omething spectacular that came out from the just concluded Eko Club International 5th Annual convention in Dallas, Texas, was words of wisdom from some prominent Lagos State Royal fathers that Lagos State is not a State for "Dun-Dee United". While advising Nigerians Abroad returning to Nigeria to obtain some skills, Oba Patrick Ibikunle Fafunwa-Onikoyi, Onikoyi of Ikoyi, qualified Nigerians that have no skills as "Dun-Dee United". According to him, Nigeria does not need maladroit individuals, especially in Lagos State.

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The Lagos State Traditional Fathers might have influenced the State Government in its hiring policy to increase the hiring age so as to accommodate some skillful Lagosians Abroad. The Royalties advised Nigerians Abroad, especially Lagosians, to take the advantage of the enabling circumstances in Nigeria today (November 2007) to invest in Lagos, the commercial hub of Africa.

At the Town hall meeting with the Royalties, His Royal Highness Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu corrected the misconceptions about Lagos, especially the issue of the Area Boys. Categorizing the Area Boys, the Oba revealed that some were forced into the group; circumstances forced some to be members; while some politicians recruited the third category. The Government, with some community efforts, is teaming together to reducing the menace of Area Boys in Lagos.

Part of the community efforts in curtailing the menace of the Area Boys is locking up the dangerous ones in the Crocodile Island formerly used by the Military. Some skillful members of Area Boys, which joined for lack of job, have been supported financially to engage in some businesses of their choice; while those that were recruited by the politicians have been warned to look for other positive avenues for their livelihood. With these efforts the menace of area boys could soon become the thing of the past in Lagos.

Oba Rilwan Akiolu, assessing some Nigerians Abroad that own businesses, discourages Nigerians from taking Government as the only employment agency in Nigeria. In defense of some Nigerians Abroad, O.J. Lawal, a practicing Attorney in Houston Texas, concurred with the lukewarm attitude of Nigerians toward their home country due to some circumstances that prevailed then. O.J. Lawal agrees that, given the enabling environments in Nigeria today (November 2007), some Nigerians Abroad might be returning for good.

One good thing that hit home especially was Oba Rilwan Akiolu's emphasis on investing some of the money spent on OWAMBE style of partying in Nigeria. Thanks to the good leadership of T. J. Abass, the ECI President, re-directing members' line of thought by focusing more on business enlightenment; while encouraging their friends to partner with them in investing in Nigeria.

Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and other Royal Fathers, repeatedly advised Lagosians to be good Ambassadors wherever they may be. Oba Rilwan Akiolu did not spare those that are damaging the image of Nigeria through their fraudulent activities. He added that, borrowing from J.F. Kennedy, Lagosians should be working on what they could do for Nigeria instead of waiting for what Nigeria would do for them. Oba Rilwan Akiolu is very proud of Nigerians that are very hard working, and should never tarnish the image of humanity, not only Nigeria.

On that note, NTA TV Enterprises, with Nike Olufade and Sade Odusoga, the Director and Assistant Director respectively, has started getting the image of Nigeria across the world through its lecture series. Two of such lecture series were held in Nigeria that addressed the Delta issues. Another one was held in London that addressed Nigerians Abroad interests.

So far in the United States two lecture series have been successfully held. The first was a LIVE broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia. It featured Professor Okereke, of Nigerian Stock Exchange, Atuche of Bank PH that created what the Bank refers to as 'Diaspora Account' instead of Nigerians Abroad Account. The Washington lecture series featured Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Central Bank, and the third lecture series would be coming up in Houston November 17, 2007.

These are some of what Nigerians should be doing, telling their neighbors that Nigerians are good people, as demonstrated at the 5th Annual convention of ECI in Dallas. It was also backed up by Kabiyesi's advice; Nigerians Abroad should be good Ambassadors in their respective places of locale.

Another Royal Father, Imoba and Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, in his contributions, repeated the need for Nigerians to keep the good image of Nigeria. From his worldwide traveling experience, he advised not to expect any Saint anywhere in the world. We should encourage Nigerian leaders to perform their civic responsibilities responsively. Nigerians should discourage them from self-centered programs as revealed by the trial of some ex-Governors' acquisitions while in office, instead of providing for their citizens.

The Royal Fathers encouraged their sons and daughters abroad to get back home and develop the new Free Trade Zone, around Epe. He advised against obtaining pieces of land without any authentic papers. As of now he made sure that all land purchases in his domain have his endorsement, as a witness, so as to prevent any landlord of double standard. In addition it would prevent their relatives from sending fake pictures of pieces of land that do not belong to them.

His concern about the US Immigration issues would improve if Nigerians yield to their advice of being good Ambassadors. That would be a two-way approach. They should question their subjects that became millionaires over night. Every nation has the right to protect its territories against the underworld in all its ramifications.

Given the colorful events at the ECI 5th Annual convention, the changes Nigerians are praying for among Nigerian Associations Abroad could be happening. The initial gathering of a one-day OWAMBE might have been metamorphosed into a three-day serious business event, as customized by ECI. Its first day program was for local businesses that were interested in investing in Lagos. The second day Friday was devoted to an update from the Lagos State Government as presented by various government officials in attendance. While the third day, Saturday, was the ECI local business, the town hall meeting with the traditional rulers, and of course, Lagosians would always add what they are notorious for, the night party.

For so many reasons, OWAMBE would still be OWAMBE. Like Kabiyesi said a hard working human being needs some times to relax after a hard days work. There should be time for relaxation. So be it Kabiyesi.

One of the Lagos State Government officials that graced the ECI 2007 convention was Yakub Abiodun Balogun, Lagos State Head of Service, possibly on a recruitment drive. Lagos State HOS has been working with ECI President, T.J. Abass in recruiting Lagosians Abroad. Unfortunately, according to HOS, ECI has not met its quota in their recruitment efforts with Lagosians abroad.

ECI should be commended for its efforts in looking out for its members. That is very encouraging for the State Government efforts reaching out to their sons and daughters abroad. I wish other State Governments would emulate that good gesture, instead of concentrating their hiring skills within a group, hiring "Dun Dee United", either qualified or not, just to satisfy particular kinfolk.

Other Government officials present were Hon. (Mrs.) Joke Orelope-Adefulire, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who revealed that Lagos is now free of the Area Girls. Most of them are now gainfully employed through the assistance of the Lagos State Government. Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner of Health, Kayode Opeifa, one of our own, formerly in Chicago, who went home to contest in the April 2007 elections now a Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation; Oyinlomo Danmole, Special Adviser on Central Business District; Babatunde Williams, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Corporate Matters; Dr. Dolapo Fashawe and Dr. Alenshiloye both of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, were members of the Government delegates at the ECI convention.

Couple of things that impressed me about the 2007 ECI convention, the level I have not seen with other Nigerian Organizations, is how ECI conducted its elections. Election has been a dangerous cancer in the Nigerian Organizations. Unfortunately, some "Dun-Dee United", if I may borrow from HRM Onikoyi's statement, would go after destroying their organizations progress. What would you expect from the chameleon's offspring more than to dance like their parents?

I wish other Nigerian Organizations would borrow from ECI election modalities. Take for instance Alhaji Zainudeen Idowu Popoola who lost election while running for the position of VP in the past came back to run for the position again (2007) with much enthusiasm. When there were some delays from the eager members, he made a joke about a Policeman who stopped a driver for not using his seat belt. I thought he was serious because of the way he started the joke.

When the Policeman told the man why he was not using his seatbelt, the driver responded that he took it off so that he could reach his documents. The Policeman turned to his wife for the truth of which the woman responded that "not to ask him any question when he is drunk". The whole place was lightened up and the business of the day continued. We need people like that in our different organizations to add flavor into our charged environment.

Even when there were disagreements, or the President was challenged on issues, T.J. Abass would joke about it and was very emphatic to the points. Some withdrew their candidacy for fairness among Chapters. For some positions, facts were presented to kick out some incumbents, some succeeded, and some did not. The election went smoothly and everyone was happy at the end.

Unfortunately, as noted by Kabiyesi while swearing in the newly elected ECI officials at the Night party, there was only one lady among the officials, and that is the Social Secretary. Reacting to that, during my conversation with Deji Thanni, the Chairman, Board of Directors, "the Club has a history of not allowing women in its organization. However, given the environment where we reside, there is the need to incorporate women in the Club. Women are powerful omen in the community. Their roles could not be duplicated or trade in for any other thing."

On election modalities and its annual convention, "people have matured to the point of realizing that they are offering their valuable time to the community, so it is not a do-or-die affair. While they are able to accomplish much for their regular physical quarterly meetings held around North America."

The Nigerian Consulate Office in Atlanta provided Consular services at the ECI convention administered by Amina Nwankwo, Adesuwa Adewanko, and Fagboun, from the Consulate Office, Atlanta. In his address Chudi Okafor reiterated his commitment of serving the people, taking his services to most cities within his jurisdiction. Nigerians hope that California area would NEVER be neglected as Nigerians residing in that part of the United States are seriously concerned.

ECI 5th Anniversary, from my estimation, is a success. There is always room for improvement, especially in the areas of executing the program of events allowing some breathing space, so that all scheduled programs would be executed. Nigerians would always be Nigerians whenever they go, while their man-made 'culture' travels and resides with them. We are seriously searching for any Nigerian Organization that would start its events on time and on the dot.

We could not but overemphasize that Nigerian Associations are good for reconnecting with their old friends at conventions. A good venue for brain storming on what Nigerians could do for humanity while helping the less fortunate communities across the world. It should not be an avenue to showcase their ignorance or make enemies, as a result of human covetousness. It should be a venue where talents, skills, ideas blend together for developing the community and humanity.

The newly elected officers that will run the affairs of the organization for the next two years, 2007-2009, are Otunba Gbenga T. J. Abass - President (Houston); Alhaji Zainudeen Idowu Popoola - Vice President (New York); Alhaji Lanre Oladega - Secretary (Atlanta); Pastor Tayo Okupe - Assistant Secretary (Washington/DC); Mr. Bissy Gaji - Auditor (Dallas); Mr. Kolawole Daniel Thomas - Treasurer (Washington/DC); Mr. Adetunji Oshodi - Financial Secretary (Minnesota); Mrs. Shakira Adebola Kosoko - Social Secretary (California); Mr. Olayinka Oluwole-Aina - Whip (Canada); Hon. Larry Johnson - Legal Adviser (Houston); Alhaji Nasser Adisa Ipaye - Liaison Officer (Chicago); Alhaji Gbolahan Gbadamosi - Public Relations Officer (Minnesota). Unfortunately the use of Honorable for Nigerian Organizations' elected officials is being abused, even for some Government officials

Otunba Tajudeen Adisa Abass, ECI President, Najeeb O. Agunbiade, 2007 Convention Chair, Alhaji Rasheed Giwa Asiwaju, President, Eko Club Dallas Forth Worth should be smiling heavily from their mouth to their ears for harvesting the fruits of good leadership as demonstrated at the 2007 Annual ECI Convention. 'Dun-Dee United' could be history for Eko Club International under T. J. Abass' leadership.

God bless.