In the heart of Ikeja, Lagos, the Business Club Ikeja stands as a testament to almost three decades of cultivating a vibrant community of distinguished professionals. Since its inception in 1991, this exclusive club has transcended the ordinary, evolving into a distinguished business network seamlessly interweaving intellectual, social, and business development opportunities into its very fabric.
Membership is selectively extended to companies within the Ikeja Business District and its surrounding areas, fostering a gathering of committed professionals. Here, individuals are not merely members; they become integral parts of a community dedicated to nurturing meaningful relationships.
The BCI distinguishes itself with a unique and inventive ethos. It surpasses the role of a mere networking and business growth platform by providing a haven from the challenges of work, notably through its Wellness Centre. This comprehensive approach recognizes the significance of upholding a healthy lifestyle amidst the pressures of a professional vocation. This makes sense with the status of the state. Lagos is renowned for high pressured stresses, and Ikeja being the nerve centre of the state is a basket case of such pressures, especially emanating from traffic; it’s a combustive bedlam whenever it rains and whenever the state experiences high profile events or VIP movements like a presidential visit.
The essence of the Business Club Ikeja revolves around cultivating business relationships organically. By providing an ideal setting in terms of location, culinary delights, and refreshments, the club creates an ambiance where friendships and trust can flourish. The philosophy is straightforward – people are more likely to engage in business with those they know, like, and trust. At its core, it thrives on its community of members, each contributing a continuous stream of expert knowledge, shared ideas, and professional updates unique to their respective domains. Through carefully moderated members’ forums, individuals tap into the collective business wisdom and experience of the group.
BCI was a shining light in the 90s and the 2000s; in the presidencies of business moguls and captains of industries nestled in Ikeja and environs.
Personalities like Dr. Christopher Kolade of Cadbury and Mr. Dayo Lawuyi of Dunlop elevated the banner of the club. But its fortunes nosedived in the thick of the COVID 19 pandemic. The lot fell on the current President, Chief Tajudeen Akande to resuscitate membership and rebuild depleted facilities and infrastructure.
The vision of the Business Club Ikeja is elegantly articulated – to be the premier club in the Ikeja District, championing intellectual, social, and business development opportunities. This vision translates into a mission statement that commits to visibility, financial sustainability, and the active engagement of all registered members.
The club’s strategic objectives are meticulously crafted to create a thriving ecosystem for business professionals:
Facilitating a forum for regular social interaction and idea exchange.
Making meaningful contributions through debates and activities, actively participating in policy-making at local, state, and national level.
Collaborating with relevant bodies for the development of infrastructure, security, communication, and other resources essential for business growth in the Ikeja area.
Leading lights of the club are championing these objectives for the benefit of members and the general public. Chief Akande, Past President Rotimi Oladele and Professor Anthony Kila, Director at the Commonwealth Institute for Advanced and Professional Studies, are all contributors to national discourses and national TV talk-shops, on issues ranging from business integrity to the economy and the security challenges. As the Business Club Ikeja gracefully evolves, it remains steadfast in fostering harmonious relationships among local business communities, ensuring their interests are safeguarded for collective prosperity. It stands as a space where networking transcends conventional boundaries, and where personal and business growths are prioritized.