The prestigious Yoruba Tennis Club, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous social club, has unanimously elected Engr. Chief Olawumi Gasper, MNI, as its new Chairman. His emergence, unopposed, took place during the club’s Annual General Meeting held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the club’s historic headquarters in Lagos.
Engr. Gasper, having previously served as Vice Chairman of the Club, was elected based on his track records and wide acknowledgement for promoting unity, cultural preservation, and infrastructural development within the club.
His election as the new chairman of the club is widely regarded as a continuation of purposeful leadership, experience, and commitment to the club’s enduring legacy.
A distinguished educationist, administrator, and engineer, Engr. Gasper is a former Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), where he spearheaded significant academic and structural reforms. He also served as Chairman of the Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria, and was President of the ULDA Construction Training Academy.
His contributions to technical and vocational education culminated in his appointment as Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), where he drove innovation in skills development and industry partnerships.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Gasper expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Dr. Lateef Olufemi Okunnu, SAN, CON, the Trustees, Patrons, Vice-Patrons, Past Chairmen, Elders, and notably the Motivator, Chief Dr. Oluyomi Finnih, for their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement.
He also acknowledged the club members for entrusting him once again with the responsibility of leading the esteemed institution.
“I am humbled by the confidence reposed in me and I pledge to uphold the traditions, values, and cultural heritage that define our great club,” Engr. Gasper stated. “As the first indigenous club in Nigeria, Yoruba Tennis Club holds a special place in history, and I am committed to preserving and enhancing its legacy for current and future generations.”
Engr. Gasper, a Member of the National Institute (MNI), is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, and has served in numerous national and state-level advisory capacities. He is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (FIPAN).
With his wealth of experience, tested leadership, and unwavering dedication to cultural advancement, the Yoruba Tennis Club is set to experience another chapter of progressive leadership under his watch.
Also elected into key executive positions are Sir Babatunde Sobamowo as Vice Chairman, and Hon. Lookman Oladipupo-Kotun as the new General Secretary. Their elections signify a renewed mandate to strengthen the club’s operations and uphold its esteemed standing in Nigeria’s socio-cultural and civic life.
