Who We Are

What is ECI?

ECI is a community-based organization of Lagosians in the Diaspora, established to foster cooperation and collaboration, unity, brotherhood and sisterhood amongst its members, to empower its members politically, socially and economically and to contribute positively to the advancement and prosperity of Lagos State.

ECI Purpose

Eko Club International shall exist for purposes, which shall be to:

• Foster cooperation, unity and
  understanding amongst Lagosians,
• Grow economically, socially and
  politically
• Promote and encourage service,
  leadership, and good citizenship.
• Contribute positively to the
  advancement and prosperity of Lagos State.
• Promote good community relations,
  family and cultural values.
• Advance and promote the social,
  economic, educational, cultural, civic and the general welfare of
  Nigerians in the Diaspora.
• Assist and provide moral and
  financial support to members during sickness, death or social activities.

Core Activities and Programs

• Biennial Convention
• Quarterly Meetings
• Community Based Programs in Lagos
  and USA
• Membership Benefit and Support
  Programs
• Fundraising
• Investment

Chapters and Affiliates

1. Eko Club Atlanta
2. Eko Club Austin
3. Eko Club California
4. Lagosians of Chicago
5. Eko Club Dallas Fort Worth
6. Eko Club Detroit
7. Eko Club Delaware Valley
8. Eko Lagosians of Canada
9. Eko Lagosians of Minnesota
10. Eko Club Georgia
11. Eko Club Houston
12. Eko Club Houston Women
13. Eko Club London
14. Eko Club Louisiana
15. Eko Club Washington DC
16. Eko Club Florida
17. Eko Club Minnesota
18. Eko Club New Jersey
19. Eko Club New York
20. Eko Club Ohio
21. Eko Club Pennsylvania
22. Eko Club Philadelphia
23. Eko Club Rhode Island
24. Eko Club San Antonio

Historical Projects (Funded through members’ investment)

• Eko Plaza – Houston, Texas (Funded Eko Club Houston)
• Computerization of Lagos State
  University (Funded Eko Club International)
• Hospital equipment donated to Massey
  Hospital Lagos Island (Donated Eko Club Houston)
• Remodeling of classrooms and
  provision of desks and chairs to two Primary Schools in Lagos (Funded Eko Club New York)
• School uniforms donated to schools
  in Lagos (Donated Eko Club Dallas)
• Mattresses, pillows and pillowcases
  donated to Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Lagos (Donated Eko Club Atlanta)
• Scholarship awards in Houston and
  Chicago (Funded Eko Club Houston and Lagosians Of Chicago)
• Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for The
  Homeless (Funded Eko Club Houston)
• Annual donation of clothing, shoes
  and other apparels to Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless Organization (Funded  Eko Club Atlanta)
• Education Endowment Fund for The
  Shobowale conjoined twins from Lagos, Nigeria (Funded Eko Club Maryland)

History of Eko Club International

The genesis of Eko Club International can be attributed to the vision of a group of Lagosians from Eko Club Houston and Canada. The trio of Sam Dipeolu, T.J Abass and Mr. Yesir Ganiyu represented Eko Club Houston at a meeting with members of Eko Club Canada. The meeting was held at Mrs. Abiola Nosiru’s residence on February 15^th, 2000.

In attendance at the meeting were:

Goal of the meeting

The goal of this meeting was to highlight the significance of having an umbrella Organization for all Eko Clubs. A forum for collectively harnessing our limitless resources Establishment of an umbrella organization will positively impact our community.

An Organization that will be a dependable partner in bringing about development in our society. An organization that will work towards the development and economic well-being our beloved State and foster unity among its members.

At that meeting a resolution was reached to officially register E.C.I. in the U.S.A. Prior to the formation of Eko Club International, there were only 4 chapters of either Eko Club or an organization of Lagos State origins in the United States of America:

First International Convention

Eko Club Houston organized the 1st international convention in March 29th to April 3rd 2000. The theme of the convention was: “Enhancing Community Development in Lagos State”. The theme of the convention is of course consistent with the goals and objectives of Eko Club International. The significance of the convention among other things was

• To showcase our beloved state to the
  western investors as a viable and stable state to invest in
• Initiate actions on specific
  projects in Lagos State
• Establishment of lasting and
  fruitful relationship with the Houston business communities.
• The convention, which lasted for 7
  days, attracted the Governor of Lagos State, Speaker of Lagos State house
  of Assembly, Honorable members of Lagos State House of Assembly and other
  top government functionaries in Lagos State.

Whilst in Houston, the Governor met with the Houston Business Community at the economic session. The economic session was intended to promote growth and development through a business relationship between Lagos State and Houston.

On April 3rd, 2000, Eko Club International comprising the following chapters was officially inaugurated:

The following were responsible for running the organization until an election was held:

• Otunba Sam Dipeolu, Chairman
• Prince Adelani Adeniji Adele, 1st
  Interim President
• Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, Vice president
• Otunba T.J. Abass, General Secretary

The aftermath of the convention was the adoption of Massey Street Children Hospital as a pet project. Over $80,000 worth of hospital equipment has been donated to Massey Hospital. Since the adoption, it has been an annual event with the most recent presentation made in November 2003.

October 17^th, 2000

Eko Club International was officially registered as a non-profit Organization with the State of Texas.

June, 2001

The 2^nd annual Eko Club International Convention was organized and held in Canada, with the following chapters represented at the convention:

An election was held in Canada that ushered in the administration of the dynamic leadership of Alhaji Olusesi Dawodu.

3rd Annual International Convention

The 3rd annual international convention was held and organized Eko Club Atlanta.

The convention also attracted the Governor of Lagos State and other top government officials. The economic session which is intended to fortify the already sister city relationship between the city of Atlanta and Lagos also showcased the investment opportunities in Lagos, to the Atlanta Business Community

Pet Project

The pet project of the convention is the computerization of L.A.S.U

Election

Another election was held on August 15th at the Eko Club International meeting that ushered in the administration of Attorney O.J. Lawal.

Projects

Consistent with the noble goals and objectives of Eko Club International, which is to make positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged in our society, the following are the projects of Eko Club International:

• The provision of Massey Children
  Hospital with medical supplies and equipment
• The supply of school uniforms to
  Lagos State Schools
• The process to furnish L.A.S.U with
  computer equipment
• To provide Lagos State schools with
  furniture such as, tables,chairs, etc. and educational materials
• To provide scholarship for Lagos
  State indigenes in the United States
• An annual thanksgiving feast to feed
  the homeless

Since its inception, Eko Club International has metamorphosed into a recognizable force across the globe, with over 20 active chapters across the globe.