L-R: Vice Patron & Trustee, Bro Dr. Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih; Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnh; and Chairman, Yoruba Tennis Club, Bro. Chief Olawumi Gasper during 100th Anniversary of Yoruba Tennis Club Centenary Gala/ Awards Ceremony held in Lagos.
By Kayode Olopade
The Special Guest of Honour at the Yoruba Tennis Club (YTC) Centenary Gala and Awards Night, Olorogun Dr. Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, has urged members of the historic club to preserve its heritage, values and tradition of service as the institution enters its second century.
Kuku, who spoke at the centenary celebration in Lagos, described the club’s survival for 100 years as a testament to the vision, courage and foresight of its founders, as well as its ability to remain relevant through changing political and social circumstances.
He recalled that the club was founded on September 15, 1926, when 25 young Nigerians came together to establish an indigenous social institution at a time when Nigerians faced exclusion from some exclusive clubs operated by the colonial establishment.
According to him, rather than allow exclusion to define their aspirations, the founders demonstrated courage by creating an institution of their own where Nigerians could foster fellowship, excellence and community.
“They did not just form a club; they created a space where Nigerians could build their own institution of excellence,” Kuku said.
He noted that from its modest beginning with 25 members, Yoruba Tennis Club had evolved into an institution with a significant place in the social and historical development of Lagos and Nigeria.
Kuku said the club had, over the decades, provided a meeting point for Nigerians who had made contributions to the country in diverse fields, including politics, business, industry and public service.
He commended the organisers of the centenary programme for designing a series of activities that celebrated the club’s history and contributions to society, citing seminars, lectures, cultural activities, exhibitions and other programmes.
According to him, the activities demonstrated that the club remained firmly connected to its heritage while positioning itself for the future.
Kuku also recalled the observation of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, that the club’s 100-year journey reflected the resilience, excellence and continuity associated with the “Lagos spirit.”
He described the centenary gala as more than a celebration, saying it was an opportunity to express gratitude to generations of members whose sacrifices, contributions and commitment had sustained the institution over the years.
He urged current members to ensure that the values that sustained the club for a century were preserved and transmitted to future generations.
“We must preserve our roots and invent a future that carries everyone along,” he said.
Kuku specifically stressed the importance of service, respect, integrity and community, urging members to uphold the values as the club begins another century of existence.
He said institutions that survived major historical transitions could only remain relevant by staying faithful to their foundational principles while adapting responsibly to changing circumstances.
The guest of honour also paid tribute to the founders and past members of the club, describing their contributions as a legacy that should continue to inspire present and future generations.
He congratulated the award recipients and urged them and other members to continue to promote friendship, fellowship and service within the club and the wider society.
Kuku called on members to remain committed not only to the Yoruba Tennis Club and Lagos State but also to the broader development of Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Yoruba Tennis Club, Bro. Chief Olawumi Gasper, mni, challenged members and stakeholders to preserve the founding ideals of the institution while building a club that is stronger, more relevant and capable of serving generations yet unborn.
Gasper described the centenary celebration as more than a landmark achievement, saying it was an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of generations of members and friends who had helped sustain the club.
He said the Centenary Gala and Awards Night was particularly significant because it offered the club an opportunity to honour individuals whose contributions, whether publicly recognised or quietly made, had supported its growth and development.
“To our distinguished awardees, on behalf of the Yoruba Tennis Club, I extend our deepest congratulations and appreciation to every awardee being honoured tonight,” he said.
The chairman noted that the awards were not merely plaques, certificates or symbols of recognition, but represented the club’s appreciation for the recipients’ contributions, friendship, support and belief in the institution.
Gasper observed that while some contributions were visible and publicly celebrated, others were made quietly without applause or recognition, stressing that every genuine contribution had become part of the larger story of the club.
“You have not simply supported this institution; you have helped sustain a legacy. And that is why this recognition is deeply significant,” he said.
He urged members to see the centenary not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a reminder of their responsibility to preserve and strengthen the institution for future generations.
According to him, the true measure of the centenary should not merely be that the club had survived for 100 years, but that it had emerged stronger, remained relevant and stayed faithful to its founding ideals.
“We stand today because others stood before us. We enjoy the privileges of this Club because others made sacrifices before we arrived. And one day, another generation will stand where we stand today,” Gasper said.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Kuku for gracing the occasion, describing his presence as a great honour to the club.
He also acknowledged Kuku’s accomplishments as a scholar, administrator, physician and endocrinologist, as well as his service in various leadership capacities, including former Chairman of Ecobank and former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Benin.
Gasper equally appreciated the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bro. Alhaji Femi Okunnu, CON, SAN; Vice Patron and Trustee, Bro. Chief Dr. Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih; other trustees, elders, members and friends of the club for their contributions to the centenary journey.
He described the occasion as a celebration of “a 100 years journey of culture, traditions and usages,” expressing optimism that the values that brought members together would continue to guide the institution.
The chairman urged members to regard the traditions handed down by the founding fathers as sources of wisdom and institutional continuity rather than mere memories of the past.
He called on members and stakeholders to ensure that Yoruba Tennis Club continued to occupy a position of dignity, relevance and distinction “at the forefront of history and tradition.”
The Centenary Gala and Awards Night formed part of activities marking the 100th anniversary of the Yoruba Tennis Club, which has evolved over the decades beyond its sporting foundation into an institution associated with fellowship, culture, tradition, community and the preservation of history.
Gasper congratulated the awardees and urged members to celebrate not only individual achievements but also the collective significance of their contributions to the continuing life of the club.
“May those who pass through the portals of Yoruba Tennis Club continue to prosper,” he prayed.
Highlights of the event include presentation of awards to various people and organizations for their support and contributions to the club since inception. The recipients include City People Magazine, Bisi Olatilo Show, BOS, Arise TV news, Eweso online owned by Otunba Leke Ajayi, Nigerian Breweries, LASRAB, Bro Chief Adebutu Keshington, Bro Chief Rasak Okoya, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Bro Babatunde Fashola, Late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Late Chief Otedola and a host of others
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