----As LASRAB DG, Amodu, Hails Club’s Historic Legacy
By Kayode Olopade
The historic premises of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos, came alive on Saturday as the club unveiled a landmark exhibition to commemorate its centenary, offering members of the public, researchers, historians and cultural enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the institution’s remarkable 100-year journey.
The exhibition, organised as part of the club’s month-long centenary celebration, is anchored on the theme, “Yoruba Tennis Club at 100 – A Century at the Forefront of History and Tradition.”
It chronicles the evolution of the club from its modest beginnings in 1926, when it was established at 75 Tokunboh Street as the Orelodun Tennis Club, to its emergence as one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous social institutions.
The exhibition features a rich collection of archival photographs, vintage sporting equipment, historic club journals, foundational documents and other memorabilia documenting the club’s development and its enduring contribution to the social, cultural and intellectual life of Lagos and Nigeria.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, elder statesmen, distinguished members and guests gathered at the Greetings Hall and adjoining areas of the club for the formal opening and tape-cutting ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawunmi Gasper, said the centenary was much more than a celebration of longevity, describing it as a testament to fellowship, leadership, institutional resilience and cultural preservation.
Gasper said the club had, over the decades, demonstrated that an institution could embrace modernity while remaining firmly connected to its historical roots.
According to him, the centenary provides an opportunity for present and future generations to appreciate the values, sacrifices and collective efforts that have sustained the club for a century.
The exhibition, curated with extensive archival materials and historical documentation, was anchored by Bro. Mathew Olaseni Gansallo and highlighted the club’s contributions to intellectual discourse, social development and the wider history of Lagos and Nigeria.
The exhibition also documents the tradition of hosting intellectual engagements and lectures involving prominent personalities, reflecting the club’s longstanding role as a meeting point for influential figures and important conversations.
Visitors were taken through multimedia displays, historical photographs and artistic representations depicting the club’s evolution, while traditional performances added colour and cultural depth to the centenary celebration.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), Mr. Rasaq Olugbenga Amodu, expressed delight at being associated with the Yoruba Tennis Club’s centenary exhibition, describing the occasion as an important opportunity to celebrate history, heritage and institutional memory.
Amodu congratulated the club on attaining the milestone and expressed optimism that the institution would continue to thrive for generations, praying that it would eventually celebrate its bicentenary and beyond.
The LASRAB Director-General also made a strategic appearance at the exhibition alongside members of his professional team, including Ojo Olusola, Director of Archives; Irawo Ayomide, Senior Archivist; Femi Ajayi, Senior Archivist; and other officials.
They engaged guests and visitors at the exhibition, providing insights into archival preservation, the history and heritage of Lagos State, and the importance of documenting institutional and cultural memory for future generations.
Amodu’s participation underscored the importance of collaboration between cultural institutions and archival authorities in preserving historical records and ensuring that valuable materials are not lost to time.
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chairman of Yoruba Tennis Club, Bro. Babatunde Shobamowo, commended the Chairman, distinguished members of the club and, particularly, the Exhibition Committee for the painstaking work involved in documenting the institution’s history from inception to its present status.
Shobamowo said the exhibition represented an important contribution to the preservation of the club’s institutional memory, noting that its contents would serve as a valuable resource for members, researchers, historians and cultural enthusiasts.
He disclosed that the exhibition would remain open throughout the anniversary week, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore a century of sporting excellence, social interaction, cultural identity, leadership and community.
The exhibition is one of the major highlights of the Yoruba Tennis Club’s centenary programme, which seeks not only to celebrate the club’s remarkable journey since 1926 but also to reinforce its commitment to preserving its heritage while positioning the institution for another century of relevance.
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