Ikoyi Club 1938 has opened activities marking 88 years since its establishment, unveiling a commemorative logo as members, entertainers and other guests gathered in Lagos for the start of a week-long anniversary programme.

The celebrations opened on Monday at the club’s Rotunda under the theme, “Legacy in Motion”, which officials said was intended to connect the institution’s history with its plans for future generations.

The Media Connect event attracted personalities from Nigeria’s film and entertainment industry, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Sola Sobowale, Kunle Afolayan, Kate Henshaw, Elizabeth Benson, Ekpeyong Bassey and Muyiwa Ademola.

Also present were the club’s Chairman, Akinwunmi Akintola; Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Bolaji Martins; Golf Captain, Afolabi Balogun; and General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Babajide Orungbeja.

Speaking at the event, Akintola said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the generations that had contributed to the club while considering how the institution could remain relevant in the future.

“For 88 years, generations of members have built, nurtured and preserved this club. They have given us traditions, friendship, values and an institution of which we can all be proud,” he said.

“But a legacy is not something that belongs only to the past. It is something we inherit, protect and continue to develop for those who come after us.”

Akintola, who said he has been a member of the club for more than six decades, described the anniversary logo as “a visual representation of our theme, our heritage and our continuing journey”.

The club also used the opening event to recognise personalities from Nigeria’s media and entertainment industries.

Akintola said Nigerian creatives had contributed to the country’s international visibility through film, television and other forms of entertainment.

“Through your talent, creativity and hard work, you have helped put Nigeria on the global stage,” he told the guests.

“You have shown that there is much about Nigeria that the world can celebrate. That is a legacy worth recognising, and a legacy that is very much in motion.”

Some of the entertainers attending the event received awards in recognition of their contributions to the media and entertainment industry.

Martins said their presence was significant to the club’s decision to begin its anniversary activities by recognising the creative sector.

“It is the honour of a lifetime for me to have this room packed with people who have elevated the entertainment industry in Nigeria,” he said.

“On behalf of my chairman, our trustees, our office bearers, general committee members and the entire club membership, we are so blessed. We are honoured to have such assets and treasures, people who have brought laughter to us.”

Activities marking the anniversary are scheduled to run from September 28 to October 4.

The opening day also featured a colloquium titled “The Ikoyi Club Story” at the Rotunda.

Other activities scheduled during the week include staff engagement, a Banking and Finance Day, an art exhibition and auction, an Elders’ Party and Digital Night.

The programme also includes a book reading, children’s and junior members’ parties, Ladies’ Night, a Real Estate Expo and an event targeted at younger members.

Weekend activities are expected to include a health walk, Global Cultural Day, Foods of the World and a Diversity Night featuring elements of Caribbean, Indian and European cultures.

The celebrations are scheduled to conclude on Sunday, October 4, with an anniversary gala on the Main Lawn.

Veteran musician Ebenezer Obey is also billed to perform during the anniversary programme.

Akintola said the range of activities was intended to reflect the different generations and communities within the club.

He added that the organisation would attempt to balance the preservation of its traditions with the adoption of new ideas and technologies.

“As we move forward, we will continue to preserve the traditions that define the club while embracing new ideas, technologies and initiatives that will keep it vibrant and relevant for future generations,” he said.

Ikoyi Club has developed sporting and recreational facilities covering several disciplines, including golf, lawn tennis, swimming, squash, badminton and table tennis.

Beyond sporting activities, the anniversary programme places emphasis on the social relationships and institutional traditions that have developed around the club during its 88-year history.

Akintola thanked members, management, staff and the anniversary organising committee for their involvement in preparing the celebrations.

“88 years behind us, a living legacy before us, and a future we continue to build together,” he said before formally declaring the anniversary week open.

With the unveiling of the anniversary identity and recognition of Nigerian entertainment personalities, the club has now begun a week of sporting, cultural, social and professional activities culminating in Sunday’s gala.