today we have 20 active members.

Another election was held in March 2004 which ushered in the current executive members:
Segun Disu                   President
Deji Thanni                   VP/Chief Whip
Wale Jafojo                  Hon. Treasurer
Folarin Desalu Social Secretary/PRO
Lanre Oladega Secretary

Eko Club Atlanta is the club for all Lagosians (migrated from Lagos, Nigeria) in the metro Atlanta area, which is one of 13 Chapters of Eko Club International around the world, and registered in the State of Georgia as a nonprofit organization.
Eko Club Atlanta seeks to provide humanitarian assistance to the poor, the needy, and the underprivileged in our communities here in Atlanta and in Lagos, Nigeria.  Part of our mission is also to impact our institutions of higher learning and our health care sectors in our community here and Lagos through our commitments and donations.