Lagos: The FS Club has announced the appointment of two prominent Nigerian statesmen, Femi Gbajabiamila and Babatunde Fashola, as its new patrons.
The move is seen as a strategic step to bolster the club’s influence and mentorship capacity, drawing on the wealth of experience and leadership both figures bring.
Their inclusion is expected to inspire a new generation of professionals and strengthen the club’s role in national development discourse.
At its 45th anniversary and 2025 Induction of New Members and Investiture of Patrons Ceremony, the club described them as leaders with a significant impact on society.
The president of the club, Mr Olaolu Osanyin, welcomed the new patrons, saying their professional achievements and public reputations were worthy of emulation.
He said their involvement would bring fresh insight and strengthen the club’s efforts toward social and philanthropic growth.
“We are eager to learn from your wise counsel and to leverage your goodwill in taking the Fs Club to greater heights,” Osanyin said.
Osanyin also inducted 14 new members who had completed the club’s admission process.
He said the new members were outstanding Nigerian professionals selected after a rigorous screening exercise.
“Being our 45th year, the FS Club has become renowned as a philanthropic organisation committed to building a liveable society,” Osanyin said.
He said the club had awarded many scholarships to indigent students of the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology.
He added that the club had also funded medical screenings and treatment for thousands of people since its inception.
According to him, the group has supported wounded Nigerian Army veterans, remodelled schools, and supplied food and clothing to several care homes.
On the economy, Osanyin urged privileged Nigerians and government representatives to show compassion towards the vulnerable.
Delivering a keynote address, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, a former club president, recalled that the FS Club was founded on April 9, 1980, with Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun as the pro tem president.
Ashafa said the 30 founding members built what has become one of Nigeria’s most enduring social clubs.
He described the club as a cradle of achievers who have carried its values of excellence and service into society.
Ashafa, a member since 1983, expressed optimism about the club’s growing relevance as a force for mentorship, community service and nation-building.
He urged members to remain committed to personal growth, mutual support and integrity.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Adekunle Ogunsanya, said the club was built on long-standing friendship, love and trust.
Represented by former president, Dr Wale Ogunbadejo, he said the members shared a strong bond and a collective desire to uplift communities.
The Chairman of the Induction and Membership Committee, Mr Temitope Ashiwaju, said membership was strictly by referral and followed thorough screening.
He noted that only 14 of over 100 applicants were admitted this year, urging them to uphold the club’s reputation.
Dr David Majekodunmi, Chairman of the 45th Anniversary Planning Committee, said the club had impacted more than 500,000 lives since 2000.
New inductees include Messrs Patrick Okonji, Henry Anah, Olufemi Odubanjo, Olalekan Idowu, Joseph Anikwe, Olumide Koku, and Oladeji Fayemi.
Others are Adewunmi Abiodun, Olumayowa Babatunde, Luqman Dosunmu, Babatunde Ajala, Demola Ajayi, Kehinde Oreagba, and Kayode Aluko.
Odunlami received Fashola’s award on his behalf, while Gbajabiamila was personally decorated as a patron.
Gbajabiamila thanked the club for the honour, describing it as a forum of men of character, wisdom and humour.
