Governor’s Address

Chairman of this Occasion

President Mace Club of Nigeria,

Club Elders,

Other Club Members,

Invited Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. It is indeed a joyous occasion as we join the Mace Club of Nigeria today in the celebration of its 20th year of existence.

2. Perhaps it is of the essence that I trace the history of this unique club very briefly. The Mace Club of Nigeria was established on 1st April 1984 by group of purposeful friends drawn from various professions and was incorporated on 4th December, 1 990. Since then, I am happy to note that the club has been growing by leaps and bounds. I am particularly pleased to note that the Club has over the years been focused on its mission and vision, which are geared towards provision of platform for pooling resources of members for community and leadership development and promotions of the progress, unity and dignity of Nigeria. These are laudable objectives, which any community-focused individual should support.

3. As a social organization the club has recorded many achievement over the years./ One of the outstanding role at the leper’s colony at Ita Elega. The Club, I have been informed, also sees it as a duty to put smiles on the face of the less privileged ones in the society, through financial assistance to deserving individuals. In addition, the Mace Club has also lent a helping hand to the Government by assisting in road rehabilitation. Mace Club of Nigeria has also trained and produced men of excellence in all facets of life who in turn use their wealth of experience in National Development. These landmark successes had been attained through commitment and sacrifices of the President and the Members of this great Club, which indeed calls for commendation. As you celebrate, you should count your blessings collectively and individually while doing some soul searching and perhaps fence-mending to enable you to propel your Club to higher attainment.

4. I implore all other Clubs and Social Organizations to take a cue from the Mace Club of Nigeria by hinging their activities on humanitarian and social services, rather than engaging in frivolities and inconsequential s that would not be of benefit to the public.

5. At this juncture, I assure you all that this Administration would continue to implement programmes and projects that would enhance the socio-economic well – being of the people. Since the beginning of the Administration, we have been tackling, for instance the unemployment situation in the State, which is unacceptable to this Government. I am happy to inform you that we have recorded unprecedented success in our fight against the scourge of unemployment in the state. Today, we can boast of having provided employment for many of our young graduates and school leavers. Some were absorbed into the state Civil Service and Public Service while some have been trained and graduated in different vocational studies under the newly introduced Ogun State Employment Generation Programme (OGEGEP). At present, many are still undergoing the training process. This has of course helped to curb social vices and has greatly reduced social tension in our society. Similarly, we have also rehabilitated several roads and more are still under rehabilitation, while new ones are being constructed. We are providing qualitative and affordable health service s, restructured the public service for efficiency and effectiveness; the education, oil and gas, ICT sectors have also been repositioned for improved services.

6. The state has also established the Ogun State Development Trust Funds as an avenue to leverage additional resources for meaningful development. I therefore enjoin all social clubs and organisations. Such as yours to generously contribute to the fund in order to provide the Government with wherewithal to implement its people-oriented programmes.

7. Once again, I sincerely congratulate you all on your 20th Anniversary and I am delighted to be associated with a club that has such a high profile as the Mace Club of Nigeria.

8. Until next year when you shall celebrate the landmark 21 st anniversary, I say keep the flag flying.

9. I thank you all for listening

Otunba Gbenga Daniel

Governor of Ogun State

5th June, 2004