How It All Began
The genesis of Eko Club International can be attributed to the vision of a group of Lagosians from Eko Club Houston and Canada. The trio of Sam Dipeolu, T.J. Abass and Yesir Ganiyu represented Eko Club Houston at a historic meeting with members of Eko Club Canada, held at Mrs. Abiola Nosiru's residence on February 15th, 2000.
The goal of the meeting was to highlight the significance of having an umbrella organization for all Eko Clubs — a forum for collectively harnessing limitless resources and a dependable partner in bringing about development, economic well-being, and unity among its members and their beloved state.
At that meeting, a resolution was reached to officially register ECI in the U.S.A. At the time, there were only four chapters: Eko Club Canada, Eko Club Houston, Eko Club New York, and Lagosians of Chicago. Today, ECI has grown into a global network spanning multiple continents.
Established
2000
Members
5,000+
Chapters
25 Worldwide
Projects
100+ Completed
Our Journey Through Time
For over two decades, Eko Club International has grown from a small gathering of like-minded individuals to a global organization with chapters across multiple countries. Explore our rich history and milestones.
The Genesis Meeting
Representatives of Eko Club Houston (Otunba T.J. Abass, Yesir Ganiyu, Sam Dipeolu) met with Eko Club Canada members (Alhaji Yekini Agiri, Mrs. Biola Nosiru, Lekan Waheed) at Mrs. Abiola Nosiru's residence. The goal: establish an umbrella organization for all Eko Clubs — a forum to collectively harness resources and drive development in Lagos State.
1st International Convention – Houston
Eko Club Houston organized the inaugural international convention under the theme "Enhancing Community Development in Lagos State." The event attracted the Governor of Lagos State, the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, and senior government functionaries. The Governor also met Houston's business community to promote investment in Lagos.
Official Inauguration of ECI
Eko Club International was officially inaugurated comprising Eko Club Canada, Houston, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Lagosians of Chicago, Eko Club London, and Eko Club New Hampshire. Interim leadership: Otunba Sam Dipeolu (Chairman), Prince Adelani Adeniji Adele (Interim President), Mr. Wahab Owokoniran (VP), Otunba T.J. Abass (General Secretary). Massey Street Children Hospital was adopted as ECI's pet project, with over $80,000 in donated equipment.
Non-Profit Registration
Eko Club International was officially registered as a non-profit organization with the State of Texas.
2nd Annual Convention – Canada
Held in Canada with chapters from Atlanta, Boston, Canada, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Egbe Omo Eko Florida in attendance. An election ushered in the dynamic leadership of Alhaji Olusesi Dawodu as ECI's first elected President.
3rd Annual Convention – Atlanta
Eko Club Atlanta hosted the 3rd annual convention. The Governor of Lagos State attended alongside top officials. The economic session fortified Atlanta–Lagos sister-city ties and showcased investment opportunities. The pet project was the computerization of L.A.S.U. On August 15th, elections ushered in the administration of Attorney O.J. Lawal.
First ECI Medical Mission
Eko Club International launched its first Medical Mission, delivering free healthcare services to communities in Lagos, Nigeria — a program that has since become one of ECI's most celebrated and impactful annual initiatives.
The Founders
Eko Club International was brought to life by visionary Lagosians who believed in the power of unity and community. Their leadership in those early days laid the foundation for everything ECI stands for today.
Alhaji Olusesi Dawodu
1st Elected President (2001–2003)
Elected at the 2nd Annual Convention in Canada, Alhaji Dawodu's dynamic leadership steered ECI through its formative years and set a standard of excellence for all who followed.
Otunba Sam Dipeolu
Interim Chairman
Otunba Sam Dipeolu
Interim Chairman
One of the Houston trio who initiated the February 2000 genesis meeting, Otunba Dipeolu served as ECI's first Interim Chairman following the official inauguration in April 2000.
Prince Adelani Adeniji Adele
1st Interim President
Prince Adelani Adeniji Adele
1st Interim President
Appointed as the first Interim President of ECI at its inauguration on April 3rd, 2000, Prince Adelani provided foundational presidential leadership that guided the organization in its earliest days.
Be Part of Our Continuing Story
Join Eko Club International today and help us write the next chapter of our story. Together, we can preserve our heritage and create positive change in our communities.