… pledges to support upgrade of Club’s facilities
The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, was on Saturday installed as the First Patron of the prestigious Benin Club.
Speaking after the investiture ceremony, Obaseki pledged to support the growth of the club and upgrade its facilities to boost its profile.
The investiture and new members’ induction ceremony also featured the launch of a N200 million Development Fund to upgrade facilities at the club.
The governor said it was necessary to build institutions that would stand the test of time and explained that he learned how to swim as a child at the Benin Club.
“I am accepting to serve in the capacity of the first patron of Benin Club for us to lift this club up and make it a big club in Nigeria.
” I will work with you to raise the development fund within the next three years of my tenure as governor and upgrade this club to the standard we desire, and invest in projects that will yield returns to the club”, Obaseki said.
President of the Association, Sir. Engr. (Dr.) I Ade Edeki, said the club, formerly called the European Club, was founded in 1931 but the name was changed to Benin Club in 1964.
Edeki said the club is a non-political and non-profit recreation place that admits credible members of the society with impeccable character, who must have contributed to the development of their communities in the state or country.
He extolled the exceptional qualities of the persons installed as Patrons, noting that they have excelled in their different areas of human endeavours.
Earlier, the chairman of the event, Mr Alan Omorogbe, commended Governor Obaseki for being a focused leader and said that he has achieved a lot within a short period in office.
Also decorated as patrons of the Club were Capt. Idahosa Okunbo, Hon. Justice Isaac Aluyi, and Mr Parry Osayande, while Mr and Mrs Felix Onojolu and Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Obaraye were made life members.
Over 30 people were inducted as members.
