NOTABLE Nigerians have asked citizens to be driven by team spirit to achieve infrastructural development or build viable projects of their dreams for the betterment of their organsations and the society at large.

According to them, team spirit engenders selflessness that will enable them to contribute generously and show total commitment to completion of projects, regardless of prevailing socio-economic situation of the time.

They spoke at an event organised by The Secretariat Membership Club, which was founded in 1991. The three-in-one event, which took place at the clubhouse in Ikeja, focused on fund raising for new clubhouse, induction of new members, and award nights.

In his opening remarks at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and the Asiwaju of Remo Kingdom, Dr Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, noted that with the array and stature of personalities present at the event, there was strong indication that the project in focus would be completed in no time, especially if all were driven by team spirit.

“By team spirit, everybody, no matter your status, would play their parts by giving something.

“Yes, we know the times are tough, but in the midst of the toughness, we will always find away to accomplish our goals, especially if we work together as a team.

Similarly in his remarks at the event, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, who was the royal father of the day, underscored the need for team spirit and urged the club to, in addition to its clubhouse project, key into food security agenda of the Federal Government.

“A social club, like the Secretariat Club, can have a farm, go into poultry, piggery, or fishing farming so that communities would be impacted by their activities.”

He also urged the club to be committed to assisting out-of-school children roaming the streets.

“Another project I would like this club to focus on is the issue of Almajiri. It’s quite unfortunate that most of our leaders today, who benefited from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s welfarist programmes, have failed to uphold or resuscitate them.

“There’s no country committed to sustainable development that would not prioritise free education, at least, at primary to secondary school levels. But today we are talking about developing Nigeria, while the children are left on the streets hawking, committing crimes and being abused,” he said.

He warned that the abandoned children of today would become criminals if they were not taken care of.

“I appeal to this social club to intervene by taking the care of the out-of-school children, even if it only two of them.”

While pledging his support for the new clubhouse, he added: “I believe in education trust fund and security trust fund and will support any initiative on that.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Club, Otunba Ayodeji Randle, said the club was driven by its motto: “Harmony, Progress and Recreation.”
On the fundraiser, the president said: “Despite challenges, our shared goals unite us as one big family. Today’s efforts aim to lay a foundation for future members.”

He recalled that the club was founded by aviation professionals seeking a work-life balance, adding that today’s members of the club were only building on the legacy by founding members.

“Now it is our turn to expand and hand over a modern club to future generations,” he added.

He congratulated newly inducted members and those awards recipients.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, Wale Oshodi Esq,Asked explained why the club had remained vibrant even in the face of the stifling socio-economic situation.

According to him, members understood the importance of work life balance, especially during excruciating socio-econmic times.

“After hard days’ job, Nigerians need to recreate in a relaxed atmosphere to generate strength for days ahead. Many people are slumping and dying because they no longer recreate. The economic situation in the country cannot be an excuse. The people need to recreate to live.”

Beyond recreation, he described the club as a meeting point for cross-fertilisation ideas.

He also described the induction of 20 members at the event as a great improvement, saying the last exercise had about seven members.

Dignitaries at the event included the Father-of-the Day, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (retd); Mother of the Day, Dr Idayat Bolanle Muse; distinguished Guest of the Day, Aare Kola Oyefeso; Royal Mother of the Day, Mrs Ayotunde Lawal; Oloorogun Sunny Kuku; and the President of Ikeja Club, Alhaji Musendiq Adeleke; and PCRC Chairman, Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, among others.