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Group Governor, Alhaja BUKOLA AFOLABI
In a society where many social groups exist mainly for pleasure and pageantry, Forever Grateful Women Social Club is quietly redefining sisterhood, charity, and collective growth among women.
Founded on the principles of love, discipline, and service to humanity, the club has experienced steady growth within a short period, earning admiration for its unique structure, strong bond among members, and unwavering commitment to supporting the less privileged.
At a recent New Year prayer gathering and meeting held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, to usher in the new year, the Group Governor, Alhaja Bukola Afolabi, spoke with the City People team, led by the Deputy Managing Director, FRANCIS OWOJORI, alongside reporters JAMIE ABUBAKAR and OLUSOLA ABIODUN, and photojournalist Femi Adeleke. During the interaction, she spoke extensively on what sets the club apart, its growth journey, and its vision for the future. Below are excerpts:
Tell us how today’s event is being celebrated.
We gathered today to hold a thanksgiving service for the year 2026. As a club, we usually host members in a gathering like this every four months.
Today’s event is quite special because it is the first Sunday of the year, and some of our members in the diaspora are presently in Nigeria. So, we decided to make it a thanksgiving occasion to usher in the New Year.
For every meeting, four members are selected to host — two based in Nigeria and two from the diaspora.
It is also our culture to share souvenirs during our meetings. Members contribute money ahead of time to purchase souvenirs. From the general contributions, we bought groundnut and soap for members, while we, the four host members, contributed separately to purchase unique souvenirs — pots — which were distributed to members as a token of appreciation for their presence.
Can you mention the names of the three other members who joined you in hosting today’s meeting?
Starting from me, I am Alhaja Bukola Afolabi. The second host from Nigeria is Mrs. Funmilayo Adesiyan.The two hosts from the United States are Mrs. Iyabo Oshokoya and Mrs. Bukola Gbadamosi.
When was the club established?
The club was established in 2023, but we began our thrift contributions in 2024. The idea was conceived by our President, and those of us who are founding members gave her our full support.
By the grace of God, what started with just 10 members has now grown to 36 members. Many women of substance have joined the club, and we are doing great things together.
Some of our founding members include our President, Mrs. Bonke Adeyina, myself, Alhaja Haola Akinyemi, Mrs. Tobun, Yeye Ronke Babalola, Alhaja Tokunbo, and others. Last year, we recorded a massive influx of new members.
In less than three years, the club’s membership has increased significantly. How did you achieve this?
People genuinely love the group. They admire the way we do our things and the unity among us. Many also appreciate how we dress whenever we go out for charitable outreaches and social engagements.
Through this, people began to show interest in joining us, and some existing members even referred their friends. That is how our membership keeps growing.
What is the main purpose of the club?
The club was established primarily to support our members and extend hands of benevolence to the less privileged in society.
We regularly visit motherless babies’ homes and old people’s homes to donate items that cater to their basic needs. By next week, we will be visiting a motherless babies’ home.
We have made it a duty to always carry out charity activities whenever we hold our meetings. In our next meeting in April, we will also be reaching out to the less privileged by donating items and giving cash support.
Additionally, we support our members through monthly thrift contributions.
As a club with members in Nigeria and the diaspora, how easy has coordination been?
We hold regular online meetings where most of our decisions are taken. Physical meetings are held every four months to help members bond and familiarise themselves with one another.
Those of us in Nigeria meet physically and have become very close, while members in the diaspora join us whenever they are around. However, our general meetings are mostly held online.
What are the key benefits members enjoy in the club?
There are numerous benefits. One major benefit is the monthly thrift contribution, which helps members grow their businesses and meet financial needs.
Our members in the diaspora have been very supportive; they often allow those of us in Nigeria to receive their thrift funds earlier.
Beyond finances, there is genuine love among us. Our President leads by example, and we all share love and care for one another. God is truly helping us.
What makes your club unique?
Our uniqueness lies in our structure and values. We do not meet every month physically, but we contribute every month. We are heavily involved in charity and are not spendthrifts.
We cherish one another and do not tolerate gossip or conflict. Even during meetings like today, where other groups might experience quarrels, we maintain peace and unity.
Members also voluntarily donate items to support our charity programmes, even after contributing financially.
What are the goals and aspirations of the club in the next few years?
By God’s grace, in the next two to three years, we aspire to take the club to a much higher level.
Our goals include owning a clubhouse, building an event hall for rent, acquiring landed properties, and helping members build their own houses. We are praying and actively working towards achieving these goals.
What are the basic criteria for joining the club?
Anyone who wants to join must be referred by a trusted member. The person will submit a passport photograph, which will be shared on our platform for members to assess and verify her personality.
Once the person is cleared, she will be formally welcomed into the club.
What is your parting word to members?
I want to assure members of this prestigious club that 2026 will be a great year for us. We shall live to enjoy the fruits of our labour, and we shall reap good rewards through our children.
