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About
Discover the rich history, mission, and vision of Eko Club International as we celebrate 25 years of bridging generations and building communities worldwide.
Our Heritage
Ikeja
Badagry
Ikorodu
Lagos Island
Epe
The Rich Heritage of Lagos State
Discover the fascinating history of Lagos State and its five administrative divisions that form the IBILE acronym - the cultural and administrative foundation of our heritage.
Ikeja
The capital of Lagos State and a major commercial and residential hub. Ikeja's history is intertwined with the development of Lagos as a modern city, serving as the administrative center of the state.
Badagry
A coastal town with rich history as a major trading post and significant site in the transatlantic slave trade. Badagry holds immense cultural and historical importance with remnants of slave routes and historical buildings.
Ikorodu
A rapidly developing area with a dynamic mix of residential, industrial, and commercial zones. Ikorodu is one of the fastest-growing divisions in Lagos State, representing modern urban development.
Lagos Island
Historically known as Eko, Lagos Island is one of the oldest parts of Lagos where the first settlements were established. It has been a significant commercial and political center for centuries, with its name originating from the Benin Kingdom.
Epe
A coastal town with strong fishing and agricultural traditions. Epe is known for its historical connections to the Epe kingdom and its vital role in the region's economy through maritime and agricultural activities.
Origins of Lagos
Foundation
Founded in the 16th century by the Awori people as Eko, a small but important commercial kingdom.
Names
The Awori called it Oko, then Eko under Benin rule; the Portuguese named it 'Lagos' meaning 'lakes'.
Awori Legend
Olofin followed a drifting mud plate to settle; his son Aromire planted pepper on Lagos Island, leading to Iga Idunganran – the 'pepper farm palace'.
British Era
British intervention in 1851 ended internal conflicts; Lagos became a British protectorate in 1861.
Formation of Lagos State & IBILE
On 27 May 1967 Nigeria was restructured into 12 states; Lagos State was created by Decree No. 14.
The state became operational on 11 April 1968.
On 1 April 1968 Lagos was divided into five divisions – Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island & Epe – forming the acronym 'IBILE'.
These divisions reflect the state's varied geography, heritage and administrative responsibilities.
Convention Theme: "Bridging Generations, Building Communities"
Our 25th anniversary theme reflects our commitment to connecting the wisdom of our elders with the energy of our youth, creating stronger, more unified communities for the future.
Bridging Generations
We honor the wisdom and experience of our founding members while embracing the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of our younger generation. This intergenerational dialogue creates a powerful synergy that drives our organization forward.
Building Communities
Through service projects, cultural preservation, and leadership development, we create lasting positive impact in communities worldwide. Our work extends beyond our membership to benefit society as a whole.
What to Expect
ECI@25 promises an unforgettable experience filled with learning, networking, celebration, and community building.
Engaging Panels & Workshops
Interactive sessions featuring industry leaders, thought-provoking discussions, and skill-building workshops designed to inspire and educate.
Cultural Exhibitions
Vibrant displays of traditional arts, music, dance, and crafts celebrating our rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with fellow members from around the world, build lasting relationships, and expand your professional network.
Gala Night & Awards
An elegant evening of celebration, recognition, and entertainment honoring outstanding achievements and contributions.
Community Empowerment Projects
Hands-on service initiatives that make a tangible difference in local communities and demonstrate our commitment to giving back.
25th Anniversary Ceremonies
Special commemorative events celebrating our 25-year journey, honoring founding members, and launching initiatives for the next 25 years.
ECI Chapters Worldwide
Our global network spans continents, connecting communities and fostering cultural exchange across the world.
North America
23 Active Chapters
USA, Canada
Europe
1 Active Chapter
UK
Africa
1 Active Chapter
Nigeria
25 Chapters Globally
From Lagos to London, New York to Canada, our chapters serve as beacons of cultural pride and community service, maintaining our traditions while adapting to local contexts and needs.