Lagos: A Lagos-based elite social group, the Fs Club, has named former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as patrons.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the club said both men were chosen for their public service records and contributions to national development.
At its 45th anniversary and 2025 Induction of New Members and Investiture of Patrons Ceremony, the club described them as leaders with 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 Fs Club to greater heights,’ Osanyin said. He also inducted 14 new members who had successfully completed the club’s admission process, describing them as outstanding Nigerian professionals selected after a rigorous screening exercise.
Osanyin noted that Fs Club has become renowned as a philanthropic organisation committed to building a liveable society. He highlighted the club’s initiatives, including awarding scholarships to indigent students of the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, as well as funding medical screenings and treatment for thousands of people since inception. The club has also 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 Fs Club was founded on April 9, 1980, with Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun as the pro tem president. 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, emphasized the club’s foundation on long-standing friendship, love, and trust.
Represented by former president, Dr Wale Ogunbadejo, Ogunsanya highlighted the shared bond among members and their collective desire to uplift communities. The Chairman of the Induction and Membership Committee, Mr Temitope Ashiwaju, stated that membership was strictly by referral and followed thorough screening, admitting only 14 of over 100 applicants this year.
Dr David Majekodunmi, Chairman of the 45th Anniversary Planning Committee, reported that 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.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 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.