Encomium
On Friday, May 30, 2014, Dansaky boss, Prince Demola Adunola emerged the President, Ikeja Club. According to the Oyo born businessman, his achievements gave him an edge over other contestants.
In this interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly when we visited him at Ikeja Club, Lagos, on Friday, June 27, 2014, the vibrant entrepreneur rolled out his agenda for the club. He also spoke on his birthday, on Friday, September 12, 2014.
On Friday, May 30, 2014, you emerged President, Ikeja Club. How does that make you feel?
It makes me feel great and happy. I really appreciate the efforts of the people that looked inward and picked me to contest for the post of the president of the club. With their support, and with God Almighty on my side, I was able to win the election.
I feel particularly joyous and elated about that. That event of May 30, 2014, will continue to linger in my memory. It’s a sign of great development.
What were the qualities that gave you an edge over other candidates?
The members just decided to look for a vibrant leader that can take the club to the next level, and they looked at my achievements in the club, including all the development projects I embarked on and those that were suggested by me. They now concluded that if I am given the opportunity, I would be able to perform better.
What’s the tenure?
It’s a three-year tenure but renewable also through election. But if you have won three times, there is nothing like fourth term.
What is your agenda?
My basic mission is to transform Ikeja Club to an enviable status. Most people perceive Ikeja Club as a glorified beer parlour or bar. Now, I want them to erode the impression from their minds. Ikeja Club is a standard club for full blown enjoyment and recreational activities.
We have a lot of sections here in Ikeja Club, including table tennis, lawn tennis, domestic inn, restaurant and others.
We’re going to develop all these sections to measure up to what obtains in the developed countries. We’re going to develop all these sports activities especially so that when people come, they won’t think they are coming to the bar only.
The immediate past president tried on these projects but I pledged I would continue where he stopped and make sure they are completed by the special grace of God. With this, we will be able to invite more people to the club, and also make the existing ones more vibrant.
Also, it’s part of my agenda to make the club more lively. That’s one of the reasons for today’s event. The organizers of the event are the producers of Chairman Club, a brand of whiskey. They are here to sponsor birthday celebrations for all the birthday mates in the club. It’s part of what I think will not make the environment dull at all times. I want this place to be bubbling every time.
How do you intend to make all these happen without a break knowing full well that Ikeja Club has been inactive for years?
The only thing that’s constant is change, which is about coming up in Ikeja Club. And I believe it’s possible with God.
What’s the membership strength of the club at the moment?
We have about 1,960 members but the financial members are not more than 161. I want to make sure that during my tenure, I will bring in more financial members and reactivate those that are already dormant. The elders in the club have given their full support to carry on with the leadership of the club. They believe that I can deliver and I won’t let them down. And in three years, Ikeja Club will wear a totally different look.
We will be able to compete favourably with Ikoyi Club, Yoruba Lawn Tennis Club, Lagos Country Club and others in that category. Ikeja Club is well located. It’s at the capital of the state so, it will be ironical that the club is not even enjoying what other clubs in the state are enjoying. But by the special grace of God, the place will be turned to a bubbling centre that will be full of activities.
You’re the vice president before becoming president, what are the things you learnt from your predecessor that perhaps will also help you in your tenure?
I have learnt a lot from him, especially in the aspect of decision taking. He taught me to always take decisions that will be in the interest of all the members of the club. I will continue to heed his advice by taking decisions that will be for the good of all.
I will make sure I continue from where he stopped and also bring new members that will bring good things to the club.
How do you intend juggling business and your new office as President, Ikeja Club?
I will plan my time very well and work out a schedule that will be properly monitored so that being the president won’t affect my business. I agree that the task is enormous as President of Ikeja Club and at the same time my business should also be given adequate attention. But above all, God will see me through.
What are the criteria of becoming a member of Ikeja Club?
You just need to obtain a form, and you go through the screening committee. If you’re successful with the screening, you will now pay N150,000 membership fee. But this may increase during my regime because of the high cost of running the club now.
You will be celebrating your birthday in September, how old are you precisely?
Yes, my birthday is coming up on September 12, 2014. I will be a year older. I am equally using that day to hang my picture as the new President of Ikeja Club. It will be an elaborate party here in Ikeja Club. A lot of people will be invited. Entertainment will be at its best that day. I believe it’s going to be a great and memorable occasion.
How would you describe life, now that you have added a year?
Life has been wonderful. I thank God for everything.
– TADE ASIFAT
