Have you visited the Island Club premises at the Onikan area of Lagos in recent times? If you haven’t lets quickly tell you why the place now wears a new, colourful look. Everywhere looks different.
The place has changed drastically. For those who have been there several times, you will find it difficult to believe that this was the same premises that looked drab and rundown.
In less than 2 years, the club premises has witnessed an infrastructural upgrade which is quite noticeable. As you drive into the car park, a lot of reconstruction is going there right now. Right from the parking lot you will notice construction work going on to the left and right, as existing structures are being upgraded new ones are being built, from the new Suya Spot to the upgrading of the Lawn Tennis Club. The Reception area which is the Reception has been totally overhauled and refurbished. It now I wears a new, appealing look, with new chandeliers and bright lights.
As you walk into Bar, you will notice the transformation right from the new Glass door. Construction work is going on in the Billiards room and the Chairman’s Room have been renovated with new furniture and flooring. The Cool Bar & Cool room now look befitting. The Main Bar has also been overhauled with new set of furnitures & lightings.
The Reception Hall has also been upgraded and work is going on at a dizzying pace, at the new Car park at the back of the club premises. Solar lights have been installed and the Old Management Committee Building has been brought down. Work is ongoing at the new car park area behind the club premises.
Right now, the Island Club has become a big construction site, as practically all the sections & depts have been upgraded, all furnitures changed and total refurbishing of the club facilities are going on.
All thanks to the current leadership of the club, that has been in place for the past 18 months, led by Omoba Dr. Rotimi Olasode-Martins (as Chairman).
Recall that then he campaigned for Chairmanship in 2024 he promised to effect an upgrade and overhaul of the club facilities which he has done. He has delivered on his promise.
Rotimi Olasode-Martins surprised members when he came in and hit the ground running with his dynamic team of Principal Officers and Management Committee members made up of the following members. The Vice Chairman is Engr. Ademola Amure, General Secretary is Aare Ayode Bankole, Prince Eyitayo Adebowale is the Treasurer, Engr. Oluwaseun Dada is the Social Secretary, Prince Adebisi Ogunlewe is Sports Secretary, Dr. Akeem Alawode is the Asst. General Secretary and Olalekan Awe is the Asst. Social Secretary.
Members of the Management Committee are Prince Adedapo Adekunle, Oladotun Lesi, Dr. Omotayo Adewakun, Emmanuel Ibrahim, Alhaji Sulaiman Ismail, Chief Emmanuel Akinleye, Hon. Kayode Sogbetun, Mr. Adegboyega Odunlami, Engr. Olutola Gbuyiro and Prince Adekola Adepoju.
City People interviewed the Chairman last Thursday, and he explained how proud he is by the achievements of his team.”We’ve done a lot of work”, he said. “There is no Chairman of Island Club in recent times that has embarked on such a huge infrastructural upgrade as we have done. Work is on going everywhere you turn to. There is no area we have not touched. There is what I call my Legacy Project at the court yard. In the next few weeks we would install a big screen there”.
Recently, at the Half year Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, the Chairman thanked all the members for giving him the rare opportunity to serve them.
“I thank you sincerely for your loyalty, your support, your constructive criticism, and your enduring faith in this Administration”.
“From the very first day you entrusted me with the leadership of this historic institution, I knew that 3 important things had to be done if we were to restore the Island Club to her pride of place: First, we had to renew our infrastructure; second, we had to restore harmony and discipline, and third, we had to rekindle the spirit of unity, friendship and good governance that has defined the Island Club since 1943.
To achieve these goals, we anchored our work on a Five-Point Agenda, a roadmap of renewal and reform designed to reposition our Club for the future:
(1) Membership Engagement, (2) Financial Sustainability, (3) Improved Energy Supply and Sustainability
(4) Infrastructure Renewal, (5) Secretariat Management and Service Excellence.
What are the achivements so far? The performance of this administration over the past months reflects steady progress, bold decisions, and visible transformation, anchored on the Five-Point Agenda.
(1) Membership Engagement (Rekindling the Island Club Spirit) The soul of any great Club lies in its members, their participation, friendship, and faith in shared ideals.
This Administration has reawakened that spirit.
Peace, Order and Discipline Restored: When we assumed office, thirteen internal cases threatened the harmony of our Club. Through dialogue, fairness, and firm leadership.
Practically and Technically all have been resolved Today, peace reigns, civility and mutual respect have returned.
Vibrant Social Life: Our social calendar has been re energised. The Club now brims with laughter, music, and fellowship, Attendance at events has surged, and camaraderie has been rekindled across generations.
Renewed Harmony and Reconciliation: The once divided house now stands united, one Club, one spirit, one vision.
Constructive Engagement: Regular Town Hall Meetings and interactive sessions have restored confidence and strengthened accountability
(2) Financial Sustainability Building for the Future
Sustainability remains central to our reform agenda.
We have pursued responsible financial management while unlocking new streams of value. Completion and Revenue Optimisation of key facilities like the Main Bar, Cool Room, and Kesington Hall which have not only been renovated but now serve as financially productive assets.
Car Park Project Revival: The long-abandoned Car Park, once a costly monument to inefficiency, is being corrected and repurposed to become functional for ease of membership comfort.
Strategic Cost Control Through prudent stewardship and transparency, the Club has maintained liquidity while investing in capital renewal.
Long Term Asset Planning: New facilities under construction, Including the Garden Arcade, Drivers Lounge, and proposed Management Committee Building, are being executed with sustainability and financial prudence in mind.
Every project undertaken is viewed through the lens of economic value, efficiency, and enduring legacy.
(3) Improved Energy Supply and Sustainability (Powering Progress)
No institution can thrive without reliable energy. These administration has worked deliberately to ensure stability, efficiency, and sustainability.
The Club now runs on a 500KVA Transformer and a new 150KVA Generator, generously enabled by hed members of this great institution ents have drastically improved energy my facilities
The modernisation of power systems and energy efficiency upgrades have been integrated into all renewal projects, with upgraded electrical installations, energy-saving fittings, and better load management now ensuring steady and cost-effective power supply.
(4) Infrastructure Renewal (Delivered with Purpose)
When we began this journey, we promised not just to renovate, but to rebuild the Island Club in spirit and in substance. Today, by the grace of God, we can proudly say: we have delivered with purpose.
What are the completed projects? The Cool Room has been fully modernised. Kesington Hall upgraded to world-class standard. The Main Bar transforned into a masterpiece of elegance. The Chairman’s Room. Reception, and Secretariat renewed with dignity.
The Suya Spot and Kitchens restructured for hygiene and efficiency.
What are the ongoing and upcoming projects?
Car Park Project: corrective works ongoing to make upper levels functional.
Management Committee Building: New functional design underway following the last AGM approval for demolition.
Drivers Lounge: Nearing completion, providing comfort for those who serve our members.
Billiards Section: Currently being modernised. Lawn Tennis Courts: To experience a full refurbishment, expansion and terracing.
New Lounge: being created beneath the Car Park for members convenience.
Garden Arcade: undergoing full renewal and scheduled for reopening this Yuletide season.
This is not renovation for appearance’s sake, it is a renewal that prepares our Club for the next generation.
(5) Secretariat Management and Service Excellence (Digitised, Disciplined, and Distinguished)
The Secretariat is the nerve centre of our great Club. We have modernised it to reflect efficiency. transparency, and professionalism.
Secretariat Digitisation Project: A transformative initiative that has automated membership management, billing, and records, enhancing speed, accuracy, and service delivery
Staff Development and Discipline: We have strengthened the administrative culture of diligence, courtesy, and accountability.
Board of Trustees Registration: After several decades of delay, we successfully completed the formal registration of our Board of Trustees, a historic milestone securing the Club’s governance foundation for future generations
Constitutional Review and Harmonisation: The Committee, ably led by Hon. Justice Prince (Dr.)Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, GCOP has completed a harmonised Constitution reflecting our values clarifying our governance structure, and modernising our institutional framework.
“When we began this journey in May 2024 we made a solemn promise to serve faithfully, transparently, and with love for this great Club”.
“By May 2026, when this tenure ends, it is out prayer and commitment that we will hand over a Club that is mure peaceful, more beautiful, more united, and more respected than we met it.
Together, we are writing history.
