Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, the outgoing chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, expressed immense satisfaction with the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, particularly in fostering grassroots sports development. At a send-forth event organized by club members, Zibiri-Aliu highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent through various sporting initiatives. The club boasts eight distinct sports sections – golf, table tennis, tennis, squash, badminton, swimming, snooker (referred to as Ballard), and other general sports – each of which conducts regular clinics designed to hone the skills of aspiring athletes. He underscored the club’s prominent role in African sports, emphasizing their commitment to providing opportunities for children to excel.
Zibiri-Aliu proudly recounted the success stories that emerged from the club’s sports programmes, noting that some young athletes have secured scholarships abroad. He cited the example of the son of former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, who now pursues golf internationally, and several swimmers who represented Lagos State at the National Sports Festival. This focus on grassroots development serves as a testament to the club’s dedication to fostering athletic talent and providing pathways for young athletes to achieve their full potential. The chairman emphasized the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting and expanding these programs, aiming to create even more opportunities for young individuals to excel in their chosen sports. He sees this as a crucial element of the club’s mission and a significant legacy of his leadership.
Beyond sports development, Zibiri-Aliu highlighted other key advancements made during his chairmanship, emphasizing the modernization and technological upgrades implemented at the club. He specifically mentioned the successful implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and the introduction of an e-wallet payment system, both of which significantly streamlined operations and enhanced member convenience. The ERP system facilitated more efficient management of the club’s resources, while the e-wallet allowed members to make payments remotely, eliminating the need for physical transactions. These improvements demonstrate the club’s proactive approach to adapting to technological advancements and improving overall member experience.
Zibiri-Aliu viewed these achievements as key milestones in maintaining the club’s prestigious standing as one of the leading social and sporting institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. He expressed confidence that these advancements would contribute to the club’s continued success in providing a high-quality experience for its members. As his tenure neared its end, Zibiri-Aliu reflected on his time as chairman with pride, secure in the knowledge that he had contributed significantly to the club’s progress. His legacy includes not only the development of young athletes but also the modernization of the club’s operations, ensuring its continued prominence in the region.
Looking towards the future, Ikoyi Club 1938 is gearing up for elections to choose a new set of executive members who will steer the club for the next two years. The elections, scheduled for February 27th, mark an important transition period for the club. The incoming leadership will have the opportunity to build upon the foundations laid by Zibiri-Aliu and his team, further enhancing the club’s reputation and services for its members. The electoral process will be crucial in selecting capable individuals who can maintain the club’s high standards and guide it towards continued growth and success in the years to come.
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