The Business Club Ikeja (BCI) has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating 30 years of sustained commitment to business excellence, collaboration, and community development. The landmark anniversary was commemorated with a grand ceremony at the BCI House in Ikeja, Lagos, bringing together a distinguished audience of business professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders.The celebration was more than a reflection on the past; it was a bold statement of intent for the future. Anchored on the theme “New Year, New Heights,” the event captured the club’s enduring spirit of resilience, adaptability, and growth in the face of an ever-changing business environment.Three Decades of Resilience in a Dynamic Economy
Over the past 30 years, BCI has navigated economic cycles, regulatory shifts, and evolving market realities yet it has remained a strong and relevant voice for businesses within Ikeja and its environs. Despite economic uncertainties and policy reforms that have challenged many enterprises, BCI members have consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive.This resilience is deeply rooted in the club’s founding mission: to promote business excellence while fostering community growth. Through dialogue, shared experiences, and collective problem-solving, BCI has built a trusted platform where businesses do not merely compete, but collaborate for mutual progress.A Call to Proactivity and PreparednessDelivering the keynote address at the event was Ambassador Kola Aderibigbe, Managing Director/CEO of KSP Shipping and Logistics Limited and Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). His address challenged members to rethink success and intentionally prepare for opportunity.
Describing the significance of the anniversary, he remarked, “Thirty is a very unique number. Success is when you prepare yourself for opportunity.” He stressed that in today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, success no longer comes by chance but through deliberate action, capacity building, and mindset development.Ambassador Aderibigbe went on to outline what he described as the seven laws for success, emphasizing principles such as proactivity, continuous capacity development, positive thinking, persistence, adaptability, and openness to new opportunities and experiences. He encouraged business leaders to invest in skills, knowledge, and strategic thinking, noting that those who position themselves effectively are best placed to seize emerging opportunities.
Leadership, People, and the Power of PartnershipIn her address, BCI President, Dr. Florence Adesola Falaiye, reflected on the club’s journey and the factors behind its sustained growth. She emphasized that while infrastructure and systems matter, people remain the true drivers of progress.According to her, BCI’s success over the years is a testament to the strength of partnerships across members, leadership generations, and the wider business ecosystem. “Tonight, we celebrate partnership across members, leadership generations, and the wider business ecosystem. We celebrate growth not just in numbers, but in influence,” she said.Her remarks reinforced the idea that BCI’s impact extends beyond membership figures to its growing influence in shaping business conversations, advocacy, and collaboration within Ikeja and beyond.Advocacy, Dialogue, and Making Business Easier.
Speaking on the objectives and achievements of the club, Ismail Adekunle Akintunde, Vice President and Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 30th anniversary, highlighted BCI’s role as a collective voice for businesses.He explained that BCI was established to bring together organizations operating within and around Ikeja, with the primary goal of making business easier for its members. Beyond networking, the club serves as a platform for structured engagement with government officials and policymakers, creating opportunities for dialogue on how policies affect business operations.Through this advocacy role, BCI has continued to bridge the gap between the private sector and government, promoting policies and practices that support sustainable business growth.Honouring the Past, Embracing the FutureThe anniversary celebration also paid tribute to the club’s founding members and past presidents, whose dedication and vision laid the foundation for what BCI has become today. Their legacy of service, leadership, and commitment continues to inspire the current generation of members.As BCI enters a new era, the outlook is undeniably bright. With its guiding theme, “New Year, New Heights,” the club is poised to scale greater levels of impact, relevance, and influence. Its unwavering commitment to creating a collaborative platform for shared learning, experience exchange, and collective growth will remain central to its mission.A Future Built on Collaboration and Opportunity.
Looking ahead, the Business Club Ikeja is well-positioned to remain a driving force for business excellence and community development not only within Ikeja but across Lagos and beyond. Its members are equipped to take on new challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and work together to achieve greater heights.After three decades of meaningful impact, BCI’s journey is far from over. Instead, it is entering a phase defined by renewed purpose, stronger partnerships, and an even bolder vision for the future.